Ruth K. Newcomer

Ruth Kennedy Newcomer, a Mom, a Mau-Mau, Sister and friend to many went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. She has run the race, kept the faith and now is laid up for her a crown of jewels. Ruth was a native of Crowville, LA. Born August 31, 1928 to Alton J. and Bonnie Ruth Caldwell Kennedy. Ruth is survived by one son, Stephen Michael Newcomer and wife Donnett of Baton Rouge; a brother, Robert F. Kennedy and wife Glenda of Monroe, LA; one niece, Sonya Hogg and husband Monty; four nephews: Gary Clay and wife Mary, Perry Clay and wife Martha, Brian Kennedy and wife Leslie, and Todd Kennedy and wife Connie; numerous great nieces and nephews; and close and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Jean Kennedy Clay. Ruth attended La. Business College in Monroe, La., worked at Ouachita Nat'l. Bank for four years then moved to Baton Rouge and became employed at Capital Bank in June 1957. She worked at Capital Bank 33 years and in1971 pioneered Women in Banking, by becoming the first woman to be named a Bank Branch Manager in the entire Baton Rouge area. She began as a Bank Teller, then Secretary, Branch Manager and Asst. Vice President. She worked as an assistant to the Marketing Director and in Correspondent Banking, calling on banks in Louisiana as well as coordinating all correspondent events. During her years in banking she was named Baton Rouge Secretary of the Year, was made President of National Secretaries Assoc. and Nat'l Assoc. of Bank Women of Baton Rouge. During her time in marketing in 1955 she co-authored a 25" anniversary publication "A Sterling Partnership Baton Rouge - Capital Bank". After her banking career she worked as an Association Manager managing College of Diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics, the La. Community Bankers Assoc. and La. HUD Assoc. Ruth was actively involved in Missions and organized and directed several mission trips to New Mexico and also to Guadalajara, Mexico. In 1991 she was thrust overseas to where she spent most of the 1990s in Russia, on staff as Pastor to 20-30 year olds at Moscow Christian Center. Ruth helped plant three churches in Russia. She also taught the Bible for 2 years to three six grade classes in the Russian Public School. She started a Children's Ministry in the largest Oncology Hospital in Russia teaching young Russians how to minister and pray for the children. She started Children's Church that met every Sunday afternoon at the hospital, come snow, blizzard, rain or shine. They taught bible stories, did two drama (Easter and Christmas) songs, and praying for the children, parents and staff. She was also a Cell Leader and traveled across Moscow weekly at night to her cell meeting. While in Russia she traveled to Europe where she spoke to the Women's Aglow group at De Hague and in Rotterdam, and in the church at Hombrectikon, Switzerland. On return to the states she became an active volunteer in two hospitals. She said that was her ministry, going to visit between 20-30 patients weekly, ministering to them, and leading many to come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. Ruth was a part of Intercessors for Louisiana, and prayer team for Tony Perkins and FRC, worked with Evangelistic outreaches, i.e. WOW JAM, Final Exit. She also worked for some time with Steve and Diane Adcock in Streams of Life Ministries. Ruth attended Victory Harvest Church from 1983, loved the people and ministered as the Lord led. Gifts to Regions Beyond (ministry friends in South Africa, planting churches and getting people saved by the thousands) P.0.Box 12549, Tallahassee, FL 32317, would be her heart’s desire. A visitation for Ruth will be held Saturday, March 11th, from 11-1 with service at 1:00 at Rabenhorst East Funeral Home.