Lasting Memories

Ruth Edwards
Sept. 27, 1927-April 5, 2012
Menlo Park, California

Carrie Belle Ruth was born Sept. 19, 1927, in Porterville, Calif., to Oletha and Carroll (Bill) DeBerry. The family moved to San Francisco where Ruth was raised. Ruth was the only child born to Bill and Oletha, but was especially close to her cousin, Robert (Bob) Douglas, who was like a brother to her.

Ruth met and married Preston Leigh Edwards, and together they raised six children: Bill, Lester, Laura, April, Consie and Sarah. In 1959 Preston and Ruth left San Francisco and moved their five small children to Menlo Park, after which Sarah came along. Preston died in 1971.

Ruth met Marie Alums, one of Jehovah's Witnesses, in the early 1960s, and with her help began to study the Bible. In January 1973, the highlight of Ruth's life occurred when she symbolized her dedication to Jehovah God by water baptism and became one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Ruth enjoyed jazz and jitterbug. She was fond of entertaining and often invited friends and family to her home for meals and good times. She had many happy experiences serving as a full-time proclaimer of the Bible's message, and found great pleasure in long hours spent side by side with her daughters, and friend and service partner, Louella Kates Stock, in that work. In 1989 Ruth embarked on a different full-time career, raising two granddaughters, Eboni and Jami. In spite of declining health and stamina, Ruth continued to serve Jehovah faithfully with the Menlo Park Congregation until the end.

Ruth treasured many, many friendships and experiences had along the way in her years of service to Jehovah God. She was known and loved by many as "Granny."

Ruth is survived by her son, Lester and his wife, Cynthia; four daughters: Laura Baca and her husband, Steve; April Fields; Consie Fair and her husband, Leon; and Sarah Dunbar; and daughter-in-law, Joyce Edwards. Her son Bill Edwards predeceased her. Ruth is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Aaron, Stacey, LaCole, Adam, LaKeisha, Trevor, Patrick, Nadia, Sonia, Jasmin, Eboni, Jami and Michael. In addition she leaves 18 grandchildren.