Ruth Virginia Whitford

2024. Ruth was born in Hollywood, Florida and was a resident of Hollywood her entire life. She was 

the 4th out of 10 children born to her parents. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 

68 years, Russell H. Whitford, (parents) Denver & Dorothy Pruitt, (9 siblings) Denver Pruitt Jr., 

Dorothy Champion, Leona Allen, Mildred Dalton, Frederick Pruitt, Charles Pruitt, Betty Hill, Richard 

Pruitt, Robert Pruitt, (daughter in law) Anne Winkler and (step-grandson) Harry Winkler.

She is survived by her children, Sheila Whitford and Arnold (Cindy) Whitford, her grandchildren, Jon 

Whitford, Cassie (Mario) De Paola, Jay (Capresa) Winkler, Tina Winkler, her great grandchildren, 

Jude De Paola, Mila De Paola, Cayle (Savannah) Winkler, Meggan Winkler, Lucas Martinsen and 

Sophia Winkler, her caregiver of 10 years Donna Kelly along with her many nieces, nephews, great 

nieces and nephews and friends.

Ruth attended and was a member of the Hollywood Gospel/Bible Chapel since early 

childhood. She and Russell were married at the chapel in June 1946 raising and teaching their 

children of God’s love and promise. Ruth worked as a waitress at Fowlers Restaurant until she 

retired in 1979. Ruth loved to cook and bake for large gatherings and would always volunteer to 

coordinate or make something whether it was for family or church. She was a generous and giving 

soul and didn’t want anyone to be hungry. She instilled these values in her children and 

grandchildren. Ruth had an enormous and overwhelming love for her family, and she will be truly 

missed. 

Services will be held at Fred Hunter Funeral Home

6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL

Saturday, October 5th with visitation beginning at 10:00 am

Services starting at 11:00 am followed with the graveside service. 

A reception will follow in the community room back at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations to benefit mission work be made to Boulevard Bible 

Chapel for benefit of Dorle Smith, 6800 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024