Ruth had a rare spiritual-mindedness and the gift of discernment and was a very mature Christian, even at a young age. She was tender-hearted and meek, and her faith was tried by affliction, yet she found great strength from her Lord.
She had to care for her mother for years and insisted to all by herself, although it was quite a wearisome task. Her mother’s mind was deteriorating and she would demand a lot from her, but her Savior gave her strength and she persevered without complaint. She lost both her parents at a young age.
Ruth had very little and struggled making ends meet, but she prayed earnestly, and God would provide. At the same time, He would strengthen her faith. She would spend hours on her knees in prayer. At times she was able to make some money selling her needlework. But Ruth preferred to help those in need and charged very little.
This dear woman of God would often mourn that she was unprofitable, but gladly embraced every opportunity of witnessing for the Lord, or of helping His tried and afflicted people. She visited the sick and shared the Gospel every chance she could.
For many years she had a weekly meeting, for prayer and spiritual communion, in her house. This was known around to be a very sacred time. She visited weekly a home for wayward girls. She was a diligent Sunday school teacher. She also was active serving her Master in the church and participated faithfully in the means of grace. She loved to be among God’s people, especially those who walked closely with the Lord. She called herself “The Happy Gleaner.”
Ruth had, for some time, discovered symptoms of the painful and lingering disease of cancer, which ultimately caused her death. She didn’t tell anyone for a long time, until it was necessary for her to have aid with her medical treatment. At first, she was quite down and depressed, but soon she learned to glory in her infirmities, while she lay passive in His Hands. Her disease was known to make one quite irritable, but she was not. She continuously had the joy of the Lord amidst her afflictions. God’s grace was so evident in her life and carried her and prepared her for heaven. She cheerfully submitted to the will of God and lived in close communion with her Savior.
Ruth loved to write. There are books of her memoirs, devotionals, and letters written to others published full of her love for God.
After a long illness, she died at age 55. Just before she died, she refused visitors and was heard pleading with God. The very next morning, she went to be with her Lord.
"Ruth’s grand aim in life was to set forth Christ in His fullness, and to turn the spiritual eye from self and every other object- to Him, as the one way to pardon, peace, and holiness."
WHAT A GREAT WITNESS AND EXAMPLE HER LIFE IS TO US TODAY!! HEROES OF THE FAITH NEVER DIE!!
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