Ruth M Leath

Shortly after Ruth was born January 25,1936 in Talladega, Alabama to Estelle and Fred Massey, the family moved to Irondale where she was a lifelong resident. She attended Shades Valley High School and after graduation worked for 7 years at U.S. Pipe. She met and married James T. Leath, Sr. and they had two children, Sara Catherine and James T. Leath, Jr. Ruth was a homemaker until both children were in high school and she returned to work at Phoenix Supply Company until she retired in December 2000.

Ruth was well known for lighting up the room with her beautiful smile. She had a generous, loving, kind heart. She was an active member in her church, Irondale United Methodist, for 68 years. She served by teaching Children’s Sunday School, participating in United Methodist Women in her younger years, and attended regularly. She lived by one of the United Methodist beliefs which is to remain faithful members of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world. She prayed faithfully and read her Bible daily.

Ruth was an avid Alabama College Football fan. Ruth loved to shop, loved clothes, loved eating out and loved having her hair done every week. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her two sisters Ann Fortenberry and Doris Holder and their husbands, Gerald Fortenberry and Charles Holder. She continued to be blessed with wonderful sisters-in-law, Jane Atchison and Peggy Eady and her husband, Roy Eady. She is now reunited with the family members that preceded her in death Sara Massey, Bobby & Bobbie Sue Massey, Charles Massey, A.B. Leath, Jr. & Betty Leath, Jo & Kenneth Prince, John Atchison and Carolyn & Matt Olsofski. She has numerous nieces and nephews that held a special place in her heart.

Ruth was most proud of her children Sara, Jim, Chris and Leslie, grandchildren Jamie Willoughby, Hunter (Morgan) Leath, Drew Willoughby, Austin (Emma) Leath, and Harrison Leath. She was over the moon for her only great grandchild Cornelia Ann Leath. Not a day went by that she did not miss her husband, James, who passed away too early in December 1997.

Ruth had many families. The one she was born into, the one she and her husband created, her church family, a family of friends and her St. Martin’s family.

Ruth passed away peacefully in the loving care of Compassus Hospice Care on November 21, 2024.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Irondale United Methodist Church on Tuesday November 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation and lunch to follow the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to the Irondale United Methodist Church.