“We saw you fading as a flower, but we could not make you stay.

We nursed you with tender kindness until God called you away.”

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, God called Ruth Russel to eternal rest and peace.  The family receives comfort in knowing that there is no more pain or sorrow for Ruth.  She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

Ruth was born in Southampton County, Virginia, on July 25, 1939, with the birth name Rue Sue Artis, to the late Daniel and Mariah Artis. Later, her name was changed to Virginia Ruth Artis. Ruth was the youngest of 13 siblings who pre-deceased her. She is also preceded in death by her two beloved sons James and Melvin Williams, her husband, Eardley Keithly Russell, her daughter-in-law, Ethel V. Williams, and her nephew, McKinley Branch. During her earlier years, Ruth was an active member and participant with the Order of Eastern Stars. She joined the Rose of Sharon Chapter 10 on July 16, 1986, and was a faithful member until her timely departure.

Ruth was a proud and devoted grandmother. She leaves to cherish her memory 11 beautiful grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, who will continue to love her and honor her legacy. Her grandchildren are Pastor Karl R. Marshall Sr., (Gwendolyn), Roger E. Williams (Caprice), Rachelle Williams, Nhi-Khanh Greene (Gary), Jameelah Malcolm (Anthony), Melvin Williams, Jr., Rasheed Barnes, Antar Williams (Koli), Kelvin Williams, Shequanna Saafir, Anwar Saafir, and Raheim Cook. Her great-grandchildren are Roger E. Williams, Kiera Marshall, Christina Mitchell, Tuere Williams, Ravaughn Williams, Karl R. Marshall, Jr., Kori Robinson, Rasheed K. Barnes, Tameelah Dawson, Malachai William, Keyonna Barnes, Kourtni Robinson, Kieaundra Marshall, Peyton Greene, Isabel Barnes, Eli James Malcolm, Grant T. Greene, Austin Williams, and James C. Barnes. Her great-great-grandchildren are Bella Williams, Monica Brunson, Ava Raven Williams, and Ravaughn Williams, Jr.

Also cherishing her memory and mourning her loss are her sister, Mamie Lee Harvey, special daughters and sons, Linda Barnes (also biological Niece), Ivy Perkins, Carolyn Russell, Denley Russell, and Mark Russell. Sister-in-law Gwendolyn Idonie Benjamin, daughter-in-law Carolyn Williams, beloved nieces and nephews, Annie Branch, Carol Barnes, Cathy Larkins, Margaret Aghahere, Francis Simpson, and Ian Francis.  

Ruth enjoyed life, laughter, good friends, and family.  She knew exactly how to use her life experience and deeply rooted religious and spiritual faith to lift others up when they were down. 

Ruth will be dearly missed, but she would want everyone to know that she lived her life to the fullest. She met every challenge with strength and determination and never stopped fighting.

“Someday, we hope to meet you again.

We do not know when, but we will clap our hands in a better land.

Never to part again.”

With eternal love,

The Family

Wake will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home, 6110 Riverdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10471. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm.