Obituary of Evang. Dorothy Ruth

Evangelist Dorothy Ruth was born on September 8, 1938, at D.C. General Hospital in Washington, D.C., to Lydia Saunders. Dorothy was a proud product of the D.C. Public Schools and dedicated much of her life to service and family.

Dorothy's professional journey spanned over 32 years, where she worked diligently for Guest Services, Inc., serving in various government agencies, including the Department of Labor, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of State as a cook. She retired after decades of faithful service, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work.

In 1956, Dorothy married the love of her life, Elder Joseph Ruth. Together, they raised four children: Darlene, Norris, Renee, and Alden. Her life was marked by deep faith and love for her family.

Dorothy’s spiritual journey began in 1965 when she was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost at The Way Back to Pentecost Church, under the guidance of Elder Horace and Mother Mary Temple. She became an active member of the church, joining the Usher Board in 1966. Her unwavering commitment to her church family led her to serve as the Usher Board President in 1977. Dorothy's ministry extended beyond her local church to the D.C., Delaware, and Maryland District Council, as well as the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World International Usher Board.

Dorothy was a missionary for several years before being ordained as an Evangelist in 2012. For 38 years, she worked side by side with her husband as sous chef in the church’s dining hall, a role she took great pride in until their retirement.

Dorothy cherished the time spent at the annual summer conventions, and she found great delight in shopping, always with a smile on her face. Above all, she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Gee-Gee.” She always beamed with joy whenever they called on her, and in her eyes, they could do no wrong.

Evangelist Dorothy Ruth will be remembered for her bold and passionate message, "TELL HELL I’M NOT COMING," a declaration of her unwavering faith and commitment to God.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Darlene Ruth, Norris Ruth (Rose), Renee Hunter (Rudolph), and Alden Ruth (Denise); her bonus son, Wayne Cooper; 23 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Her spiritual children include Pastor Aaron Freeman, Alice Chamberlain, Paul Sanders, Elder Anthony Sanders, Elder Melvin and Faye Sanders and Quanda Fudd. Special granddaughters include Olivia, Madison, and London Sanders. Her special great-granddaughter, Lauren Peterson, and godson, Nathaniel Hill, also hold a special place in her heart. She is also survived by bonus nieces and nephews, including Pamela McKay (Rex), First Lady Valerie Brisco (Bishop Samuel Brisco), and David Summers.

Evangelist Dorothy Ruth also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends, including Evangelist Dorothea Scott, First Lady Jacqueline Pendleton, First Lady Vanessa Coleman, Docia Sanders, and Elder Eddie and Sheila Day.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elder Joseph Ruth; her mother  Lydia Saunders; her sisters, Anna “Vennie” Martin, Mabel Walker, and Jaimie “Bell” Boone; her daughter in law Cynthia Ruth and special friends, Mother Audrey Humphrey and Evangelist Audrey Clark.

Dorothy’s legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.