Margaret Ruth

Margaret Ruth, beloved daughter of the late Robert Deas and Carrie Williams Deas, was born March 29, 1945, in Newberry, South Carlonia. She entered eternal rest on October 13, 2025, at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.

Margaret received her education in the public schools of Newberry, South Carlonia. She graduated and married the late Murray Dawkins Ruth Jr., and from that union two sons were born. She relocated to Washington DC where she resided for the remainder of her life.

At Georgetown University Hospital she found work in environmental services where through hard work, dedication, and the support of her family rose to the position as an Assistant Director of Environmental Services. After retiring from that position, she moved on to Prince Georges Hospital Center working in communications where her managerial skills as well as an infectious love and caring of people were used to help elevate that departments’ effectiveness. She eventually moved into full retirement.

Throughout her life, there was one overarching theme, Love of Family. Through commanding love and the strongest of wills, she became the family's heart providing all a place to gather, reflect, discuss, and plan; always with grace, dignity, and positivity even during the most trying of times. She often stated she was nothing without her family, the truth is the family has lost our conductor who ensured family cohesion. This was her greatest strength.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her four brothers, Earnest Deas, Moses Deas, Willie Deas, and Robert Coleman, two sisters Hattie Lake and Dorthy Custis, and sisters-in-law Willia Mae Brown and Dorthy Dowdy Deas.

Left to cherish her are her sons Bruce B. Ruth and Murray D. Ruth III and wife Danielle N. Ruth, grandchildren Bruce L. Ruth and wife, Charenee Ruth, Bernard L. Ruth, Tiffany N. Dilligard, Amber N. Gartrell, Murray D. Ruth IV, great-grandchildren Kamari Ruth, Keymonte’ Ruth, Kameron Dilligard, Karmyn Ruth, Kennedi Ruth, Bryce Ruth, Kali Ruth, Kassidi Ruth, Kensli Ruth, Kacy Ruth, Jason E. Lowe, Amorah K. Hughes; sisters Helen Fielding, Barbara Deas of Washington, DC., and Mildred Simpkins of Newberry, South Carolina, brother-in-law James Custis of Washington, DC, sister-in-law Bessie Deas of Los Angeles, CA. and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Margaret Ruth will be forever with us watching and guiding from the arms of our lord.