Ruth Barton

Ruth Louisa Feist McVayne Barton of 7057 Helsem Way, Dallas, TX, was born in Erie, PA on September 19, 1914, eldest daughter of the late LaMont C. and Jane Feist.

Ruth was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School. She entered the Eastman School of Music and Mannes College of Music. This was to be the beginning of her successful singing career, starting with her performances in numerous churches throughout the Erie area.

She joined the Army and became a WAC in 1943 and was then ordered to Chattanooga, TN where she completed her basic training. Ruth was then transferred to Ft. Detrick, MD, where she served from 1943 to 1945 in the Signal Corp and was discharged as Corporal. During her tour of duty while at Ft. Detrick, she sang at Walter Reed and Bethesda hospitals as well as other hospitals and churches all through the District of Columbia and Maryland areas.

After her discharge, she immediately pursued and advanced her music career in New York City which opened the door to Broadway. She performed in such musicals as the Menotti Opera, The Medium, Where’s Charley with Ray Bolger, Call Me Madam with Ethel Merman and Kiss Me Kate, followed by great reviews.

She continued her singing career across the country and is well known for her singing in Dallas Episcopal Churches and for her festive dinner parties that her family and many countless friends will attest to. Due to her travels, she lived in Dallas off and on and settled there in 1970.

During this time she was a member and involved in the formation of Trinity Episcopal Church, Founding Rector Norman Amps, deceased, was her dear friend.

Ruth’s love for her friends was surpassed by her love of her four-legged children, her standard poodles. She was a great lover of animals and enjoyed raising poodles for 55 years.

She was married in 1953 to Samuel S. Barton. He preceded her in death in 1992 as did her brother, Billy Feist. Surviving family are her twin sisters, Jane Buchanan and Jean Gronhagen both of Colorado Springs, Co. and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks goes to her devoted caregiver, Renee Walker.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory in Erie, PA. A memorial service will be held in Dallas at the Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204.

Interment will be in Erie Cemetery.