Ruth Ollinger Harwood

She was born Jan. 1, 1926, and grew up in the lively company of siblings and cousins who spent happy summers together “over the bay” in Point Clear. She graduated from the Academy of the Visitation in 1944 and from St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Ind., in 1948. She married John Harwood on June 7, 1950, and together they raised six children in St. Pius X Catholic Parish. Whenever asked her occupation, she said: “I’m a homemaker, I’m not a housewife. I did not marry a house.”

She was active at St. Pius Church and School, a member of the Cursillo Movement, and a volunteer at the Visitation Monastery. She is remembered for her kindness and service to others, caring for her parents and siblings in their final years; caring for her children and grandchildren until her final days. As one of her nephews put it: "It’s no exaggeration to say that [she] was the most naturally kind person I have ever met."

She was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2005, after 55 years of marriage; and by her six brothers and sisters, Leo Ollinger, Tom Ollinger, Nell Miles, William Ollinger, Mary Margaret Kelliher and Sivewright Carden. She is survived by six children: Margaret (William Matthews) Harwood of Springfield, Va.; Marilyn (David) Dwyer, of Maryville, Tenn.; Jody (William) Sedgwick, of Dripping Springs, Texas; John (Carol) Harwood Jr. of Mobile.; Susie (Bill) Barton, of Mobile; and Richard (Tabitha) Harwood of Wilmer; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Stephanie Bass, Daisy Inge, Brittany Chapman and Lucille Rankin, who offered patient and loving care in her final years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. preceding Mass in the church vestibule. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Pius X Catholic Church General Fund, 217 S. Sage Ave., Mobile, AL 36606; Little Flower Catholic Church, 2053 Government St., Mobile, AL 36606, or Visitation Monastery of Mobile, 2300 Springhill Ave., Mobile, AL 36607.

Funeral arrangements by RADNEY FUNERAL HOME, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.