Ruth Rebecca Chambers

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband Raymond “Duke” Chambers. Ruth is also preceded in death by her father, mother, 2 brothers, 4 sisters, and 1 great-grandson.

Ruth’s surviving children are:

Linda Bodey of Miamisburg, Ohio

Dennis Chambers of Brandon, Florida

Randy Chambers of Plant City, Florida

Michelle Duncan of Oviedo, Florida

Kim Pleggenkuhle of Waucoma, Iowa

Patricia Dehaven of Portland, Oregon

Josie Chambers of Phoenix, Arizona

Ruth also has 15 surviving grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

While in her youth the family moved several times before settling down in Covington, Ohio. It was here Ruth learned some very strong work ethics caring for 50-75 rabbits every day. She also developed a love for caring of the elderly by watching and assisting her mother. While living in Covington she lost her older brother James, who was killed in France during WWII. She graduated in 1946 from Covington High School. After High School her family moved to Lake Alford, Florida. Ruth stayed behind and married Lloyd McNeilan. A few years later they had a beautiful baby girl, Linda. This is also when Ruth began a 20 year career with the Atlas Underwear Company. She never forgot the kindness she received by all the older women who worked there. Unfortunately, the marriage wasn’t successful and she later married a boy she had met at age 16 who was now a sailor, Raymond “Duke” Chambers. They were married June 13, 1952 in Piqua, Ohio. They welcomed the births of two songs Dennis, and later, Randy.

Throughout the 1960’s, on Friday nights, Ruth would load her 3 children, 2 nieces and a nephew (Alice, Brenda, and David) into the car and off to the drive-in they would go.

In 1970, the couple bought a rundown restaurant and quickly remodeled it and named it Dukes Restaurant. In 1973, they sold the restaurant and moved to Brandon, Florida to be closer to Ruth’s aging mother living in Valrico, Florida.

In 1977, Ruth and Duke decided to become foster parents. Many children would pass through their home. They fell in love with their first foster child, Michelle. A few years later, they adopted Michelle.

Again, a few years later they adopted 3 more girls, Patty, Josey, and Kim. Ruth and Duke had joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1964 while living in Piqua, Ohio. Many lifelong friendships were started there. From that day forward Ruth served a life of selfless sacrifice for others. In the mid-1980’s, Ruth’s mother moved back to Ohio with her older daughter Mary, who was able to care for her aging mother who could no longer live on her own. Ruth was caring and compassionate and cared for most aging people she encountered.

She was a babysitter for her children, and a chauffeur to anyone who needed her help. She also gave many hours of service to the needy.

In the 1980’s and 1990’s, Ruth and Duke owned and operated D&R Cleaning Service. Customers included Coke, Clerk of Courts, Brandon Academy, Children’s Academy, and many more.

Ruth loved to travel, even if it meant loading her children in the car for a road trip. She made three trips out west to Utah, one to California and Nevada, and several trips to Florida and Michigan. One year she and Randy went to visit Linda while living in Germany. It was then they traveled to France where her brother was buried in WWII.

Ruth’s last wish and desire was to pass away in her home as Duke had previously done. Thanks to her son, Dennis, Hospice, granddaughter Hollie, and Hollie’s mother Deb, we were able to keep from putting Grandma in a nursing home.

During her final days she admonished her son Randy with a statement that summed up her life.

“Randy, I’m not like most people!!!!

I forgive everyone and love everyone.”

A visitation for Ruth will be held Friday, June 16, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1412 John Moore Road, Brandon, FL 33511, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Chambers family.