The years go by so fast, and it feels like you've been gone for a really long time, because I miss you so much! I'm planning on going to Turkey soon. I don't think it will be the same without you. Ruthie dear, rest well!

YOU ARE FORVER MISSER AUNTY ...THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING...HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY

Dear Tantie Ruth,

Loving memories of you are still very fresh and alive. Do continue to Rest In Peace. Your legacy lives on... ❤️ And God is with us

Still cherishing fond memories of you.Still loving you, still grieving for you, and yet knowing you're still resting comfortably with The Lord

Happy posthumous 55th birthday, Sis Ruth. We celebrate the life you lived. You are forever loved and missed.Continue to rest in peace, sweet one.

Jackie and I cherish fond memories of you as a dear sister in Christ who loved the Lord Jesus Christ, served Him and trusted Him to the end! If we have been blessed because we met you, we can only imagine the impact you have had on Ernest, Yaw, Kwabena, Maame and indeed the extended family members! Thank God for you life!
We miss you! We will see you someday in glory!

Dearest Tantie Ruth,

I have finally summoned up some courage to write and post my tribute to you. Much as we all knew how sick you were, your courage, faith in God and will to live helped to make each conversation with you ‘normal.’ Even almost two months after, I have to keep reminding myself that you are now with our Lord God Almighty.

Last week, I shared a post on women and friendship with some friends/relatives including you on WhatsApp, but I had to reluctantly delete your name because it dawned on me that you are not here to receive, read or respond to the message.

You were full of life, love, hope and courage. You fought the good fight, you finished your race (2 Timothy 4:7) even though we would have really loved for you to continue to be on life’s race, and you kept your faith. We learnt all of these and more from you.

I am grateful to God for the opportunities that we had to spend some quality time together chatting about anything and everything, laughing, eating your delicious homemade GLUTEN FREE meals, dancing and praying. Memories of these times remain indelible in my heart and I thank you so much for everything. Whenever I see a colorful outfit or pair of shoe, I smile because it makes me think of how you always threatened to buy me a pair of multicolored sandals ...  ! And I say to myself ‘who knows, I may, one day, just wear a pair of bright colored shoes …just for Tantie Ruth, but the SAD THING is … you will not be here to see them on me. 

Anyway, I really have to stop now before the tears start rolling… 

Do continue to rest in peace, and we will continue to ‘plod on in life… (as you always said).’ We thank God for the life that you lived. May your values, principles and legacy live on. And may God continue to comfort us all especially Ton-Ton Ernest, Yaw, Kwabena, Ama and your relatives.

Adieu (still wish this could be ‘a bientot’)

Rest in peace dear Sister Ruth. Our paths crossed many years ago at Aburi Girls Secondary School. 2 years my senior. Respectful and of a quiet disposition, Sister Ruth was angelic and a decent Woman of God. You fought well. Rest in God's bosom; Beacon of Light. Till we meet again.

Tribute by: Elizabeth Peprah

Relationship: Friend/Sister

A Tribute to My Dear Friend, Ruth Tettey

In the midst of my grief, I faced the daunting task of crafting this eulogy for an extraordinary person, my best friend for over 12 years, Ruth Tettey. Ruth and I met in Tunis, Tunisia and we became friends instantly. A call from her always brought a smile to my face. Ruth will say to me, Efua, you need to come out from the house to get some fresh air. She will not stop nagging me until I obliged. That was her loving way of asking me to come and visit her so that I would not feel lonely.

Ruth, it was a profound privilege for me to come to London to spend time with you when you were first diagnosed with cancer. You were optimistic right from the onset of this deadly disease and you remained so even to the end; not to mention your determination to live to see all our children graduate from college and also be part of Maame Amma’s wedding. You never gave up; every time we spoke you had some uplifting words to share. A few days before your untimely death you said to me, Efua sometimes the effects of the disease were too overwhelming. I believed your Maker heard you and saw that you were tired. Needless to say, a cure was not meant to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered, Come unto me, my daughter and I will give you rest! I know you are in a better place, where there is no more pains and suffering.

