Rutheunia Barnett was born on April 6, 1944 in Louisville Mississippi to the parents of Alfonzia and Mattie Cistruck. Out of twelve children, she was the seventh. As Rutheunia, better known as Ruthie, dedicated her life to Christ at Mount Bell Church, her early years were characterized by a profound devotion to faith.

Ruthie attended Louisville Colored High School and then attended school in Meridian Mississippi, to study cosmetology. Ruthie had an affinity for sports and she was excellent in basketball. Ruthie watched all sports and her favorite quote was “Any Given Sunday”

In 1965, Ruthie relocated from Mississippi to Cleveland, Ohio. She married William Barnett, the love of her life, on June 10, 1967; the couple had no children together. Ruthie was employed as a Surgical Supply Sterilizing Instruments Employee at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus. She spent more than 40 years of her life there.

Since the early 1960’s, Ruthie and William Barnett have been devoted members of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. She participated in a number of ministries, including the choir, kitchen crew, and missionary team. She loved tending to the garden and assisting with the church grounds’ beautification by spreading mulch and planting flowers.

Ruthie departed this life on February 8, 2026, she was proceeded in death by her beloved husband William Barnett, her parents Alfonzia and Mattie Cistruck, her brothers James, Albert, Calvin, Leornard, Larence, Frankie, Lineal Cistruck and sister Martha Eilad.

Ruthie’s legacy lives on through her siblings Mary Clark, William (Iris) Cistruck all of Gary Indiana, Lucille Lockett of Louisville Mississippi.

Ruthie leaves to celebrate her memory to a host of friend’s and Relatives, God Son Ronnie, Neice Diane Oden, Phyllis Cistruck and Charesse Allen and a Special Niece Tookie. Special Thanks to Sharon Calloway-Price, Karen Hamilton, Deborah Williams, Brenda Robertson, Kerry Nelson (Twin), and Dwane Robinson. They all loved Ruthie as an adopted mother and helped take care of her in a very special way.