Obituary of Russell B. Ruth

Brother Russell Blair (Dee) Ruth was born on January 2, 1943 in Colleton County, South Carolina to the late Demp and Beatrice Mingo Ruth. He passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2021. Dee is survived by his wife Christine Owens Ruth; sister Debra Sefranne Ruth Hingleton of South Carolina; daughters Amanda Ruth, Wanda Ruth (deceased) and Lynette Brit (Joseph); grandchildren; Tyrone Boles, Laetitia Geter, Sharmane Ojo, Taqulia Mack Williams (Demetrius) and Marqi Jones; 23 great-grandchildren all of Elmira, NY; 4 great-great-grandchildren; 2 in South Carolina and 2 in Elmira NY; 4 sisters-in-law (and their spouses), 3 brothers-in-law (1 deceased) and their significant other and spouse); a host of nieces and nephews, special great-grandsons Robert Blair Wilson and Zhamere Charrez and nephew Christopher Williams. Dee was employed by Laborers International of North America for about 25 years. Duringt hose years he became a Laborer and then a cheerful flagman where he was interviewed on TV and featured in the Star Gazette, Dee loved flagging and was proud of his accomplishments. Dee retired in 2005. Dee loved family cookouts, music and his cars. He was in the National Guard where he assisted during the flood of 1972 and a member of the Masonic Labor Organization. Dee loved his family and was a devoted husband tohis Pumpkin to the very end. He was a devoted brother, father and grandfather and a love to the community. He will be truly by all. Family and friends are invited to visit Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C., 765 Harper St., Elmira on Tuesday, January 4th from 11am to 12 noon. Dee's funeral service will be held there at 12 noon with Pastor Kale Mann officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira.