Ruth Victoria Cornett Fierros

Ruth Victoria Cornett Fierros Ruth Victoria Cornett Fierros, 92, passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 in Laredo, Texas. She was born in McRoberts, Kentucky on March 29, 1920 and had lived in Laredo for the past 62 years. Ruth was an educator, a distinguished poet and an active member of numerous professional and civic organizations. In 1942 she graduated from Berea College in Kentucky with a BA in English and French and in 1955, she obtained an MA in English and Education from Texas A&I University. She taught one year in McRoberts, Kentucky in 1942 before joining the U.S. Navy as a WAVE in the summer of 1943. During World War II, Ruth served as a WAVE from 1943-46 and was stationed in New Orleans where she met and married Navy man, Jose F. Fierros, in November 1945. In 1950, Ruth and Jose moved to Jose’s family home in Laredo and Ruth resumed her career as a teacher. She taught 4th grade at Montrose Elementary School from 1951-52, taught English at Christen Junior High from 1952-57 and at Martin High School from 1957-87; and served as Chair of the English Department from 1979-1987. For 29 years she coached the Ready Writing Team for the yearly UIL competition, with her students garnering first and second place honors at the district and regional events for most of those years. In addition to English, she taught creative writing and advanced composition. Her academic achievements and awards included a Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Texas, the Golden Apple Award, the Golden Poet Award, a Certificate of Citation from the Texas House of Representatives and appearances in Who’s Who in Education, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World. In 1998 she was inducted into the Laredo Women’s Hall of Fame for her contributions to Education. Ruth’s professional and civic organizations included: Delta Kappa Gamma (since 1957), Charter Member of the Laredo Branch of the American Association of University of Women (since 1953), Tuesday Music and Literature Club (since 1985), Webb County Unit of Retired Teachers (since 1987), Charter member of the Laredo Federal Teachers Credit Union (since 1956), Blessed Sacrament Church Choir (since 1988). As a poet, Ruth was recognized by several national poetry organizations and published several books of poetry, including “Upon the Easel of My Heart” (1983), “Love’s Collage of Rose Petals” (1996), “Welcome to My World” (2002), “Sonnets – From the Heart of Ruth” (2005) and “Born to Inspire” (2009). She was especially known for her poetic tributes to her friends, fellow educators and Laredo Community Leaders. In 2004, she published her autobiography entitled “The Coming of Roses” which detailed her life and adventures. She will be remembered for her philosophy best stated in the words of Etienne de Grellet: “I shall pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.” Ruth is preceded in death by her loving husband Jose F. Fierros. She is survived by her sons, Cedric J. (Marion) Fierros of San Antonio, Phillip A. (Geralyn) Fierros of Celina and Stephen M. Fierros of Houston; grandchildren, Phillip A. Fierros Jr, Ruth S. Gonzalez and Melinda G. Fierros; great grandchildren, Phillip A. Fierros III, Ava Loren Gonzalez, Lazaro A. Gonzalez and Braulio G. Gonzalez. A rosary will be recited on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012, guests wishing to attend, please meet at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard. Interment will follow at the family plot of the City of Laredo Cemetery. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.