Lillian "Ruth" Boddie, born in Forth Worth, Texas to the parentage of the late Sol P and Zephyr Reece Elder. Gained her eternal wings Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Lillian was a graduate of Fred Douglas High School in Sherman, Texas, and  Southwestern Christian College. Lillian married her high school sweetheart in 1955, to this union two children were born. She later continued her education in the educational field, where she taught at East Hooks Elementary School, retiring after 14 years of service. From there she pursued a career in Home Health, with Heritage Home Health, retiring in 2002.

Lillian accepted Christ as her savior at an early age at the Eastside Church of Christ in Van Alystne, Texas, where she first used her God given talent of singing. Lillian had a beautiful natural soprano voice, which she used in college, where she was a member of the Renowned Southwestern Christian College choir, along with various singing groups and church choirs, where she attended church. Lillian was a pioneer member of the Lake Dr. Church of Christ, which later moved and became Atlanta Street Church of Christ under the leadership of N L Evans, later joining with Twin City Church of Christ, until her demise. Lillian loved the Lord and attended church faithfully until her sudden illness. She loved to attend fellowship singing and musicals, which she would travel any distance to sing and fellowship with her brothers and sisters in Christ.  In her spare time when she was not doing work for the Lord, Lillian loved to knit, quilt, and cook.  She was known for her willingness to do whatever she could to help others.

Being preceded in death by her brother Earl Elder, she leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Rufus, of 65 years. 2 daughters, Vivian Cossey and Lisa Pree of Arlington, Tx. 1 brother, Robert Elder(Rose) of Fayetteville, NC. 3 sister/cousins, Veareece Elder Harris, of Rocky Mount, NC., Ann(James)Orr and Dora(Dennis)White of Van Alystne, Tx, Her grandchildren, "Her Heartbeats:, Cierra Pree and Creighton Pree of Arlington Texas. And a host of friends relatives and friends that she touched and will forever remember her in their hearts.