Ruth Willie King Ingram

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Willie Ruth Ingram, age 65 passed away on December 5, 2013 after a four year battle with cancer. Ruthie, as she loved to be called, was born on July 13, 1948 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Ruby Theresa and Willie King. She was reared in Lake Charles and graduated from W.O. Boston High School. She obtained her degree in accounting and worked for many years in corporate America.

Ruthie met the love of her life Michael Ingram in 1982. They married in a Bahá’í ceremony in Castro Valley, California and were happily married for 30 years. She loved her beloved Bahá’í Faith, where she served on the Local Spiritual Assemblies of Castro Valley and Burlingame, California.

Ruthie shared lots of joy through her music. She enthusiastically sang and taught the Bahá’í Faith on many occasions. Her love and dedication to music caused her to participate in a Bahá’í Choir that toured Europe in 2002. Ruthie loved motorcycling with her husband and made many trips through the mountains of California. She also enjoyed bike riding in Houston as a way to stay healthy.

In the last few years, due to her bout with cancer, she spent a lot of time enjoying her computer and watching television. In the last two years, she was elated to have the opportunity to sing the first Sunday of each month at her Bahá’í family and Friends gatherings.

Ruthie is survived by her husband, Michael L. Ingram, her son, Ray Williams of Everett, WA. Her siblings in order of birth: Cherry Fern Steinwender, Geneva Ray King, Lois Marie McGill all of Houston, TX, Carol Faye King of Ridgeland, MS, Cynthia Gail Gale Ogoe of Richmond, TX, Lesha Patrice King of Houston, TX and Willie Don King of Modesto, CA; her grandchildren, Brittany and Malcolm Williams; daughter-in-law, Nancy Williams; her nephews, William Gregory King, Jubal T. Thomas, Albert Ogoe, Jr., Emmanuel Ogoe, and Dereq Ogoe; her nieces, Cicily Ri’cae King, Harmony McGill, and brother-in-laws, Siegfried Steinwender, Albert Ogoe and a host of cousins and other relatives. Ruthie was preceded in death by her son, Darrell Williams, her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts.

Celebration of Ruthie’s transition to the spiritual world:

11:30 am - 12:45 pm, Saturday, December 14, 2013

Pot-luck lunch and fellowship:

Calvary Hill Funeral Home

21723 Aldine Westfield Road

Humble, TX 77338-1072

(281) 443-3340

The Service and Reflections commences 1:00 pm with Burial procession to follow.

In lieu of flowers, for members of the Bahá’í Faith only, the Family humbly request donations be made in Ruthie’s honor to the Houston Bahá’í Fund. For all other Friends and Family, your donations to the charity for The Center for the Healing of Racism are greatly appreciated:

Members of the Bahá’í Faith: Houston Bahá’í Fund

Post Office Box 301190

Houston, TX 77230-1190

All the Friends and Family: Center for the Healing of Racism

Post Office Box 27327

Houston, TX 77227

My Last Letter to Ruthie

My Dearest Ruthie,

Today we are celebrating your life. I am here to tell everybody, about the most wonderful person I have ever met. Before I met you I was definitely not interested in meeting anyone to break my heart again. I had resigned to remain a bachelor for the rest of my life. But with the help of your sister, Cherry, and her husband, Sigi, they destroyed that idea. They kept bugging me to no end. In order to keep peace with these two lovely people, I reluctantly called you.

When I heard your voice on the phone for the first time, I knew you were special. Your voice was absolutely enchanting. I wanted to know more about you. We talked long distance almost every day. Of all the bills that I received during that time I welcomed the phone bill.

Well, we hooked up and went to Tahiti for our honeymoon. That was the most enjoyable time of my life. I knew that I did not have to ever worry about my heart being broken again. It was a new beginning for the both of us.

You see, over the past thirty years, you taught me how to be a man, to love, to laugh at tribulations and adversities and to keep God in the forefront of my mind. You were an example of a true maiden.

Whenever we got in front of people to do our thing, your singing and my playing the drums; we were doing what God wanted us to do, I believe. I felt fortunate that I had the opportunity to be right next to you to hear that sensuous, smooth, soothing, and vibrant voice.

Your smile every morning greeted me and everyday was a good day.

Even while battling the dreadful disease of cancer for four years; your smile never failed to dismiss the nightmare I may have had. Your enthusiasm was contagious; no wonder everyone loves you so much.

You taught me how to play drums and harmonica from the heart and soul of my being. You taught me to be strong, you taught me to hear, despite my hearing difficulties. You taught me to teach the Faith fearlessly with drums and harmonica.

Ruthie, you were my shining star, companion, lover, and best of all my friend in my woes.

The last time I saw you; you were on your death bed. I prayed the Long Healing Prayer, and while praying I would glance down at you. Even in death, I saw a beautiful being; those glances showed me that you are happy in the realm of God. You gave me the inspiration and courage to carry on the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. Because of you, I will dedicate the rest of my life in teaching the Bahá’í Faith through the arts and remember you when I create. For God has created us to live together in Oneness and Harmony. He created us as family of One Race. He created us as Sisters and Brothers. He created us to be compassionate, loving human beings. He created a new Faith by sending us Bahá’u’lláh to bring about a New Race of Man.

Praise be to God.

December 2013