Ruth (King) Pope, born on March 28, 1938, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Nathan and Omie King, was the only girl among her three older brothers, Arthur, Herbert, and Gilbert Roquemore. Her brothers had gone off to the military and work by the time she was born, but Ruth’s love for them never wavered. She eagerly awaited their homecomings, especially during World War II, when Herbert and Gilbert served. She and her mother would listen to the radio for updates on the war. As adults, Ruth and her brothers would reminisce about their childhood, cherishing each other’s company until the day they were called home.

Ruth embodied strength, independence, and an unwavering love for her family and friends. Her early years were shaped by a move to Cleveland, Ohio, where she received Christ and began her lifelong journey of faith and resilience. She demonstrated her determination at a young age, showing a curiosity and eagerness to learn that stayed with her throughout her life.

Ruth deeply loved her children and grandchildren, and though her love for family and friends was abundant, her children were her world. As a child, Ruth attended Sunday School and participated in a delegation in Chicago, Illinois, where she competed in a game of jump rope while naming the books of the Bible—a competition she won, earning a black ceramic tiger that remains a cherished piece in her living room to this day.

Ruth attended Washington Irving Elementary School, Rawlings Junior High School, and John Hay High School. She often recalled how counselors advised all the girls to go to Jane Addams for home economics, but she was determined to attend John Hay for business studies. Her time at John Hay was marked by creativity and a passion for learning. She fondly remembered a teacher’s lesson during the Depression, where they colored eggs using onion skins, teaching her that beauty and creativity could come from the simplest things—a lesson that stuck with her for life.

At Rawlings Junior High, Ruth met Ronald Dan Pope, and their love blossomed through their years at John Hay High School. They were united in holy matrimony on April 28, 1956, and raised four children: Rolene, Ronald Dan Jr., Rhonda, and Reynard Darryl (Ish). Later in life, Ruth found love again with Lee Henry Williams, and from their union, Ruth Renea Pope (Chuie) was born.

Ruth was known for her integrity and brutal honesty. If you asked her a question, you could expect nothing but the truth, whether you were ready for it or not. She stood by her word, a trait that defined her as both a mother and a friend. Her love for her family was boundless, and she cherished every moment spent with them, always welcoming the company of loved ones.

Ruth worked briefly at Woolworth Department Store, operating the elevators, but her main dedication was to raising her five children, a role she fulfilled without complaint. She served on the PTA at Washington Irving School, loved cooking, and hosted countless family gatherings where music, dancing, cards, and stimulating conversations filled the air. She often said, “If common sense were common, everybody would have it!”—a phrase that still brings a smile to those who remember her wit and wisdom.

She had a special bond with her grandsons, participating in their lives from childhood through adulthood. She was always proud of them, and as they had children of their own, her love extended to her great-grandchildren as well. Ruth adored her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends, and her home was always a place of love and laughter.

Ruth’s love for family extended to her sons- and daughters-in-law. She shared morning conversations with her son-in-law, Terry, discussing the daily news, telling jokes, and reminiscing. Her bond with LB Palmer, whom she loved like her own son, was marked by laughter and deep conversations. She cherished her Friday morning shopping trips with her daughter-in-law, Renee, where they spent time talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.

As her health began to challenge her independence, Ruth remained steadfast, surrounded by the love of her children who cared for her at home. Her resilience in the face of life’s obstacles was a testament to her strength. She was supported by a loving team of angels: her niece Johnetta, bonus daughter Lulu, daughter-in-law Renee, niece Pat, Greta, and a wonderful group of family and friends who checked on her daily.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Ruth peacefully departed this life with all her children by her side. She is preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Omie King; her brothers, Arthur Roquemore, Herbert Roquemore, and Gilbert Roquemore; and her grandson, Terrence Marlon Gulley.

She leaves to cherish her memory her five children: Rolene (Terry) Gulley, Ronald Dan Pope Jr. (Renee), Rhonda Pope, Reynard Darryl Pope (Ish), and Ruth Renea Pope (Chuie); a special son, LB Palmer; her grandchildren: Ronald Beckwith (Ebony), Darnell (Sharisse) Gulley, Darrio Pope (Ashley), Shannon Hudson, Malcolm Palmer, Jerome, Ebony, Tiffany, Danyell, Diane, and Tracie; and a host of beloved friends and extended family who will forever remember her strength, love, and unwavering spirit.