The Plymouth Church of Christ recently recognized Ruth Starling for her years of teaching children. She began at 16 in the Ocoee Church of Christ. She taught in the Plymouth church after she, her husband, and their three children began driving from Mt. Dora to attend the, then new, Plymouth church in 1952. In 1962 Philip and Ruth moved to Plymouth where they live in sight of the church.

She resigned 15 days before her 92nd birthday.   Most of the time she had the older elementary school class - grades 4 - 6.

She cannot remember how many future preachers she taught. One of these, Theo Elam minister for the Deltona Church of Christ, remembers her as a no-nonsense disciplinarian - who genuinely loved the children she taught.

Her husband, Philip, served the church too, many years as one of the elders. Ruth said when he taught a 3 month class on giving the church contributions doubled. He also taught the teen class for a short time. His forte, though, was building. He was primary builder for the church meeting house. After retiring from Scotty's Home Builder's Supply, he did many jobs for church members and the Central Florida Bible Camp.
The Starlings have long loved the Mt. Dora Christian Home and Bible School. They moved to Mt. Dora in 1945 so their boys would be able to go to this school; they adopted their daughter from the Children's Home part of that ministry. Ruth worked in the office for many years, and taught as a "fill-in" teacher for two years.

The Plymouth Church of Christ salutes Ruth & Philip for their works' sake.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.... - Proverbs 31:28