Ruth Collins

April 14, 1924 – April 16, 2026

Ruth M. Collins was born in Chattanooga, TN on April 14, 1924, and passed away peacefully in Saint Petersburg, FL on April 16, 2026, at the age of 102. Her life was marked by resilience, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and justice for her community.

Ruth was a proud and influential member of Mary Church Terrell, Inc., where she played a significant role in advancing its mission to champion equality and advocate for the rights and empowerment of women.

She was a steadfast pillar and trusted counselor, sought after by both leaders and colleagues throughout her distinguished 32-year career with Milwaukee County Mental Health Services. There, she served with compassion, wisdom, and determination, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew and worked with her.

Ruth was also a fervent and deeply compassionate union leader for Local 1055 ACME, serving in every elected office and ultimately as President. She served the community as Vice President of the Northside Democratic Party. Her leadership was defined by courage, fairness, and integrity, and she was widely respected for her tireless advocacy on behalf of others.

She was instrumental in the landmark class-action lawsuit, Johnnie Jones v. Milwaukee County (E.D.), which challenged unlawful discriminatory practices in employment, transfers, and promotions. The case resulted in multiple promotions, back pay, and formal recognition of seniority, bringing about meaningful workplace equity and expanded opportunities for many. Ruth’s advocacy helped secure justice and lasting change for countless individuals.

Above all, Ruth was a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch whose love, wisdom, and strength shaped generations.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Rosetta Perry, Sandra Wright of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and CW4 (Ret.) Brenda Myers (1SG (Ret.) Joseph Myers) of St. Petersburg, Florida. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Freddie Harris, Lawrence Harris (Lisa), Lovell Harris, Kimberly Perry, Joseph Spearman, and Najee Wright all of Milwaukee, WI; Diane Quarles and Adrian Butts of Atlanta, GA; SMSgt (Ret.) Aubrey Quarles (MSgt (Ret.) Chandra Quarles), of Dallas,TX and DeAndre Brown-Myers of St Petersburg, FL; and a sister Millie Shepherd. She will be deeply missed by her great-grandchildren, great-greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family across five generations.

Ruth was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Rosie Simon; her parents, Sterling and Mary Williams; her siblings, Joseph Kelly, Bessie Laws, Roosevelt Kelly and Glorious Malone; her grandchildren, Anthony Davenport and Regina Harris.

Ruth M. Collins will be laid to rest in the mausoleum at Wisconsin Memorial Park, located at 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005.

Her legacy of love, leadership, perseverance, and justice will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.