Born April 24, 1943, in a state she preferred not to mention, Dr Ruth moved with her parents to Florida when she was five, first to St Petersburg, then to Homestead, where she grew up. After college, she worked for a few years in social service/medical settings before joining the Army. During her Army time, she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for her work as a Behavioral Science Specialist during the Vietnam Era. The GI bill, supplemented by Reserve duty, enabled her to attend nursing school in Washington state and become an RN. She worked in a VA hospital unti skin sensitivities forced her to consider another career choice.
The University of South Carolina was nearby (Go Cocks!!) enabling her to obtain a Master of LIbrarianship while continuing to work full time as an RN. Combined with her nursing background, this degree led to a career as medical research librarian in the medical school/VA libraries where she was highly regarded. Dr Ruth was known for her skills in information retrieval and the implementation of the latest technology. (This may come as a surprise to those who know she eschewed Smartphones and social media, however her skills were current and she was VERY attached to her laptop.)
Active in her church, Dr Ruth was sent to a series of weekend lay leadership programs. It didn’t turn out as expected, instead resulting in her being encouraged to pursue ordained ministry. After receiving a Master of Diviity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, she was ordained a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church USA. This brought her to Northwest Florida where she served as a full-time pastor, eventually retiring and serving as pulpit supply for churches in the area. While working she frequently made the trek back and forth fo Decatur Georgia earning…after a very long time it seemed…a Doctor of Ministry forom Columbia Theological Seminary. As might be expected, this degree ALSO earned her the appellation “Dr Ruth.” Tho she was always quick to point out that her skill set was quite different from the more famous person of that name.
Dr Ruth loved to travel. Realizing the likelihood of beng limited by orthopedic issues later in life, she seized travel opportunities whenever possible, traveling throughout the US and neighboring countries, as well as Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. Adventursome, she enjoyed bungy jumping in New Zealand, hang gliding in Mexico, and snorkeling in the Bahamas, although given her fear of heights it must be admitted that the first two were solely as a spectator.
Compulsive about having medical screensing on schedule, Dr Ruth was shocked and more than a bit peeved when in August of 2021 an MRI of her spine showed widespread metastatic cancer, later identified as coming from the breast. The cancer presented no symptoms and escaped mammogram detection, putting Dr Ruth in an unfortunate statistical minority. ( She was also a minority in that as age 81, her dark hair color was natural. She did wish that the statistics were reversed.)
Dr Ruth is survived by the sister she never had and always wished for, Lyn Burton-Vickers. And anyone who knew Dr Ruth understands that mention must be made of of her beloved first and only dog Abbe (Abigail von Dachshund) who predeceased her. Ruth never had a dog until she was adopted by Abbe and often said that if she had had a dog as a child, she would have been much better prepared for life. She was partial to rescues, and had no use for people who mistreated or abandoned their animals. Whether theologically correct or not, she drew comfort in picturing Abbe waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge to guide her the rest of the way.
Dr Ruth requested no flowers, but instead asked that memorials be sent in her name to Southern Belle Chihuahua Rescue of Alabama, 793 Littlejohn Road, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265. Southern Belle is a very deserving tiny rescue that takes care of abandoned, elderly, and special needs chihuahuas. Donations there are tax deductible as well. Dr Ruth enjoyed supporting this rescue knowing all the good they do.
Her funeral will be held 2 PM Friday, March 7, 2025 at Obert Funeral Home in Chipley FL, with Msgr Francis Szczykutowicz presiding. Her burial will be at Andersonville National Cemetery with military honors, Andersonville, GA on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 12PM with Rev Jacque Asbell presiding.
Dr Ruth wanted to especially thank her good friend, Mary Kimberling, for the help given in these last days, as well as Sr Natalia and the Vestiariki Sisters of Jesus in Sunny Hills. And to her friends, she says thank you always for the help and support you gave me.
The family will receive friends for visitation 30 minutes prior to the service at Obert Funeral Home Chapel.
