Ruth Mulholland

MULHOLLAND, Ruth Benton 90 of Tampa, Florida went home to be with the Lord, on October 5, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Barney B. Benton, and Agnes Cowart Benton, sisters Eva (Rev. William) Johnson, Lennie (Arvid) Johns, Neta Benton, brothers Charles E. Benton, Maxie H. Benton (Freda), Robert L. Benton, and John M. Benton. Two nieces Brenda Benton and Sheila Benton, a nephew Gary Benton, and a grandniece Christy Holley, join her in heaven as well. Her parents-in law, Jack W. Mulholland, Maudie B. Mulholland, and her former husband Fred W. Mulholland for whom she was married to from 1950-1976, also preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Aline (Joey) Hobbs of Dover; brother Eddie V. (Connie) Benton of Tampa; her daughter Kathy A. Mulholland of Tampa; her son Douglas C. Mulholland and wife Suzanne of Cape Coral, Florida; two granddaughters, Chrisje Mulholland, and Katie Mulholland, both of Denver, Colorado, along with many nieces and nephews who love her dearly. She was especially excited to welcome two newly discovered relatives, a niece Christie Pendleton, and nephew Michael Ludwig. Ruth was born in Palmetto, Florida on January 9, 1931, grew up in the Dover and Plant City areas, and settled in Tampa, Florida. Ruth received Jesus Christ, as her personal savior at a young age, was a wonderful Christian, and a great Southern Lady. She was a member of Christ Fellowship Church (Formerly Spencer Memorial Baptist, and Tampa Baptist Church), and taught Sunday school for many years. She worked fervently as leader of the Watchman Prayer Wall Ministry. She graduated from Turkey Creek High School in 1948. While in school, she worked nights at "Bruce's Juices" to pay for her Cheerleading uniform. She attended Hillsborough Community College during the 1980's. Ruth was passionately involved in children's issues, and served as President of the Hillsborough County Council of the Parents and Teachers Association from 1969-1970, and was later appointed as State Legislative Chairman for the P.T.A. Ruth was a member of the Florida Trail Association where she enjoyed hiking and trail building with her family. During the 1960s, she and her family hiked several sections of the Appalachian Trail, Including the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Southern Terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and the Northern Terminus at Mount Katahdin, Maine. Ruth was a committed long distance runner, and competed in The Race of The Americas" in Miami, on her 50th Birthday! Ruth served as Executive Director of SERVE, School Enrichment Resource Volunteers from 1976 -1980. She served as Exploring Executive of the Gulf Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America from 1981 until well into the 1990's, where she worked diligently and very successfully in the community and school systems, to develop "Career Posts" that allowed students from ages 14-21 to explore careers they aspired to. Ruth earned and received the Vigil Honor Member Order of the Arrow, and was the first female to receive this honor from the Gulf Ridge Council Boy Scouts of America. In March of 2010, she received "The Good Shepherd Emblem Silver Award" in cooperation with Tampa Baptist Church, and the Association of Baptists for Scouting, for distinguished service leading toward the spiritual, physical, mental, and moral development of youth. She was a Life Member of Soroptimist International, an Honorary Member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. While always involved at the community level, Ruth also took a keen interest in issues happening both national and politically occurring in our country. She watched FOX News nightly, and was a member of the National Republican Committee. She communicated daily by mail, voicing her concerns, and provided support from very limited financial resources for the issues she believed in. She was a passionate member of The Jerusalem prayer team led by Michael D. Evans, standing with the people of Israel and believers in Afghanistan. Ruth was an avid gardener and loved growing beautiful flowers. In her more active years, her yard became the showplace of the neighborhood. Just as this memoriam is written, there is an order on the way for plants and bulbs. Mom always planned for the future! In addition, she built flower beds Kathy's homes, both in Grapevine, Texas, and in Temple Terrace, Florida. Ruth supported her family in Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. In the community, all the neighborhood kids came to Mrs. Mulholland to have their scrapes, and bicycle injuries bandaged up! Ruth enjoyed serving as a wife and mother, and cooked awesome meals for her family. In recent days, she continued to prepare beautiful meals for herself and Kathy. In addition, Ruth still drove her car on occasion!! While she went through a difficult time in the hospital, Ruth strived to live, and her mind stayed sharp, until the very end. She had fought the good fight. As she always said, "When a Christian closes their eyes on earth for the last time, they open their eyes in heaven." She will be greatly loved and missed. Funeral services will be held at Christ Fellowship Church on Thursday October 14, 2021. Visitation is at 11:00 am and Funeral Service at 12:00 Noon. Internment will follow at Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Sydney, Florida following the services. Arrangements by Swilley Funeral Home 1602 W. Waters Avenue in Tampa.