A Race Well Run: The Life and Faith of Ruth Ellen Bryan 

A lightning bolt struck the barn, and it burst into flames. Zell, full name John Lazelle Musgrove, looked over at his daughter Ruth Ellen and reassured her that everything was going to be okay. “God will take care of us,” he said.

Ruth was born on a large farm in Putnam County, Missouri. Her childhood was interrupted by the death of her mother when she was only twelve, which left her dad to raise her. Zell was a well-respected teacher, a gentle and kind man with a dry sense of humor. Ruth grew up in a home where her dad held daily devotions. He instilled in her a love for God’s Word that produced a confidence and strength in God’s care and provision. Isaiah 30:15 states, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (KJV), and these qualities were reflected in Ruth’s demeanor and perspective throughout her life.

After graduating high school, Ruth worked as a nurse’s aide for a couple of years before attending Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa. One summer during college, Ruth had the opportunity to go to Kentucky to teach Bible classes. Her challenge was that she did not have the means to get there. A fellow classmate, Don Bryan, also had an opportunity to minister in Kentucky…and he had a car! Once again, Ruth saw God’s care for her; He provided a way. Little did she know that the drive to Kentucky would be the beginning of a relationship leading to a marriage lasting seventy-one years.

After Don and Ruth married, they pastored a church in Grimes, Iowa, but Ruth felt called to the mission field, specifically India. Don felt that if he became a missionary he would want to go to South America. Once again, God took care of Ruth. They ended up serving thirteen years on the island of Trinidad. Click HERE to see video stories on Ruth’s time serving in Trinidad. The island had a large population of East Indians and was only ten miles off the coast of Venezuela, South America. In the early years in Trinidad, Ruth played piano and was part of a weekly prayer ministry called “Mountain Movers,” which prayed for the sick. For ten years she held weekly New Believers classes designed for believers preparing for water baptism and church membership. She also taught in the Bible school.

Ruth’s life was always about Jesus and her family. One of her main priorities was taking care of her six children (of which I am one). Five of the six of us were born on the mission field, and travel was a big part of our lives. Once, our plane was grounded in Miami on the way to Trinidad because of an incoming hurricane. When we checked into our hotel, Mom gathered us around her and reassured us that all would be okay. This is one of many times when Mom’s faith was imprinted on the lives of her children.

Once when our dad was repairing a flat tire on the side of the road, Mom told us to get back as far away from the side of the road as possible. Within minutes, a large wreck occurred right in front of us, but no one was harmed thanks to her warnings. As we grew into adulthood, frequently, Mom would call one of us with perfect timing, asking how we were doing without knowing the challenge life had thrown at us that day. Dad called her his “Mrs. Far Above Rubies,” comparing her to the Proverbs 31 woman: “her children rise up and call her blessed” (vs. 28 ESV).

The Bryans returned to the United States in 1969 to take part in the ministry of Eugene Bible College, now called New Hope Christian College. Ruth, like her father, was a well-loved and respected teacher. Not only did she teach at the Bible college, but she spoke at women’s groups and conferences. Later, she taught a weekly Bible class at Calvary Open Bible church in Springfield, Oregon. Ruth was known for sharing stories that showed God’s love and care in her life with her students. They still testify to the lasting impact her teachings had on their lives.

Throughout her life, Ruth loved running and the thrill of a good race; she ran in high school and won often. In her early married life, she and her husband Don were delivering a car to a friend when they decided to race the cars (Ruth won). Another time on the mission field, she challenged the other missionary wives to a footrace on the beach (she won again). Recently when I was visiting with her, Mom said, “You know, I can still run.” At the time, Mom was ninety-three years old, but she was still running her race, living as Hebrews 12:1-2 admonishes: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eye on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (NIV).

On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Ruth ran straight into the arms of Jesus, finally finishing the race she had run so well. Ruth’s life impacted the lives of thousands of people as she shared the gospel, modeled faith and compassion, and provided care to those in need.

She was indeed far above rubies, and her children called her blessed.

About the Author

Brenda R. Stewart

Brenda R. Stewart works as a legal assistant/paralegal at a law firm in Springfield, Oregon. Prior to her current employment, she worked for the Social Security Administration for thirty-one years, ending her time there as Assistant District Manager of the Portland, Oregon, downtown office. Brenda was married to John M. Stewart for thirty-nine years. She has been a missionary’s kid, a preacher’s daughter, and a pastor’s wife. She loves to travel, dabbles in watercolor painting, is an avid reader, and can frequently be found taking walks in local parks. Adjusting to life as a new widow, she looks to the one called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) to lead and guide her in this current chapter of her life.