The ExpertBail family would like to extend its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Eddie Ruth Lagway, who passed away last week. Ms. Lagway was an amazing woman who cared deeply about her family, her profession and her community.  We invite you to read her ExpertBail Agent “making a difference” story.  Also, please read the incredible article written for the The Courier of Montgomery County below.

 

Willis loses long-time civic leader Lagway
Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 12:00 am
By Kassia Micek

WILLIS – Residents across the city of Willis are mourning the loss of a woman who had an impact on every segment of the community.

Eddie Ruth Lagway, 55, passed away from a heart attack overnight Wednesday. She owned Lagway’s Bail Bonds and served on numerous city and school organizations working to make the community better.

“This is just an unbelievably bad day for us,” Rebecca Broussard, Willis ISD board president, said. “… Eddie Ruth was the heart of the Willis community. She will be missed.

“I don’t know who will carry the torch she carried so brightly.”

It seemed the entire community was at Lagway’s house Wednesday afternoon, Broussard said, to show their respect for a lady who truly made a difference.

“She’s been involved in the community for many years,” City Manager Hector Forestier said. “She’ll be missed.”

Lagway was a founding member of the city’s Community Development Corporation, which began in 2000, most recently serving as the group’s president. As part of the CDC, she was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the city’s pocket parks in recent years.

“It’s a huge loss to the city of Willis,” CDC Vice President Rod Broussard said. “Eddie Ruth is one of the most influential and giving citizens Willis has or has ever had. The list of things she’s done for the city and community is limitless.”

For nearly 10 years, Lagway served as a member of the Willis ISD board, but her commitment to the students didn’t stop there.

“Even after she left the board, she’s been actively involved in the school district,” WISD Superintendent Bret Jimerson said.

Lagway was a founding member of the WISD Education Foundation. She also “breathed life” into the project that made sure members of the 1967 A.R. Turner High School football team received their state championship rings a few months ago, Jimerson said.

“It truly is a tragic loss to the school district as well as the community,” he said. “This has really taken a lot of us by surprise.”

As an active member of Antioch Baptish Church, Lagway was a “Godly woman and “someone you could count on,” Rebecca Broussard said.

Lagway was also a member of the Conroe Friendly City Kiwanis.

“I truly loved this lady,” Rebecca Broussard said. “My heart is just broken. I am so sad.”

The Courier was unable to reach the Lagway family for comment Thursday. In her 2010 candidate profile to The Courier, Lagway stated she had two sons, John Lagway Jr. and John Derek Lagway; three grandchildren, of Samara, Derek Jordan and Derek Jamal Lagway; and two daughter-in-laws, Sharon and Nikita.

No details about the funeral services were available Thursday.

Original Article: Willis loses long-time civic leader Lagway