Ruth Stultz

Mary Ruth Ingram Stultz “Ruth”, 95 passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9 th , 2025 at Heartlands Assisted Living in Severna Park, MD.

“Ruth” was born on August 4 th , 1929 in Eclectic, Alabama to Ira B. Ingram and Polly Dean Thompson. She is survived by two brothers, Houston, and Douglas Ingram; four children and their spouses: Rita Villareal (Lupe); Sonia Greene (Mike); Susy Flaherty; and Bill Collins (Rene); nine grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Arnold Stultz, son in law Michael Flaherty, and her brother Donald Ingram.

After graduating from Elmore County High School in Alabama in 1947, Ruth attended Massey Business College in Montgomery, AL. She worked as a secretary at Ft. Benning, GA. where she met and later married Harold Meadows. Following their divorce, she moved to Maryland with her daughters and began her career at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Though her second marriage to Melvin Collins was not destined to last, they became parents of their son, Bill. Despite the challenges of raising four children on her own, Ruth managed to buy her first home in Hyattsville, MD. While she was working as a supervisor at the Inspector General’s Office in 1966, she was among 37 employees to receive an award for Outstanding Cost Reduction during President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Waste.” Through her USDA employment, Ruth met Arnold Stultz. They were married on January 9 th, 1971 and lived in Berwyn Heights for many years.

In 1973, at the age of 44, Ruth fulfilled her dream of going to college beginning at Prince George’s Community College where she earned her Associates of Arts in International Affairs. She also became President of the Student Governance Board, Vice President of the Economics Club, President of the French Club, was on the Dean’s List and was included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. After graduating with honors, she transferred to the University of Maryland where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. There, she was on the Dean’s List, became a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Ruth was an avid genealogist and published her own book, Ingram Family History. Her research took her to Utah, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and even to England and Scotland. She was a member of the Prince Georges Genealogical Society and served as President from 1986 to 1987. In 1985, she became a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution (DAR), Mary Washington Chapter in Washington, D.C. and was Past Chapter Regent from 1992 to 1994. Ruth was also a longtime member of Berwyn Heights Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon from 1997-2005.

In 2001, Ruth moved to Riderwood Village in Silver Spring, MD after her husband Arnold had a stroke. She remained active, joining the genealogy club, the computer club and even took Spanish lessons. She lived a very active life until 2020 when she relocated to Arbor Ridge Assisted Living at Riderwood. Due to her declining health, Ruth moved to Heartlands Assisted Living in 2023 to be closer to family.

There will be a memorial service for her on February 7th at 11:00 am at the Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church located at 8424 Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton, MD. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend: Livestream. Afterwards, she will be interred at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham beside her husband, Arnold. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the charity of your choice.