This was the Order of Service [“Lord of all hopefulness” played and sung whilst coming in] INTRODUCTION & PRAYER - Rev. Richard Lawry HYMN – “Immortal, Invisible God only wise” EULOGY – Jon POEMS – Susan POEM – “Do not stand at my grave and weep” - Rev. Richard Lawry BIBLE READING – Revelations Ch. 21 vv 1 – 6 REFLECTION – Rev. Richard Lawry PRAYERS LORD’S PRAYER COMMENDATION BLESSING Sue, as you will see, an old friend of Ruth's, wrote this poem about her and read it for us at her funeral: Ruth is someone I’ve known since I was nine And believe me – that’s an awfully long time We’d sit at our desks – we’d whisper and we’d laugh “Sit still and be quiet” cried Miss Harwood – “get on with your maths” And did you know Ruth, here’s a tale to tell Her essays and prose she was willing to sell For sixpence or a shilling (it depended who you were) You could hand in your homework and be awarded a star For her golden retrievers she’d have sold her house Makes you wonder what she did for Jon, her spouse But animals and Jon were the joys in her life And for the birds and her garden she was happy to strive If Ruth helped do your garden you were lucky indeed But you must be good hearted, an old friend and in need Then with fingers so green, she’d toil, mow and seed And voila! A glorious garden – no sign of a weed No trip to the village was complete without sight Of Ruth in her mac, waving gaily on her bike Off to Vernons again for her fruit and her cabbage Then back before noon so Jon’s starching she could manage Let it be known Jon never ever went to work Without immaculate shirts – my what a perk It’s the 1st of December – what’s that by the door The 1st card of the season from Ruth and Jon, I’m sure Birthdays, anniversaries – she would never ever forget And would even remember the same for your pet Whilst in her wheelchair she was still full of smiles And would sit like the queen – pushed by Jon for miles “Are you OK Ruth” – and she’d open her arms And, as enigmatic as Mona Lisa – she had you charmed What I’d give to have Ruth as fit as a flea And once more put the world to rights over a cup of tea She also read this written by Ray Noble: Jon and Ruth - Ruth and Jon It doesn’t matter - They were one A couple - A pair - Mr and Mrs - Lovers For Ruth and Jon Love is the sweetest thing What else on earth could ever bring Such happiness to everything As Love's own story. Love is the strangest thing No song of birds upon the wing Shall in our hearts more sweetly sing Than Love's own story. Whatever hearts may desire Whatever fate may send This is a tale that never will tire. This is a song without end. Love is the greatest thing The oldest yet the latest thing I only hope that fate may bring Love's story to you. Love Is the Sweetest Thing Ray Noble 1933