I am also grateful that I saw you and Maame Amma in July 2015 before you left for South Africa.

Ruth enjoyed life. All her friends knew her to be an energetic and a kind person who loved to dance at every party she attended. I often wondered why you were so loved, adored and admired by many, but now I know the reason why good people often go too soon. They have only a short time to leave their footprints in the sand of time. We may not understand why you left us. We will begin to remember not just your death, but the good life you lived. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, your memories which reside deep inside our hearts will not only light up our darkest days but also help comfort us all.

Rest in God’s Perfect Peace, my dear Sister and Friend, you will forever remain in my heart. Ruth, you fought a good fight, you finished your course, you kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give you at that day; and not to you only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Ruth De Yie

Nyame Nfa Wo Nsie Yie !!!

Elizabeth Peprah

Bonjour ,

Je viens ici parce que je ne sais pas à qui parler dans un moment pareil.. J'ai perdu ma meilleure amie et conseillère depuis quelques semaines . Elle avait 54 ans , nous avions prévu de faire encore tant de choses ensemble.. on se connaissait depuis une dizaine d’années, nous étions encore plus proche que des sœurs depuis 04ans. Elle était beaucoup pour moi, elle était celle qui me connaissait le mieux dans notre association ORCHIDEES.. Elle s’est éteinte tout doucement le 21DEC 2015 sans aucune plainte et gardant un foi tenace en son Créateur. Nous avions pourtant discuté la veille et l’avant-veille et tu m’expliquais comment respirer était devenu difficile, tu as juste ajoutée : Irène c’est très dur , cette sale maladie me fatigue mais Dieu est au contrôle. Le lundi 21dec au matin , tu m’envoya 03 emoticones de kiss kiss kiss . Etais-ce ton Adieu ????? J'étais au bureau cet àprès-midi là quand tu as perdu la VIE. Comment est- ce possible que ce meme jour tu ai eu la force de m’envoyer des bisous !Quand je l'ai appris, je me suis effondrée, je n'ai pas pu le croire, je ne peux toujours pas le croire.. et pourtant . J'aimerai avoir le pouvoir de changer les choses.. j'aimerai qu'elle ne soit jamais partie.. Mais du jour au lendemain tu n’étais plus là.. Et depuis ce jour , je ne suis plus vraiment là.. Je ne suis plus vraiment moi même..
Plus les jours passent, plus tu me manques.. Plus je réalise que tu ne seras plus jamais avec moi.. Je ne sais pas ce que je vais faire sans ta disponibilité d’esprit , tes conseils si précieux pour moi, cette façon que tu avais de parler à mon fils Jean-Charles qui t’écoutais toujours avec intérêt , ta discrétion. Nous parlions de tout sans tabou. Tu étais une femme aimante,posée , bonne femme d’intérieure et bonne cuisinière qui prenait grand soin de sa famille malgré la maladie. Tous les gens qui m'entourent me demandent sans cesse si je vais bien, essaient de me remonter le moral, essaient de me faire sourire, ils veulent que j'aille bien à tout prix..
Mais plus rien n'ira plus jamais bien, j'aimerai qu'ils comprennent que plus jamais je ne serai là même car ma confidente s’en ai allé..
Je passais mes journées à pleurer, j’étais exécrable avec les gens qui m'aiment.. j’étais en colère contre tout le monde, contre la vie, je ressens un vide tellement immense et une tristesse intense.. J'ai l'impression qu'on m'a arraché le cœur , elle faisait partie de moi, elle était mon âme soeur, ma meilleure amie. Nous sommes devenu très intime seulement depuis 03 ans et cela s’est renforcé depuis mon séjour chez elle en Afrique du sud , mais cette relation était très spéciale par son intensité. Je ne pouvais passer une semaine sans prendre de ses nouvelles.. Ce qui est arrive est tellement injuste.. Je voudrais comprendre pourquoi.. pourquoi elle.. ?

