Ruth was born & raised in Starke, Florida where she graduated from Bradford County High School. Upon graduation she moved to Jacksonville where she met and married her husband Cloyd A. Alexander, Jr. When Cloyd was transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio in late 1959 she and Cloyd moved their family there in the spring of 1960. However, to her children’s delight, she always kept her flair for cooking real Southern comfort food.
Ruth was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Gi-GI and Grandma. She had a gentle and kind personality and always made people around her comfortable and at ease. She made friends everywhere she went and leaves many friends in Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky.
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.
Visitation will be Friday, February 18 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park Florida. Visitation will be from 10-11 am with the funeral service directly afterwards. The burial will be at Jacksonville Memorial Gardens upon completion of the services.
A family celebration of life will be held in Starke, Florida. on Saturday, February 19. Place and time are to be determined; please contact Gary, Claudia, Mike, or Cindy for details.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in her name to Hosparus of Louisville, 3532 Ephraim McDowell Dr, Louisville, KY, 800-264-0521, www.hosparushealth.org
Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
