Ruth Ann Averitt Griffin

RUTH ANN AVERITT GRIFFIN’s “Celebration Of Life” Memorial Service is at First Presbyterian Church in Midland, TX on July 13TH at 4:00PM with a reception to follow. 

After a short battle with cancer, Ruth Ann Averitt Griffin, 81 years old of Midland, TX went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in Dallas, TX with Laura, her daughter, by her side. She was born February 27, 1940 in Terrell, TX to Tina Ruth Young Averitt and James Ted Averitt Sr. She graduated from Kaufman High School and went to earn her Bachelor of Arts from University Of North Texas, in Denton, TX. Ruth Ann majored in Music, and minored in English. 

She married Horace Roland Griffin in Kaufman, TX in 1967 after being introduced to him on the patio of Lee High School at a Teacher Convocation. 

She spent 59 years in education in teaching voice, piano, theory and English in several avenues. She began teaching Music Therapy in the Summers when she was in college at the Terrell State Hospital from 1958-1961. After graduating from University Of North Texas in 1962, Ruth Ann was the Robert E Lee High School Choir Director from 1962-1969, and produced the first UIL sweepstake choirs and even made a vinyl record of those choirs for the new school. She also helped create the Rebelee Court with a small group of teachers as well as creating the school spirit by helping write the school song for the new high school. She started teaching private lessons after daughter was born. In 1985, started teaching also at Midland College as well as continuing to teach private lessons in theory, voice and piano. She loved to teach and help others reach their God given potential. 

Ruth Ann’s professional affiliations and service organizations including holding several offices through her lifetime: Texas Music Teachers State Board-Texas Music Teacher Educational Foundation; Texas Music Teachers Association; Midland Music Teachers Association; Texas Music Teachers Association Convention in Austin, Local President’s Panelist , State Teacher Nominations, Election Chairman, State Teacher Recognition Awards Chairman; Music Teachers National Association Certification; Metropolitan Opera Guild; National Guild of Piano Teachers; Midland Music Teachers Association-Student Affiliate Chairman; Texas Music Teachers Association-State Student Affiliate Vocal Chairman; Adjudicator-TMEA UIL All State Choir Audtions, Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Society, and Delta Gamma Fraternity. 

Ruth Ann is survived by her children: Daughter, Laura Lynn Griffin, Dallas, TX; Son, Rev. Dr. Howard Griffin of Amarillo, TX; Daughter-In-Law, Sarah Griffin, Grandchildren, Hannah, Elizabeth, and John. She is preceded in death by her parents, and 2 Brothers, Ted Averitt JR, and Robert Averitt.

Ruth Ann spent most of her life trying to help others as a parent, teacher, friend, counselor, and truly lived each day to the fullest. Throughout her life, Ruth Ann exhibited the fruits of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Thank you so much! Laura