Voilà ..

Je voulais juste parler et dire ce que je ressens au plus profond de mon coeur..
Merci de m'avoir écouté.

Courage à tous..

Ruth and I and a little over a 100 young girls got admission into Aburi Girls Secondary School in 1973/74 academic year.
In Aburi, Ruth remained just a distant Form mate because we were neither in the same house nor class. 

We finished school and left Aburi in 1978 and went our separate ways but as fate would have it we met again in the year 2005 at a newly instituted Thanksgiving Service where old students would return to the school on the last Sunday of every January to offer thanks for the nurture received when schooling there. 

At that first reunion, Ruth urged us to remain in contact and offered to host our year group members who could be contacted in her home for our initial meeting. Many other meetings followed in her house and our numbers kept growing. Ruth was a very generous hostess when we met in her house and made us feel very comfortable and welcome. That was when Ruth became a friend because I got to feel her warmth in several ways. 
We relocated our meetings to a different venue when she had to leave Ghana to join her husband in Tunis. Ruth kept in touch and always sent her dues and levies religiously.

We heard of her being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011and were quite devastated. It was Ruth herself who kept our faith alive and hopeful that she would get a miraclous cure. We had the privilege of meeting her a few more times after the diagnosis because she would always make it a point to come to our meeting when she was in town. Her unwavering faith in God and cheefulness confounded a lot of us and gave us reason to get closer and closer to God.

After a brief period of silence on our year group WhatsApp platform, she came back on 19th December, 2015 with a cheerful message and assurance that she was doing fine so you could imagine our SHOCK when we got news of her demise on 21st December, 2015.

Ruth, I know for sure you are up there somewhere among the angels doing worship in His presence. We will remember your bravery when on Saturday 23rd January, 2016 we meet to bid you farewell. 

Till we meet again, Ruthie dear. take a deserved rest in the Lord's Arms. I'm sad but I will remain cheerful because that is what you'll require of me. Adieu, my friend. From Mary

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints…!” From our times as a Christian family at the International Fellowship of Christians (IFC), Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, in the late 1990s to the over ten years we spent at the St. Georges Anglican Church, Tunis, Tunisia, we have found sister Ruth to be a dear sister, an exemplary wife and mother and woman of persevering faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

“I will live and not die…” was one of our dear sister’s constant refrains during the period of illness; because for her, (like the Apostle Paul) to continue living was opportunity for continuing service as a dear wife to Ernest, mother to Yaw, Nana Twum and Maame and sister to her siblings! The Tettey residences in Abidjan and Tunis were homes for many of us and we felt welcomed indeed!

Sis Ruth was a faithful member of our churches and a dedicated member of a group of sisters of St. Georges, Tunis, who met for Bible study and ministry on Tuesday mornings! The church’s Socials committee was another area that our sister, together with her faithful team created a great atmosphere for us all, after service, to share some refreshments.

Throughout her treatment in London, Tunis and the US, sister Ruth constantly underlined the Lord’s goodness and special favour as one Specialist after another was guided by her heavenly Father to one suitable treatment after another! And this was the theme of a powerful testimony she gave at church in Tunis before the family relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa!

Her faith in the Lord, evidenced by a positive attitude, was simply impressive and worthy of emulation! And this attitude was still evident when one of our mutual friends, together with Ernest, visited her while she was in the ICU, two weeks before the Lord called her home!
When we heard of the news of our sister’s home-going we were shaken because a week earlier some of her friends in Abidjan had met and discussed how we could send a message of love, at the end of year, to Ruth and the family! But alas! 

