Ruth B. Kates

On Friday, Dec. 24, 2010, God in his infinite wisdom called Mother Ruth B. Kates, of 1116 St. James St., Petersburg, Va., home.

Mother Ruth B. Kates (Grandma Ruth, Mrs. Ruth) was born on Oct. 4, 1922, to the late Waverly Byrd Sr. and Hanna Byrd. At an early age she received Christ in her heart and attended the Greater Bethesda Bibleway Church. She was a faithful member until her declining health. She was a Senior/Social Missionary, a member of the Greater Bethesda Senior Choir and the W.L.B. Chorale. Mother Kates was a woman of God who was an inspiration to her family and others. She was a prayer warrior and a woman of faith.

She was a domestic worker, a companion provider and worked for the Petersburg Home for Ladies (Fillmore Street). Mother Kates had a giving heart; she would open her home to anyone who was in need. Even though she had seven children, she was a mother figure to many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon Arthur P. Kates Sr.; four children, Arthur P. Kates Jr., Tulia Brown, Evelyn Kates and Mary Lou Kates; and 11 siblings.

Mother Kates leaves to cherish her memories a loving and devoted daughter, Annette (Paul) Foreman; two devoted sons, the Rev. Joseph (Marshall) Kates and Charles (Rosemary) Kates Sr., all of Petersburg, Va.; devoted sister, Nellie Reid of Philadelphia; one son-in-law, Gilbert Brown of Petersburg, Va.; one nephew whom she raised like a son, James Kates of Petersburg, Va.; 24 grandchildren (two devoted, Michael Kates Sr. and Dorcas Brown); 40 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; a host of cousins, other relatives, friends and devoted neighbors, and a special thanks to Appomattox on the River Nursing Home in Hopewell, Va.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon Thursday from the Bethesda Bibleway Church, 459 Harding St., Petersburg; Dr. Willie L. Balthrop officiating. The eulogy will be delivered by Dr. E.E. Warren. Interment will be in Dinwiddie Memorial Park. The remains will rest at the church at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends will kindly assemble at 453 Graham Road, Petersburg, at 11 a.m.

Remains rest at the Tucker's Funeral Home, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg. A.A. Tucker, funeral director.