Ruth Doliber

Ruth (Bivans) Doliber, 89, a long-time resident of Lewisville, NC, died Thursday, February 1st at Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem. Born the 4th daughter of John and Willie Bivans in 1928 in Greensboro, NC, Ruth earned a Bachelor of Arts at Asbury College, KY in 1951 and her Masters of Arts in speech and theater at the University of Illinois - Chicago in 1976. Ruth married the love of her life, Gordon Doliber, in 1952. Together they served as Salvation Army officers (pastors) for ten years. In 1965 she resumed her teaching career in the Chicago area, spanning all levels from primary school to college. They retired to Lewisville, NC in 1995 and became active in the Winston-Salem Salvation Army. Ruth taught swimming and recovery water aerobics at the Clemmons YMCA. She and Gordon later found a church home at Brookstown United Methodist Church in Pfafftown, NC. Ruth's passion was teaching speech and drama and she got great satisfaction in helping students overcome their fear of public speaking. She also loved swimming and teaching others to love it, particularly adults who had never been able to swim before. Growing up in a very musical family, Ruth used music to minister to others in many ways. Even in her final months she amazed others with her musical gifts and enthusiasm. Ruth is survived by her faithful husband of 65 years, Gordon, five children, Major Bob (Rae) Doliber of Blaine, MN, Randy (Sue) Doliber of Fanwood, NJ, Major Violet (Felix) Ezeh of Kingston, Jamaica, Major Debbie Doliber of Kankakee, IL and Diane Doliber (Joe Kemp) of Charlotte, NC. She was blessed with eight grandchildren and eleven great- grandchildren. Ruth is survived by three of her six siblings, Elizabeth Lambrecht of FL, Major Dorothy Rickard of GA and Major Samuel (Linda) Bivans of NC. She was preceded in death by her parents, Brigadiers John and Willie Bivans, sisters, Violet Eaton, Major Florence Swyers Ross and Grace Dearin. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Salvation Army Washington Park Corps, Winston-Salem, NC or Brookstown United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at Brookstown UMC, 6274 Yadkinville Road, Pfafftown, NC on Saturday, February 17, 2018 beginning with visitation at 1:00 pm and the service at 2:00 pm. The Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home of Lewisville, NC has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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