Bishop Bill Musk speaks for us all: “What a privilege to have known Ruth and her irrepressible faith and her energy, despite everything, in battling this insatiable disease. It is comforting to know that she is safe, and whole, with her Lord and we thank Him for enriching our lives through allowing us to know this dear sister and faithful disciple.”
Thank you, sister Ruth for your love, friendship, service and example to us all! Rest, dear sister, till we meet again.

To the devoted husband Ernest, the amazing children Yaw, Nana Twum and Maame and loving siblings, please accept the heartfelt condolences from a bigger family that is proud to have gotten to know dear sister Ruth! You can be sure that we will continue to pray for you and the good Lord will take care of you!

Pastor Kwame Busumbru, (on behalf of brethren in Tunis and Abidjan)

"... and underneath are the everlasting arms ..." My experience of dear Ruth was of a woman being held by those strong, gentle arms in life and in the journey to glory. How vivacious, strong, positive, hopeful, determined - and focused constantly on our Lord. Rest is hers now, and we pray for restful hearts for Ernest and all the family, who have so strongly accompanied and supported Ruth through this difficult valley. Our love in Him, Bishop Bill and Hilary.

Tribute by: Ladies Time Together

Relationship: Friends/Fellow ADB Wives

Hmm................ our hearts are heavy. Yes, we have lost a dear friend. To some of us, you were a sister, a confidante, a friend with whom we shared jokes, laughed, danced, and prayed. What more can we say? We are lost for words. In our sorrow and disappointment that we've lost a friend, we are, consoled that all the suffering is over. You fought for four good years not loosing hope. Your faith in God was inspiring, we learnt a lot from your suffering gracefully, and your unflinching faith in God that he will see you through. No more texting, no more calls but we sure will remember the good times we had together. Below are some memories of sisters from "Ladies Time Together".

Aminata says, Ruth, you were indeed a very caring person, always involved in your children's education. Despite your health issue, you were always at school attending your daughter's activities. The sadness of your passing is now sinking in for Furaha. To her, as a parent the educational well-being of your son, was paramount. You thus were so involved and could always be depended upon to co-operate with his tutors and all of the ACST family in achieving the best results possible, not only for him but for his classmates as well. As a member of the Ladies Group, she truly appreciated your kindness, serenity, and warmth. Susan says she is very sad to hear about your passing. You were a very kind and wonderful person. Your faith and courage helped her and many around her. Ruth your namesake says the well-being of others was always your priority, even when you deserved the attention and support. The fortitude with which you coped was just awesome and won every one’s admiration. You left us with a legacy of memories to hold on to.

During this most difficult time, we reflect on the precious memories we shared with you. Whenever we the trio, Hajjia, Ruth and myself meet, go widow shopping at the mall or meet in one of our homes, we know that you'll be there with us. Ruth, your death is a great loss indeed, and you will be missed by us all and our children.

So Ruth, from all the ladies in our group coming from Zambia, South Africa, Tunisia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, USA, Nigeria, Togo, Malawi, Botswana, Uganda and the Gambia, we say, “sleep well, dear sister, in God's love and peace”.

Da yie, Au revoir

Tribute by: Stella Anin

Relationship: Friend

To my dear Ruth,

“Herh Akua! mafre wo saa…wo nim se me kasa pii nti wo mma so eh?” “Akua, I have been calling you but you are not picking up my calls because you know I am going to talk a lot” then I will laugh as she was right. This was the beginning of our usual phone conversations.

Ruth was 3 years my senior at Aburi Girls Secondary School. We reconnected in Abidjan in our adult lives in the 90’s, where we worked together and grew to become like sisters over the years.

Our last telephone conversation was on 21 November 2015. I was so upset about her breathlessness that I found a way to curtail our chat. She sent me a message some minutes later that she could sense I was understandably concerned about her labored tone. “I am keeping on, by God’s grace and trusting this will also pass” were her words. My response to her was that she was in my thoughts and prayers and asked her to meditate on Numbers 6:24–26. Little did I know it was the last time I was hearing my big sister’s voice.

