Gladys R. Ruth

VARNVILLE, SC Mrs. Gladys Rakes Ruth, 83, embraced the beckoning call of her heavenly Father on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2008, at The Regional Medical Center, Orangeburg, S.C. Gladys was married December 24, 1942, to Rev. Aiken R. Ruth, Sr. Born September 17, 1925, in Crocketville, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Maker Rakes and Hettie Marshall. At a young age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and became a baptized member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Hampton, S.C. She was past president of Bethlehem Senior Choir, past president of Bethlehem Pastor's Aide Club, and a member of Bethlehem Missionary Society. Gladys was also First Lady of Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Martin, S.C., and St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Luray, S.C. Loving memories will forever be cherished by her husband; 11 children, Aiken Adraine Ruth of York, Aiken R. Ruth, Jr. of Harrisburg, Nathaniel Ruth (Michelle) of York, Eddie L. Ruth (Thanayi) of Harrisburg, Pearly M. Johnson of Varnville, S.C., Shirley A. Carter (Marion) of York, Sidney B. Ruth of Harrisburg, Hettie M. Dobson (R.C.) of Varnville, Mary M. Orr (Larry) of Varnville, Elester L. Ruth of Huntsville, Ala., and Patricia A. Graham (Lloyd) of York; three grandchildren reared in the home, Renee L. Hagins (Sylvester) of Augusta, Ga., Jessica M. Ruth of Harrisburg, and Sidney B. Ruth, Jr. of Varnville; one adopted son, Ronald Washington of West Columbia, S.C.; three special adopted daughters, Annie Ruth of York, Zane Brown of York, Wanda Floyd-Strothers of Dallas, Texas, and Barbara Holley of York; 51 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.