Ruth DeKay

11/24/1912 - 02/01/2014

Georgia Ruth Bullock was born near the crossroad of Hilham, in Overton County, Tennessee on November 24, 1912.  101 years later, she peacefully passed away in Bakersfield, CA on February 1, 2014. She had 2 sisters and 2 brothers:  Mary Lee, Paul D., Nina Elizabeth, and Berry Luke. They have all passed on.
Ruth married Harold J. Copp in Overton County, Tennessee in 1935. They moved to Los Angeles, CA in the late 1930's and divorced a few years later. Her younger brother, "Luke" came to Los Angeles and was drafted into the Second World War.  Her sister, "Liz" came to Los Angeles with her husband, John Y. Goolsby & son, John Y. (Je) in the mid 1930's. During World War II Ruth worked in an aircraft factory while Luke spent four years in the war. In the mid 1940's, Ruth met and married the love of her life, Leslie Forrest DeKay.  They moved to Bakersfield and they built their home at 2801 Terrace Way together.  Ruth was always so proud that she helped to build their home in Bakersfield. Ruth and Les never had any children of their own.  They enjoyed spending many weekends with her dear sister, Liz, and Liz's loving children, Je, Mike, and Lana Goolsby in Los Angeles.  Mike and Lana also spent their summers with Ruth and Les on Terrace Way. Ruth and Les also enjoyed wonderful times with Ruth's surrogate family: Ann Crossley and Ann's children, Beth and Kate Crossley, who were emotionally recognized as the heart of her family.  Ruth and Les cared tremendously for these beautiful girls and attended all of their birthday parties in Bakersfield and Los Angeles.
Ruth and Les retired in the 1960's and moved to Kernville, where they built another wonderful home in the mountains. Kernville was a summer & winter retreat for Je, Mike and Lana Goolsby, and even more so for Beth and Kate Crossley.  The memories of Kernville were always treasured by Ruth as well as these children who learned to fish, hunt, build camps and let their adventurous beings go wild.
Ruth was a member of Hilham United Methodist Church as a child in Tennessee and continued her loyal membership at First United Methodist Church in Bakersfield, CA.  
In 1974, Ruth became a member of the Sweet Adeline's Choral Group of Lake Isabella, CA.  
Ruth and Les moved back to Bakersfield in 1974 after Les fell ill and sadly passed away shortly after. Ruth lived on her own for many years until she decided to move into Rosewood Retirement Community, which has been her caring home June 30, 2000.
Ruth donated her time & love to many causes that were dear to her heart. She was truly an inspiration to all that knew her.  Her sweet disposition, and her happy, kind, and caring nature will never be forgotten.  She will live on in all those who knew her.  Those who had an opportunity to hear Ruth's laugh, will keep it in their heart forever and ever. The children she cared for so kindly love her very dearly. She has inspired love and kindness in many ways for many people.  Ruth was life. Ruth is love. Ruth is a precious essence of life, may her memory remain a monument for everyone.
Ruth is survived by her niece, Virginia in Bakersfield, CA, her nephew Je Goolsby in Santa Barbara, CA, her nephew Mike Goolsby in Atascadero, CA, her niece Sammie June (Bullock) in Tennessee, her niece Sandra (Bullock) Mullinix in Tennessee, her surrogate daughter, Ann Crossley of Los Angeles, her grandchildren, Kate and Beth Crossley of Los Angeles, CA, and her cousins, nieces, and nephews in California and Tennessee. 
A Memorial Service will be held for Ruth DeKay on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 1:00pm, in the Activities Building, at Rosewood Retirement Community, 1301 New Stine Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309. There will be a private interment at Green Lawn cametery.