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1929 - 2010
 Ruth G. Russell (1929-2010)
Ruth G. Russell, 80, of Ashland, Ky., died Feb. 3, 2010, at her residence following a brief illness.
She was born April 18, 1929, in Louisville, Ky., and came to Ashland in 1945.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elza B. and Maxie Clevenger Ball; two loving husbands, Clifton Griffith in 1971 and Joe K. Russell in 1986; sons Kevin Griffith in 1976 and Steven Griffith in 2008; and a sister, Joy Bowling.
She was a former medical secretary for KDMC and Dr. Ashworth and a nanny and caregiver. She was instrumental in founding Community Hospice after the death of her son, Kevin, in 1976.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Ashland for 55-plus years, where she was a member of the choir and a Sunday school teacher and chairman of the prayer chain. More recently, she was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church.
Surviving are a son, David B. Griffith, and wife Lee of Versailles, Ky.; a stepson, Robert Russell, and wife Tawnee of Versailles; a daughter, Jennifer Griffith Sawyer of Berea, and her fiancé, Buzz Vaughn; sisters Hope Moore and husband Duran of Lexington, Grace Moore and husband Harold of Ashland, Nell Blemler of Massillon, Ohio, and Francie Shumate and husband Bill of Ashland; grandchildren Tyler, Matthew, Jennifer, Jacob, David and Lori; great-grandchildren Kevin, Mackenzie, Taylor and Noel; a lifelong friend, Doris Gallaher; and a special friend, Jim Melvin.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, at Steen Funeral Home-13th Street Chapel in Ashland by Dr. Ronnie Mayes and Dr. Harold Moore. Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park.
Friends may call after 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Friends may make contributions to Community Hospice, 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
She lived a wonderful life of spiritual integrity and vivacious good humor. Despite her many losses, she remained a testament of neverending faith and a symbol of strength and compassion to all who knew and adored her.
Condolences may be sent to www.steenfuneralhomes.com.
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There are currently 16 condolences.
Jennifer Bowling/Owens
Friday February 12, 2010 at
3:07 PM
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I was just advised of Ruth's passing. I loved her dearly. Both she and Joe were my former Sunday School teachers, and we became very close friends. I thought of her just a few days ago, and how much I would love to see her again. She will be truely missed, but we will see both she and Joe when we gather at the river in paradise.
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Sen. Walter Blevins
Friday February 12, 2010 at
10:42 AM
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My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. May God bless and comfort.
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Sen. Walter
Friday February 12, 2010 at
10:41 AM
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Bill and Sharon Messer
Thursday February 11, 2010 at
8:01 AM
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Ruth was one of the most devout Christians whom we've ever known. She taught us much about love, prayer, faith and many other qualities that really matter.
We send our love and sympathy to her wonderful family and friends.
Bill and Sharon Messer
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Steve & Billie Sue Custer
Sunday February 7, 2010 at
9:58 AM
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Just read about Ruth and can hardly believe it. She was such a doll and we all loved her. We are so very sorry.
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Doris Rahlmann and family
Friday February 5, 2010 at
10:43 PM
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So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. Ruth was such a loving and caring person who will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with her family during this time.
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Ann Neyer Beatty
Friday February 5, 2010 at
9:20 PM
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Having grown up in Ashland as a friend of Jenny, I remember sitting at the kitchen table and having Mrs. Russell (Griffith at the time) talking and laughing with us. I know she will be missed and I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. I send my heartfelt condolence. Remember the smiles and laughter.
Loving thoughts to you.
Ann
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Ronnie Thomas
Friday February 5, 2010 at
6:12 PM
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Dave, Aunt Jen and family.
I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family. I know what a super lady she was to raise the wonderful family I know and love. She will live on in each of you. Though I cant be there with you Saturday, you guys will be here with me in my mind and heart.
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Keith Fitch Mills
Friday February 5, 2010 at
4:51 PM
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Jenny, I was very sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was a very special person to me and I always felt like she was a friend. i have'nt seen her for quite some time as I live in Georgetown and don't get back to Ashland much. i used to see her a lot when we lived on Iroquois Ave. Please accept my sincere condolences.
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Jack Kain Ford
Friday February 5, 2010 at
4:46 PM
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Your family is in the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the dealership. We are making a donation to Hospice in her name per your request.
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Barbara Hinton
Friday February 5, 2010 at
12:08 PM
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Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ruth was such a wonderful, special woman to all who knew her and will be sorely missed. I count it a blessing to have known her and to recall her sweet spirit and witness for the Lord. May God bless each of you.
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Tim Galyon
Friday February 5, 2010 at
10:21 AM
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I wish I could be in Ashland on Saturday to celebrate the life of this wonderful woman. I enjoyed leading her in the choir at FBC Ashland for several years. I will never forget her sweet spirit and mischievous little giggle. I have many fond memories of her and her family. Blessings on all of her family as they celebrate her life in these coming days.
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Marc Fairchild, Blue Ribbon Lanes, (1965-1990)
Thursday February 4, 2010 at
11:44 PM
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Bob and Tawnee Russell, My sincere condolence to the family. May God Bless. Marc Fairchild, Winston-Salem, NC.
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David and Sheryl Powers
Thursday February 4, 2010 at
9:39 PM
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We were so sorry to hear of Ruth's death. She was such a fine Christian lady....always gracious and loving.
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David Russell
Thursday February 4, 2010 at
3:40 PM
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Nana Ruth was one in a million. I am so blessed to have had her as a grandmother. When I was two years old, she adopted me when she married my grandfather Joe Russell. She continuously showed me unconditional love from the time she came into my life until the end. How she lived her life can be best summed up by the following verses in Romans 5:1-5: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith, into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out with love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Throughout Nana Ruths life she persevered, which defined her character, and she had hope in Gods glory. I know today she is not disappointed. She will truly be missed.
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Martha Barraza-Griffith
Thursday February 4, 2010 at
1:24 PM
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My deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. Never met her but always hoped I would after hearing so many great things about her.
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