RUTH (REED) OWENS

Ruth Reed-Owens, age 88, passed away peacefully Thursday January 21, 2021 at Hospice of Dayton. Ruth was born August 17, 1932 to Thomas and Gussie Reed in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Dayton Dunbar High School. Ruth remained in Dayton where she married, worked, and raised her two children.

Ruth had a willing wit, and a sharp mind.  Her smile lite up any room and her laugh could be contagious. She had a very strong will and always stood up for the right. Ruth enjoyed cooking and baking for her loved ones. Friends and family still rave about her holiday feasts, especially her potato salad and sweet potato pies. Ruth’s home was always opened for a family member who needed a place to lay their head.

Ruth was a faithful member of Ethan Temple Seventh-Day Adventist under the leadership of Walter L. Pearson Jr., Pastor. Ruth expressed her Love for God and His people by becoming very active in ministry. She was passionate about working with the youth group AYS. Ruth was the leader of the Friends and Neighbors Club working with young people including her own grandchildren. Ruth was celebrated for her organizational and fundraising skills. Her skills and determination lead to the honor of becoming a Master Guide in the Pathfinders Ministry. One of the highest honors in the organization. She along with other faithful church members visited nursing homes and prisons where they shared the word of God.

Ruth could accomplish anything she set his mind to do.  She served her community and worked tirelessly to make a better life for her family. She retired from Elder-Bearman Department Stores after many years of dedicated service. Later in life Ruth worked for Wesley Community Center in Dayton and became the caregiver for Ms. Eleanor forming a bond akin to family. The family loved Ruth and checked on her often after their loved passed away.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Gussie Reed, Brothers Thomas, Billy, Preston, Percy, and Ronald (All Reed), Sisters Julia Bowers and Alyce Butler, Dedicated Son Tommy L. Owens Sr., Great-Granddaughter Asia Blanks and Special Friend Evelynn Jones.

Ruth leaves a Legacy of Love to cherish her memory in her Beautiful Daughter Denise Reed, Grandsons Tommy Owens Jr. (Felicia), Walter Evans Jr., Malik Harris, Jeffrey Harris. Granddaughter LaShel Owens. Great-Grandchildren Sean Benton, Jasmine Owens, and Tommy Owens III. Special Nieces Jennifer Jones, Alice Morton, and Victoria Duerson, Faye Reed Williams, Angie Reed Cotten, Debbie Sandridge and Nephew Michael Reed. Special Friends Susie Robinson, Richard Wilson, Debbie Harris and a host of family, friends and loved ones.

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