Ruthann Louise Rountree

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear sister, Ruthann Louise Rountree. Ruthann, who later in life preferred to be called 'Rukiya,’ began life in Denver, CO. She was born to her earthly parents, Charles Lindy Rountree and Marian Louise Rountree, on March 18, 1950. She was called home by her Heavenly Father on January 21, 2025. Ruthann was preceded in death by her parents, beloved stepmother, Marie Louise Rountree, grandparents Horace and Elizabeth Rountree, and grandparents Norman Walker, Sr. and Nellie Ruth Jenkins, who she affectionately called 'Momsey' and 'Pop Jenkins.' She was a cherished sister, aunt, friend and minister known for her deep faith in God, strong personality, independent spirit, infectious laugh, kind heart, generosity, and unwavering support for those she loved. Among her many interests were Bible study, counseling, genealogy, music and the arts, politics, writing and travel.

A pupil of Denver Public Schools, Ruthann attended Wyatt Elementary, Cole Junior High and graduated from East High School. She then earned the Bachelor of Social Work, University of Nebraska, 1972, Master of Social Work, University of Denver, 1973, Master of Divinity, Fuller Theological Seminary, 1988, and completed postgraduate Social Work Studies, University of Southern California.

During her illustrious career, Ruthann was a licensed clinical worker, lecturer, ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and received the Governor’s Award State of California and named Outstanding Young Women of America, both in 1987. Ruthann was also listed as a noteworthy social worker, lecturer by Marquis Who's Who. She loved the academic environment and worked in various capacities at the School of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach as director of admissions, faculty and part-time faculty, from 1989 to 2005. She served as director of training and education at Martin Luther King Jr., Charles R. Drew Medical Center, Los Angeles County from 1997 until she retired in 2009. She pledged Sigma Gamma Rho, Gamma Tau Sigma Chapter, in 2008 and was a debutante of that sorority in 1968.

Ruthann is survived by her siblings, Charles Felix (Jorraine) Rountree of Aurora, CO, Eric Joel (Kathy) Rountree of Denver, CO and Cherlyn Ann Jenkins of Atlanta, GA, niece Cassia (Mark) Davis of Aurora, CO, nephew Connor Rountree of Denver, CO, other relatives, church family members and numerous friends. A homegoing to celebrate her life will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at the chapel at Olinger Highland Cemetery, 10201 Grant St., Thornton, CO. Viewing will be held at the chapel at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ruthann’s name to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the Arthritis Foundation, and/or the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.