Ruth E. Jacobs

Ruth E. Jacobs, of Clayton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve at the age of seventy-nine. Born on April 30, 1946, in Norfolk, Virginia, Ruth spent her childhood years in Gardner, Massachusetts, roots that shaped her independence, resilience, and lifelong love of learning.

Ruth graduated from Sargent College at Boston University with a degree in sports medicine, beginning a professional life defined by excellence, discipline, and care for young people. She devoted thirty-five years to education as a Physical Education teacher in the Boston Public Schools, serving at the Patrick F. Gavin School and Quincy School. Ruth held herself, and those around her, to the highest professional standards, earning the respect of colleagues and the admiration of generations of students.

Her leadership extended well beyond the gymnasium. For more than two decades, Ruth directed the National Youth Sports Program at Boston University and the University of Massachusetts Boston, creating and expanding programs that served thousands of children through summer enrichment and athletic development. She was especially proud of building the gymnastics and sports programs at Quincy School, including her beloved Flying Dragons Tumbling Team, a source of joy, confidence, and community for so many young athletes.

A passionate world traveler and devoted bibliophile, Ruth believed deeply in learning through experience. Among her many adventures, she especially treasured her journey to Finland to reconnect with her heritage, as well as her recent travels to Istanbul, Rome, Athens, and England, where she delighted in history, food, and culture. Of course, she loved spending time in Disney World with her family and especially her grandchildren. Her last trip on Thanksgiving this year will be one for the record books as she visited every park in one day and did as much as one person could do in a week. She approached life with curiosity and conviction and with no shortage of opinions. Fiercely loyal, she was a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide fan and an unapologetic admirer of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Ruth was preceded in death by her grandparents, Otto and Ida Johnson, and her parents, Morel and Dorothy St. John.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; her son, Matthew; her daughter-in-law, Bethany; and her two beloved grandchildren, Connor and Genevieve, who were the great joys of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Donna Irons, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss her deeply.

Ruth loved with intensity and gave generously. She worked tirelessly for her family, cherished Christmas, adored all her pets especially her faithful companion of the last four years, her dog Bentley. She possessed a sharp wit that was matched only by her deep kindness. She was passionate in all things, deeply caring, and unforgettable to those who knew her well.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at UNC Johnston Hospital in Smithfield for the compassion, expertise, and care they showed Ruth in her final days. Their kindness made an immeasurable difference.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation and a funeral service at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ruth’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.