Derrell and Ruth Hyde

Derrell and Ruth Hyde served as missionaries on the American Indian Field for over three decades, teaching and leading children to follow Jesus. Throughout Southwest Indian School’s changes and transitions, the Hyde’s did everything they could to serve well.

Derrell was born into a Christian family on September 1, 1935, in Whittier, California. He was saved at a young age and chose to make his faith public at a summer camp when he was 11. During a Sunday school class when he was a young adult, he surrendered his life completely to the Lord. He became interested in missions while listening to missionary speakers in his teen years and later in serving on missions projects.

After high school, he worked for a few years until Uncle Sam said, “We want you.…” He was now in the army! His overseas deployment was in Iceland. He served for two years in the military and also traveled in Europe. When he returned home, Derrell worked for the U.S. Post Office. He served on the missions board for his church and went on missions trips to Mexico.

Ruth Newton was appointed by WGM to the American Indian Field on April 25, 1969. That fall, she began teaching seventh grade at Southwest Indian School. At that time, education options were limited on Native American reservations. SIS provided a quality Christian education and a safe, caring living environment for Native children.

Meanwhile, Derrell had been praying for a wife. In January 1974, he attended a missions convention at his church, where he told the Lord, “I’m willing to do whatever you have for me.” One month later, Derrell and Ruth met when she visited his church as a missionary speaker. They were married July 5, 1975.

Derrell joined Ruth on the American Indian Field, volunteering for two years before becoming a full-time missionary. Derrell and Ruth raised their two children, Joanna and David, along with their nephew, Charles (Chip) Main. Living on the SIS campus, their children enjoyed interaction with the students and other missionary children.

Derrell served in a wide range of roles, including art and journalism teacher, assistant dorm parent, purchasing agent, public relations director, dean of students, assistant field director, and student counselor. His last role was as superintendent of Southwest Indian School, which closed in 1998.

The Hydes enjoyed their work and the special community that formed around it. “It was one big family,” Ruth said. “All the missionary children called the staff members aunt and uncle, and the older volunteer staff grandma and grandpa.”

Derrell retired on October 1, 2000, after 25 years of service. Even though he officially retired, Derrell continued to volunteer wherever he was needed. He worked in Business Services for a year, and then he worked in public relations until their first grandchild, Kyle, was born. He made an easy transition to grandpa and babysitter.

Ruth retired on September 1, 2005, after 36 years of service. Ruth and Derrell continued to live near the campus, which became Southwest Indian Ministries Center. SIMC’s campus offered retreats and summer Bible camps, which Derrell and Ruth liked to be involved in. Derrell and Ruth were blessed to care for their grandchildren when their daughter, Joanna, and her husband, Steven, were working. “We feel the Lord has led us into a ministry with them,” Derrell said. “The children look forward to our prayer and devotional times. What joy we had when they asked Jesus into their heart!”