It was my privilege and honor to have met and gotten to know Ruth through my great friendship with her son, Gary. During my college years at EKU, Gary kindly invited me on many occasions to stay with his family on weekends, during which time I became acquainted with his parents. I remember Ruth treating me like one of the family and she was one of the kindest and most loving persons I have ever known in my life. One of the highlights of my visits, besides chumming around with Gary, was always being invited to dinner with the family to enjoy one of Ruth's homecooked meals. 

It was a great pleasure and honor to have known Ruth. She had that ability to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. She was sweet, gentle and so kind. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. 

I have so many fond memories of Grandma.  As a kid, I always loved my trips to Florida to visit.  I especially enjoyed our time baking and coloring together.  As an adult, my favorite memories were seeing her with my children.  Her great-grandchildren brought her so much joy and they all adored her. There was nothing better than sitting with Grandma and talking about anything and everything.  Grandma took the time to get to know any friend that I introduced to her.  All my friends loved her like their own grandmother!  She has touched so many lives and is missed dearly.    

Dear Precious Mrs. Ruth,
It was my honor to get to know you these past eight years.  We played many games of dominos as well as celebrated numerous occasions together.  As I type this my eyes well with tears and my heart breaks for your family.  You were the definition of class and elegance.  Your strength and determination continue to be such an inspiration to me.  I miss you so.
Love and Prayers,
Judy Graham


I knew Ruth for 48 years and she lived with us in Louisville, KY for 8 years.  She was one of the kindest, empathetic, and compassionate people I have ever met and I will miss her smiling face every morning as I took her the newspaper and shared memories.  I heard many times that I must be crazy to want my mother-in-law to live with us, but getting to know her better and grow closer while she lived with us is a privilege I will always treasure.  Her primary concern in life was always to do what was best for her friends and family and she would sacrifice her own comfort and pleasure to ensure other people were happy.  This trait is something I have rarely seen and truly set her apart.  Although her passing was sad and faster than we expected, she took her last breath after 90 years with no pain and with her family by her side.  This was a true blessing for her and her family.

My mom was the strongest woman I have ever known. She fought so hard the last few years to continue to be able to do everything for herself even after obstacles continued to come her way. She is my hero and I only hope I can be half the woman she was!
We were so blessed to have her live with us the past 8 years and have our grandchildren get the chance to spend time with her. We will miss her tremendously!

I remember Aunt Ruth as a very kind person, always wanting the best for everyone. Marty and I stayed in their home near Cincinnati, Ohio when we were traveling to raise our financial support for going to mission field many years ago. They were so kind to us.  We enjoyed all of you! Since living back in USA for the last 9 years, we have had  the privilege of meeting with Aunt Ruth and other family members for lunch when she was in Fl visiting.  Always enjoyed being with her! Will miss seeing her and enjoying her company.  We love you all and pray God’s best for you always!!  Marty and Jessie Starling 

I have fond memories of visiting Ruth back in the early 1980s. Claudia and Steve invited us to her home and of course she welcomed us with open arms. Any time we saw her, she was loving and kind. I just remember Ruth as being a very quiet and lovely example of what a mother is. 

Mrs. Alexander was always the quintessential southern lady to me, soft spoken yet politely firm.  Ever beautiful, even when I'd spend the night during school days and watch her close the kitchen by mopping the floor after fixing a super meal.  Her kindness meant so much when she was busy visiting family in Cincinnati, she and Claudia took the time to visit my mom who was in rehab at the time.   I will always remember her as a warm and loving person who put family first, a genuine lady.

Ruth was such a lovely person and made the best potato salad in the world! I enjoyed knowing her and I enjoyed playing dominoes with her. She had a strong spirit of determination which she displayed so gallantly through her health challenges. She will be greatly missed. 

We loved playing Dominoes with Ruth! Our Domino Diva! She was always so sweet and caring, always asking how we are all doing! She never complained about anything! She had a wonderful spirit even while having her sweet, gentile competitiveness as she won many games! We will sure miss her  and will have many loving memories of Ruth!

I dearly love Ruth, & I feel so blessed & fortunate to have had her in my life.  Ruth was like a second Mom to me, although I didn’t see her often enough.  She was always kind, & interested & compassionate about what would be happening in my life. 
She is very loved and missed❤️

One of my favorite memories of Ruth is how resilient and strong she was!  Through her injuries and illnesses late in life, she carried on, healed up, and is such an inspiration!  She didn’t complain constantly or put attention on herself… but others.

Wonderful woman to have known ❤️

Miss you Mom. Last month we lost a fantastic, wonderful, caring & loving Mother, Mother-in-Law,  Grandma and Great Grandma. We will never forget you & will love you forever!!!

Mom I miss you every day. I wait for your call each day. Just to have those calls again would be wonderful. You were the best person and mom anyone could have. Take care of dad and the rest of the family. Love you 

I loved looking at all the family pictures, it put a smile on my face.
I'll keep all of you in my thought and prayers.  Aunt Ruth will be missed by all who loved her.  My Mom said to us, don't be sad when I pass, I've lived a good long life.  Just remember all the good times we had together.
Love, Kathy Whitehead



Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your Mother.
My pleasure having her as a client -she was really a trooper and a fighter to overcome obstacles.
She always had a smile no matter what was going on.  Peace be with you!!

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Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, Cloyd Ashley Alexander, Jr. in 1998, her parents Samuel and Agatha Whitehead and multiple brothers and sisters. Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Gary Alexander (Nancy) of Milford, Ohio; Claudia Scott (Steve) of Louisville, Kentucky; Mike Alexander (Judy) of Middleburg, Florida; Cindy Wright (Chris) of Milford, Ohio and her sister, Helen Klicker of Jacksonville, Florida. Her loving grandchildren are Becky and Randi Gottesman; Chris Scott (Renee); Ashley Watson (Glenn); Justin Wright; Tiffanie Wise (Chris); Michael Alexander; and Alie Mulholland (Bryan). Her great-grandchildren Dillon, Tyler, Marcus, Ethan, Kate, Dawson, Sophia, Alyssa, Ruby, Arlo, Logan, Emery, and Luke are left with the wonderful memories of the times they were able to spend with her.

OBITUARY

Ruth W. Alexander

11 December, 1931 – 7 February, 2022

Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home

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