Ruth, you have gone to the Lord for eternal rest. The pain is no more. You have fought a good fight and I greatly admire your courage in battling this illness. Till we meet again, I will always love you and miss our regular chats. 

Thank you big sister for being there through good and bad times.

Damirifa due ni amane huunu

Tribute by Adjoa des Bordes, friend, working colleague and prayer partner.

“Reut” (as Victor and I called her) was several things to me - a schoolmate, friend, sister, prayer partner, confidante and even aspiring co-real estate developer. We dreamed many dreams together. I’ll cherish them all.

Ruth, I just loved the way you were easy to be with. There was no pretense when we were together. We shared varied moments together - from fashion and tailors to shopping and children to heavy duty, hard, difficult, complex, nearly impossible documents for translation from French into English. You, Mercy and I formed a threesome when it came to work. Victor called us “le groupe shock!” To us, the work was only good if it was done by one of us, or all three of us together. You were so good at your profession. Your use of written and spoken language was impressive. A translator and linguist par excellence, that’s you my Ruth. Even when you felt badly, you still wanted to help me translate, revise or edit documents. You also had the gift of the gab and no topic was beyond your knowledge. Indeed, while in Abidjan, Victor marveled at the ease with which you spoke the French language, and was always amused at how you spoke the “Ivorian French” with the panache of a native speaker. “Ei Reut, on dit quoi?” I would say, and your reply would be “Ma chère, on dit rien; on est la ooh”. You couldn’t get more Ivorian than that.

We prayed almost on a daily basis when you were sick. I shared many healing verses with you. We prayed them knowing Jehovah Rapha, the healer, was working on you. Your tenacity did not wane until the very end. Our last whatsapp conversation hours before you left us was:

"Hi Reut. How are You? Jeremiah 30:17"

"Hanging in there, anyemi, by the Lord's grace... Amen & holding on to His healing promises."

"Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:24. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

"Thanks sis. Amen and amen. He is able."

Dearest Ruth, He is indeed able. We’re comforted in that our Lord taking you to His Kingdom earlier than we had vouched for, is also a form of healing. My family has lost someone dear. Louise reminded me that in 2013 you attended her Eve Redefined conference and instantly became a partner, contributing money toward the conference. Patti, Louise and Wylee loved you dearly and are all inconsolable. They will forever be siblings to Yaw, Nana Twum and Maame, and Victor and I will look out for them. 

You’re with our Lord now and all tears will be wiped away from our eyes because there’s no more death nor sorrow nor crying. There’s no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

“Your sun shall no longer go down, Nor shall your moon withdraw itself; For the Lord will be your everlasting light, And the days of your mourning shall be ended”. Isaiah 60:20
 
Rest in perfect peace my friend.

Tribute by: Aunty Peace Ayisi-Okyere

Relationship: Aunt

Auntie Ruth
My heart is heavy. In Abidjan in 1987 when I joined the AfDB from the Ministry of Finance, I met this young beautiful lady who became part of my family. As a French teacher for my two daughters Ewuradwoa and Mans she became my friend and soon her young friends became my friends too. Through them I had what my husband jokingly referred to as the "Aunty Peace Fan Club”, as he also became "Papa" to them. These young ladies made my stay in Abidjan easier to handle in the absence of my immediate family. We used to go out on a "girls girls" lunch and dinner outings and had fun with other programmes.

Ruth's family became my family as well especially since it turned out that their village Apirede was next to my husband’s village Adukrom, in the Akuapem mountains. Her late mum of blessed memory was at my side when I lost my father-in-law. Many of my friends knew her and I have been receiving calls of condolences since she passed away.

By the grace of God we were the vessel used for her to meet her dear husband Ernest. I remember vividly the trip my husband and I made to Akosombo to meet her father for her marriage to Ernest during the Christmas of 1988. My husband was on the side of Ernest and I was on the side of her family.  Thankfully, we witnessed her own family grow beautifully as from one naming ceremony to the other, we received Yaw Obeng, Nana Twum and Maame Ama. Of course Abena and Yaa, her sisters also became part of us.

