Ruth May (Beatty) Parker was born November 30 in Lexington, Kentucky, to Mary Elizabeth White and Garland Spencer Beatty. She lived a life defined by faith, love, service, and community.

Ruth graduated from Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky, and briefly attended Kentucky State University before enlisting in the Women's Army Corps. Stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War, she met the love of her life, Air Force Policeman James Parker of Detroit, Michigan. After their honorable discharges, the two married and began their life together, welcoming three daughters: Cheryl, and twins Fran and Pam. Ruth and James celebrated 68 years of devoted marriage.

Ruth later pursued higher education at Wayne State University, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in social work. She enjoyed a brief career as a psychiatric nurse before dedicating over 30 years of service to the State of Michigan Department of Social Services.

A woman of profound faith, Ruth was a dedicated member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 44 years, where she served under the leadership of Reverend Louis Forsythe. Ruth joyfully contributed to her church community as a Willing Worker, a member of the Senior Usher Board, and part of the Membership Committee. Her testimony, "Down through the years, God's been good to me," exemplified her trust in the Lord. Ruth quietly demonstrated her thoughtfulness by sending anonymous cards each year to every church member born in November and to all the mothers of the church on Mother's Day. Each card included a small monetary gift, a gesture of her generosity and love for her church family.

Ruth and James shared a passion for travel, embarking on 27 cruises together. They especially cherished jazz cruises, where they enjoyed performances by legendary artists like Joe Williams, Dexter Gordon, Oscar Peterson, and Dizzy Gillespie, with whom they even shared photographs.

Beyond her family and faith, Ruth was deeply committed to improving her community. She served as secretary for the Krainz Wood Neighborhood Organization, the Farwell Recreation Advisory Council, and treasurer of the Upper Dean Street Block Club. Her past affiliations included the March of Dimes Social Committee, WSU Alumni Association, M.O.R.S. Radio Patrol, and Gamma Phi Delta Sorority. She volunteered at the Michigan State Fair for several years and once served as a precinct delegate. For her countless contributions, Ruth was honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious Spirit of Detroit Award from Councilmember Scott Benson in 2023. Ruth generously donated to many charitable organizations including the United Negro College Fund, NAACP, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Diabled American Veterans, Women's Memorial, Wayne State School of Social Work, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Salvation Army and others.

An artist at heart, Ruth loved crafting, painting, collecting art, sewing, and quilting, attending classes at Farwell Recreation Center for many years. She was also an avid reader, often immersed in multiple books at a time. Ruth had a vibrant and fiery personality, unafraid to stand up for her beliefs and speak her mind. Her authenticity and warmth endeared her to many, and she cherished the connections she built with friends and family. Ruth had a gift for conversation, spending countless hours on the phone sharing stories, laughter, and support with her loved ones. Thoughtful and generous, she delighted in sending beautiful cards to celebrate holidays and birthdays, ensuring those she cared for always felt special and remembered.

Ruth transitioned peacefully on November 25, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, service, and cherished memories. She is survived by her devoted husband James; her daughters Cheryl (Anthony) Taylor, Fran Parker, and Pam Parker; and her beloved granddaughter, Chanel ("Yum") Taylor. She is also lovingly remembered by her exceptional nieces Rose, Regina, Erica, and Gisele, her nephew Kenneth (Undreya); her special cousins Lynise, Angie, Mariah, and John of the Beatty family of Kentucky, and John Michael "Big Mike" of California. Ruth also leaves behind dear friends Anna Madison, Mae Corbett, Mary Ford, Betty Etters, Margaret Brooks, and many others who enriched her life.

Ruth's life was a testament to her faith, love, and commitment to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her.