Ruth Ann Whitaker

Ruth Ann Barrett Botham Whitaker, 89 of Fort Worth, TX, died peacefully in her sleep at her apartment Sunday, December 14, 2025.

She was born on August 11, 1936, to Richard and Irene Barrett, and spent her early years in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Ruth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1958 from Michigan State University. She went on to earn her master's in chemistry from the university of Dayton, Ohio.

Ruth was married to David Botham and they welcomed a daughter, Deborah, and son, Richard.

Ruth's career included work for the National Cash Register Company, Monsanto Corporation, and Mound Laboratories. After retiring, she moved with her second husband, Gene Whitaker, to Southern Pines, NC.

Ruth enjoyed playing golf, traveling, attending the symphony and reading. While living in Southern Pines, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and the Moore County Historical Society, where she worked as a docent at the Shaw House. She especially enjoyed her golf days with the "Niner Diners"

Ruth was an accomplished amateur photographer with several of her photographs winning prizes in local competitions.

Ruth was an active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines. Once moving to Fort Worth, she enjoyed attending St. Anne's Church.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Irene Barrett; her husband Gene Whitaker; and her stepdaughter, Tammy Cox. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie; son, Rick and his wife, Karen; her stepson Gene Whitaker and his wife, Jennifer; her grandchildren: David Botham, Raylee Whitaker, Kelsie Whitaker, Andrew Cox, Tyler Cox and Richard Cox.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Ann's Church, 6055 Azle Ave., Fort Worth, TX. A small service will take place at 10:00 A.M, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Ware Funeral Home, 910 US Highway 27 N, Cynthiana, KY 41031. Interment will follow in Battle Grove Cemetery, Cynthiana, KY. View and sign the guest book at www.warefuneralhome.com.