Naomi “Ruth” Cary, age 85, born October 20, 1941, in Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on November 6, 2026, from ovarian cancer. She was the daughter of Eugene Bush Thompson and Vernie Lee Roller Thompson. Ruth graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Faith and family were at the heart of Ruth’s life. As a member of Berney Points Baptist Church, her faith provided a strong foundation throughout her life. She devoted herself especially to her children, grandchildren, and their families, taking great joy in being involved in their lives. Ruth’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so deeply. Her children and family were the focal point of her life, her love, faith, and devotion to them will remain an enduring part of their memory.
Ruth also had a long career of public service, retiring after 34 years with the Jefferson County Department of Health.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Bush Thompson and Vernie Lee Roller Thompson; her son, Robert Wayne Cary; her sisters, Dorothy Jean Withers, Josephine Sue Beeson, and Ethelyn Thompson; and her brothers, William Franklin Thompson, James Stephen Thompson, Michael David Thompson, Eugene Bush Thompson, and John Wesley Thompson.
Ruth is survived by her children, Cynthia Lynn Wilkerson (Bryan) and Mark David Cary (Kim); her grandchildren, Grant Wilkerson, Spencer Cary, Tara Cary Copeland (Patrick), and RJ Cary (Kaitlyn); and her great-grandchildren, Winter Copeland and Rowan Jeffrey Cary. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Vernie Lee Watson, Rachel Ann Reed, and Esther Louise Brown (Wayne); her brothers, Joseph Andrew Thompson (Melva) and Doyle Dell Thompson.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 13, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am until the service begins at 10:45am at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, Alabama.