Ruth and I grew very close as we spent long hours in conversation sharing views and exchanging ideas about family and professional life. In addition, we shared the same faith believing in the power of God and the healing and saving grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

During the trying period of her illness, she stood on the promises of God and fought on. She had the strong belief that she The Lord would heal her, and many a time, her belief was manifested as the doctors marveled at her intermittent periods of recovery.

Yes she worried especially about her children and their future like every mother would; but our discussions always ended with the assurance that God was in control of all situations and did what was best for His Children in His own time.

Auntie Ruth, Papa and I, Kwame and girls pray that Mother Earth will lie smoothly and lightly on your body; we pray that the angels will meet you and that our good Lord will keep you in perfect peace till we meet again.

Dayie ! Nyame mfa wo nsie.

Peace is the inner feeling you have
When you are at Peace with your God
Peace is my Name

La Paix est le sentiment intérieur qu'on a
quand on est en Paix avec son Dieux
Mon nom est La Paix

Tribute by: Nana Yaa Asenso-Okyere

Relationship: Friend/Sister

Ruth and I met through our husbands. Mine, the late Professor Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere had been a lecturer of Ruth’s Dr. Ernest Tettey, during Kwadwo’s early days as a young Researcher/Lecturer at ISSER, University of Ghana, Legon. The two developed a friendship that would later extend to their wives.

It was in late 1988, (at a time when Kwadwo and I had just met) when Dr. Tettey came on vacation and as was typical of my late husband, enquired about when he would marry. Upon hearing that he was dating Ruth, Kwadwo did not waste time at all in ensuring that Ernest took the needed steps to marry her. I remember the visit to Ruth’s Dad at Akosombo to introduce Ernest, and the subsequent traditional marriage that followed. Trust Kwadwo Asenso, the matchmaker, to lock it in!

Our marriages were months apart, and so were the deliveries of our first borns; Ruth’s Yaw on 3rd May, 1990, my Eno on 3rd October, 1990. I over-sped and had my second child within 15 months, whilst Ruth did better and had her second child 5 years later and again had the last one 5 years after the second.

Akua, as I affectionately called her, was my sister through and through. We shared deep thoughts, encouraged ourselves in prayer, and in the Lord. When in 2012 she had to be in London for treatment, I spent time with her, in fact sharing her bed with her. We would pray, we would talk about everything; the disease, our children, our lives, I mean EVERYTHING. When I lost my husband on 9th May, 2014, even though she could not be with me, Akua was always on the phone with me, every step of the way. A benefactor (God bless him!), paid my way to spend time with Ruth and family in South Africa as part of my healing process in September, 2014 and we had a good time attending ‘Sisters of Africa Conference’- a Holy Spirit-filled programme that energized our faith. Then she had to go to the USA for further treatment in 2015. Fortunately for me, I was in New Jersey in April of 2015, and so seized the opportunity to visit her in Connecticut for about 2 weeks. That was a very difficult period for Ruth, but the gracious Lord saw her through and ensured that by the time she was leaving, she could breathe on her own, without the oxygen canisters and tubes that she had been on.

Akua, you were with me in June, looking very healthy, when Baafuor passed away. As a matter of fact, my children thought I had exaggerated your condition, when I visited you in Connecticut! But I told them of the grace of God that was abundant unto you. Even though you had started coughing by the time you were leaving Accra for Johannesburg, I wasn’t expecting this! Our last conversation was a VERY difficult one. I could barely hear you and so bid you bye, hoping that as always, you would bounce back. Your statement of asking the Lord to end it, if He knows you cannot be healed, however set me thinking. I wondered if you had reached the end of the rope. You requested I lend a hand in ensuring that the children become all that the Lord has purposed for them. By God’s grace, I would do my bit in assisting Ernest, your sisters, cousins and friends in ensuring that Yaw, Nana Twum and Maame Amma become all that the Lord has destined for them.

