Retired teacher and artist Ruth Criner shares her story

MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) — Ahead of her book signing on September 27 at the HAVEN Arts Collective, Marshall’s Ruth Criner sat down with a lot to say.

She is a retired teacher, artist, photographer, and author.

The only problem is that she is camera-shy. When the interview ended and the camera turned off, she was on the verge of tears.

Overwhelmed by the support of family and friends.

Overwhelmed that she was being interviewed.

Overwhelmed that her life is where it is at this moment in time.

Before and during the interview, she was subdued and measured. After the interview, she was emotional. Until she found out my aunt was her classmate.

Then, I saw the Ruth her friends know.

An excited ball of energy.

Before the interview, she did not want to be on camera. She agreed to, with the promise that she would appear on screen as little as possible.

To keep that promise, her words will be accompanied by images of her work and minimal editing, but it will be her words because no one can tell her story better than she can.

Mrs. Criner’s books are available at HAVEN Arts Collective, Freda’s Rey of Love, and Amazon under her pen name, Elizabeth Nyl.