Honey Minshew

Sherman- Local community leader and business owner, Ruth A. "Honey" Minshew died January 5, 2016 after a four year battle with cancer. Services will be held at First Baptist Church Sherman at 1:30 PM, on Saturday, January 9, 2016, with Dr. Mike Lawson and Rev. Steve Rice conducting. Burial will be a private ceremony at West Hill Mausoleum. Honey has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to Austin College, First Baptist Church Sherman, or the Women's Gift Exchange.

Honey was born March 23, 1941 to Dr. William and Ruth Altman. She grew up in Dallas, Texas, attending Hockaday School and graduating from Sunset High in 1959. She enrolled in Austin College and received her degree in elementary education in 1963.

She was also married in 1963 to Robert W. Minshew, a recent graduate of the SMU School of Law, whom she met at Austin College. Honey accompanied Robert on his tour of duty with the Marine Corps, living first in Quantico, Virginia where she taught first grade. Then to Kailua, Hawaii where she taught second grade. While in Hawaii, Honey and Robert had a son, Marshall. Upon their return to Sherman, Texas, daughter Monica was born.

Honey excelled at interior decorating and began a career in 1973, establishing Petite Fleur Interiors and Design. She worked for hundreds of clients decorating homes and businesses in Sherman, Denison, Dallas, Santa Fe NM, and San Francisco CA.

She loved beautiful things and had a gift store in Sherman for twenty years, until retiring. She then continued her creative entrepreneurial efforts and helped establish the Women's Gift Exchange, a non-profit entity that contributes all of its profits to local charities. Through the Women's Gift Exchange she established many close relationships with the volunteers.

Honey was always looking for ways to improve her home, community, church, and Austin College. She served as president of the Austin College Alumni Association, served over twelve years on the Austin College Board of Trustees and was honored as a distinguished alumna by the college. She organized the Sisters of Service (SOS) for Sherman High School girls which is still active today, sponsored by the Sherman Service League. She served as president of the Grayson Rehabilitation Center board and was selected as a lifetime member of the center. She was a charter member and principal organizer of the Sherman Preservation League. Honey was always active in her church, serving on numerous committees. For her community service, she was recognized by the Sherman Chamber of Commerce by receiving the ATHENA Award.

One shining example of her design talents is Kelly Square in downtown Sherman. In 1983, there were vacant buildings where J.C. Penney was previously located fifteen years prior. Honey's vision was to purchase the vacant buildings and create a center for all of Sherman to enjoy and be proud of. She did this and for over 35 years the project has flourished.

Honey dearly loved her family. She is survived by Robert, her husband of 52 years, son Marshall of Sherman, daughter Monica Cowsert and husband Kent of Dallas, and grandchildren Emma and Henry Cowsert. She is also survived by her brother William H. Altman of Dallas, Texas, sister-in-law, Betty Mitchell and her husband Mike of Sherman, and many wonderful cousins and extended family members whom she dearly loved.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, January 8 in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church.

The register book can be signed online at waldofuneral home.com.