Akua, menua dƆfo, nante yiye. Onyame Ɛnfa wonsie. AMEN!

Tribute to a school mate, friend and work colleague from Mercy Bentsi-Enchill

I called her by her maiden name, Tete. A classmate from Aburi Girls’ used to call her that and I decided to do same.

I thought she was beautiful and I admired her sense of fashion. I remember when she came back from doing her immersion year in Dakar during her studies at the School of Translators. She lived at the YWCA hostel and I would always pass through her room in the morning on my way to work at GIL, and spend an intriguing half hour or so watching her dress up. She would carefully make-up, mix and match colours, tops, skirts (or trousers), belts, shoes etc, and come out looking fantastic, leaving me wondering why I could never quite achieve that fashionably sophisticated look.

I loved Tete’s command of the Queen’s language, which, with her profession, was a major plus. Her emails and texts were always a pleasure to read and a challenge to reply to at the same level of seemingly effortless and confident construction and style. I would read and re-read her emails, just savouring her lovely diction……

I admired her faith, the tenacity of it and how it grew and deepened through the period of ill-health. Adversity is not really adverse when we are able to rise above it and increase in faith and confidence in the love of our Father above and His eternal goodness. Her body may have been ravaged, but her spirit and soul basked in this love and as a result, grew very strong and shone with the light of God’s glory. Tete’s vibrant testimonies inspired me no end, and I never tired of hearing her talk of the wonderful things God was teaching her through it all. I am glad and thankful for that hour I spent with her the last time she was in Ghana. She talked of how she had told her doctors in America whilst on her sick bed that she was going to walk out of hospital by her faith in her God, despite their raised eyebrows. And she did, to their amazement. And we praised God, oh how we praised Him. It was special, the memory remains in my heart.

We continue to praise God, she up above beholding His face, and the rest of us down here, in faith, saying:

And Lord, haste the day when our faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Tribute by: Judith Ofori

Relationship: Friend/Sister

Tantie Ruth, my friend and baby sister; what can I say? I recall vividly, your 50th birthday, me your MC - that persistent cough that would not go away, I asked, and you said, “it is not going away ohh…” We were all concerned, why is this cough so stubborn? Then I spoke to auntie Philo, she said, you were having tests… the tests…. continued. You had to go to London….. then the dreaded confirmation…. We were all devastated…. But you were so brave, so stoical throughout, your faith grew, you became a giant among the brave and the spiritual heavy weights. Never once did you complain about the pain and suffering.

When you spent several months at my place in London, you kept us informed about the hospital visits and the progress reports. You updated us on anything Dr. Harper said, what was being done, the alternatives and where they were going next. The brutal effects of chemotherapy, you bore all with such dignity. Our walks around the lake in the morning and late afternoon…. How you loved the greenery around. Patricia, my niece, your able ‘assistant’ is inconsolable. Of course even though you could not eat many things due to medication and chemo, you still would provide great food, especially when you came back to Tunis. On my stopover in Johannesburg last year, you managed to rustle up a wonderful lunch spread at a day’s notice!

Ruth you were such a wonderful person, ever ready to help, friends and family alike…. During my last mission to South Africa, just this past October, you did all my shopping, as I had too tight a work schedule! No crystal ball would have told me it would be last time we would be meeting….. You know what, I just cannot believe that we will not be exchanging almost daily viber or whatsup messages. I had your Christmas envelope to deliver to your sister Abena when the news came! It was just a shock, made more poignant because I was yet to deliver what you sent. Kind, generous, gentle and faithful sister rest in eternal peace. Daavi!

