Ruth Helen Waldrop Williams

1917 - 2023

On Dec. 1, 2023, Paducah lost a really remarkable and classy lady. Ruth Williams was born Jan. 22, 1917, in Aurora, Kansas. Throughout her almost 107 years, she was an active, vibrant participant in life.

Born the eldest of five, she helped raise all her siblings. After graduating as the Salutatorian of the Mayfield High School Class of 1935, she went on to Parsons School of Design in New York City. Using her training in interior design, she single-handedly started her own business, Ruth Housman Gifts and Interiors, while rearing her two children, Craig Housman and Lisa Housman Wulff.

After marrying Charlie Williams in 1964, she sold her business and moved to Paducah. She turned her energy to gardening and gourmet cooking, all the while attaining her associates degree at Paducah Community College. She and her four siblings remained close for their entire lives. They ensured their combined 14 children, knew, loved and gathered together, creating a lasting sense of family.

She continued to be remarkably active until she was 102, enjoying perennial gardening and yoga with her friends in the Joyful Flow Yoga group. She was a faithful member of Broadway United Methodist Church since 1964. She hosted the extended gatherings for Thanksgiving and other holidays well into her nineties. Ruth passed away peacefully in her own home with her children by her side. It was a graceful and fitting end to a life well lived.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Lisa Housman Wulff of Paducah; her son, Craig Wright (Janice) Housman of Paducah; five grandchildren & nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Allen Williams; her parents, Henyard Coleman & Lexye Belle Boyd Waldrop; her step-daughter, Charlton Gaye Williams; three sisters, Vivian Waldrop Reed, Jency Waldrop Street and Willie Belle Waldrop Farless; her brother, Ralph Thomas Waldrop.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Broadway United Methodist Church with Rev. Gregory Waldrop officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery in Paducah.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Broadway United Methodist Church.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Broadway United Methodist Church, 701 Broadway St. Paducah, KY 42001; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.

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