Ruth S. Marchand

We celebrate the life and the legacy of Ruth Starwood Marchand, who transitioned to the Kingdom of Heaven on June 13, 2024, to be with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ruth was born in Mississippi in 1933, one of nine (9) children. Her family relocated to Louisiana when she was a young child. As a teenager she lived with her Aunt Estelle in New Orleans and attended Booker T. Washington High School. In 1955, she married her one and only husband and life partner, Theodore ("Teddy") Marchand. Together, they launched Teddy's real estate and construction business and raised five children.

Ruth received her associate's degree in accounting from a New Orleans community college, and she applied her knowledge to help run their family businesses. In 1992, Ruth and Teddy moved to California to be closer to their grandchildren, and they joined Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, CA.

"From their shoulders, we do stand..." As quiet and underestimated as she was, Ruth was truly "stealth" when she actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement, and supported family, friends and neighbors. Ruth was often found on picket lines in her neighborhood, and in New Orleans' downtown shopping area. She picketed in front of stores that refused to patronize African Americans on equal footing while marginalizing Black people by denying them gainful and equal employment opportunities. Ruth even threw her body over a neighbor's teenage son to protect him against New Orleans police officers who were beating him after pulling the young man from his home for no legal reason... She may have saved his life that day.

A myriad of positive and uplifting accolades can be used for this woman who exhibited beauty inside and out! She was a God-fearing woman, a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and friend, a care-taker, business partner, voice for those with no voice, and giver.

Ruth supported Teddy's commitment to their community while he served as one of the first African-American State Legislatures in Louisiana since Reconstruction. She also ran a hamburger restaurant in the Lower-Ninth Ward in New Orleans, known as "Soul Burger," which she and Teddy both owned; and she helped run the administrative side of their real estate and construction business. While in California, she worked as a nurse's aide, senior center assistant, and nursery assistant.

Ruth absolutely loved her family. She quietly exhibited such love and provided a demonstrated path for her children and others to follow by "being there" for others in time of need.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Theodore and daughter Theresa Marchand, parents Samuel and Clara Starwood, brothers Cealious and Dilly Starwood, and sisters Edna, Mattie and Clarice Starwood. She leaves behind her sister Bertha S. Twine, brothers Samuel (Rosetta) and Henry Starwood, children Patricia Lanchester, Veronica Andrews (Darryl Sr.), Michael Sr., Kim, and Tammy Marchand, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a granddaughter-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Funeral was arranged by:

Wilson Wooddale Funeral Home

1553 Wooddale Blvd

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, as follows:

Funeral Location:

New Light Missionary Baptist Church

650 Blount Road

Baton Rouge, LA 79807

10:00 - 11:00 AM Viewing

11:00 AM Funeral Services

Intermittent

New Light Missionary Baptist Church

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In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization that, "among other things, provides support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias nationwide,..."

Please donate to Alzheimer's Foundation of America at: https://alzfdn.org/donate/. Donations instructions:

Once you open the web-page, indicate your donation amount and provide personal information.

Complete the donation form by navigating down the screen to the section that asks: Is this a Tribute Gift? Check the box that states "Make this a Tribute To Gift"

1. Then, you will see the question "Is this gift in honor of someone living or in memory of someone who has passed?" Click "In memory of"

Then, enter the following:

- Honoree First Name, enter "Ruth"

- For Honoree Last Name, enter "Marchand"

2. For Custom Message, enter any message you would like to share with our mom's family.

3. Place a check mark next to the box that states, "Send a Memorial/Tribute Notification."

- Then, enter the following email address: marchandruths@gmail.com

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Complete the rest of the form as directed and submit the form by pressing the Submit button at the bottom of the screen.