Byword

The three deaths occurred in all-too-quick succession beginning in mid-August. In truth, they spanned almost six weeks. Still, the death of loved ones often comes too speedily for those of us left behind.
You will find their obituaries on page 8 - two remarkable women named Ann and one named Ruth Ann. The names of these strong women are perhaps the smallest thing they had in common. They all lived large and generous lives, and the most stunning thing about each of them is the legacy they left behind for the rest of us to savor. 
Ann Miller, who died Aug. 12 of cancer, taught literature, recited poetry at will and wrote her own, and imprinted on her students here the lasting influence of a great teacher. I never had a class with Miller, but I knew who she was. Her influence was so powerful that it spread far beyond the confines of the Baylor campus, and well outside the boundaries of Texas as her former students created a legion of teachers and professionals worldwide, a sort of Ann's Army. Everyone, it seems, has his or her own memory of Ann. 
Ann Richards, she of the high white hair and the second woman to be elected to the office of governor in Texas, died a month and a day later, also of cancer. This Ann tried teaching but pronounced it the hardest job she had ever done. One wonders if politics could have been any easier, but Richards took to it naturally, perhaps partly due to the debate skills that she honed at Baylor. Many people, on hearing of her cancer only six months before she died, believed that Ann could face it down, battling this as she had fought many battles, with her trademark drawl and wit. 
Ruth Ann Foster died on Sept. 28. She was only 59, but she had already lived an astonishing life that included co-founding Baylor's Truett Seminary more than 10 years ago. She lived her faith as a pastor, teacher, writer and lecturer. Her seminary students thought enough of her to name her a Professor of Choice in 2000, and colleagues noted that she, also, could hold her own in a debate. 
We note the passing of loved ones with tears and sadness. But these three Baylor women left behind so much of themselves that in many ways they live on, giving us hope, faith, laughter and wise counsel. Their words, work and accomplishments make them immortal. We could not ask much more of them.

Barbara Elmore