Tribute by: Hilda Akari

Relationship: Friend/Sister

A tribute to my dear friend and sister.
Romans 14:8 “For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”

I have been struggling to find the right words to write ever since you passed on. Not because I do not have cherished memories to share; but because your demise still hasn't sunk in and also, whatever I will write will be an understatement of you and who you truly are to me.
Ruth, we have known each other for almost 2 decades now. You have been there for me through thick and thin. I remember every single moment of our friendship. I remember the laughs, and joys. I remember the tears we had when you were first diagnosed with lung cancer. Oh how I prayed and cried to God! But God knows best.
Ruth you were the woman who believed that what comes around, goes around. The one who hoped for a better day. The one who never gave up on people. The one who looked so damn strong, even when you felt so weak. Ruth was the woman who picked herself up every time she fell.

Ruth I can go on and on. I remember our last conversation and all that you said. Hmmm! All I can say is, like Paul, you have fought a good fight; you have finished the race and you have kept the faith. I know for sure you are in a better place.

You have given me beautiful memories I will forever cherish. Thank you for being a wonderful big sister. I promise I will endeavour to be a good auntie to your children. Rest peacefully my dear friend till we meet again. And like the psalmist said in Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Their works shall follow them”.

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Tribute by: Dora Naana Baah

For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14: 7-8

Dear Ruthof,

This was my special name for you. It was the name of a foreign company that worked with VRA in the 1970s and I would tease you to no end with it just to annoy you. Of course you hated it with a passion. The more you expressed your dislike for it, the more I teased you with the name until you finally gave up and accepted it.

So to me, you were Ruth Ruthof Akua Obuame Tete to Tettey!

And what a girl you were! You were so kind - Always giving to a fault. Arguing with me one minute and in the next minute we were laughing our heads off at some silly joke.

I met you in class 1 and by class three we were spending afternoons together to do our homework. You were a sister more than a friend. Our own sisters were quite young comparatively therefore we found in each other the perfect play mate and sibling.

As sisters do very often, I took you for granted. We would be gone away from each other for long periods yet pick up with the snap of a finger where we left off catching up on all the latest news, gossip and what was happening in our lives once we got together again.

We went to Aburi Girls Secondary School together in September, 1973 and joined a bunch of gregarious, vivacious and mischievous girls- in the newly introduced ‘C’ Class though you were usually one of the sensible ones. Do you remember how we ‘bamboozled’ our mates with the little French we knew from Akosombo while they stared at us admiringly. After Monsieur Allain angrily reeled off something incomprehensible in a frenzy looking all red in the face like a beetroot, the girls in class would turn to us cooly and ask “Ruth, Dora, ose d3n? What is he saying?” We would respond by saying “Hey Girls he is upset with us ooo” As if it was not obvious enough. Oh, how we felt so special in such moments.

As if that was not enough, we were also put in the notorious Edinburgh house though never in the same dormitory and again we wowed our friends with our diving and swimming skills to get “fallen” buckets out of the underground tanks.

By the time we were finishing school, we had established a special bound between us which has lasted throughout the years. As we grew older and wiser, we would discuss books we read and argued about the characters and plots. We also dreamt about meeting our tall handsome princes who would sweep us off our feet. We did meet our princes alright though I am not sure if Charles and Ernest are as tall and as dark as Mills and Boon and Barbara Cartland would have us believe.

I am proud to say you kept our relationship alive, checking on me even when you were the one who needed to be checked on especially in your last years on earth.

I admired your tenacity and deep sense of independence. You knew what you wanted in life and went for it no matter the odds. You were truly loyal and dependable.

Ruth, Ruthof, Obuame Ruth, I thank you for being my sister. So where are you now......?

I long to see you and to talk to you......

I long to tease you and to laugh with you but alas.....

I can’t believe you are gone forever.....

In your last years on earth, I drew strength from your unwavering faith in God. You never once complained. You taught me one thing- Never Fear Death! Just prepare to meet your God and step boldly into His presence when the time comes and he calls you up.

I knew you did just that and did it proudly too.

Rest in the bosom of your dear God and maker, sweet sister.

Love you always, Naana

Tribute by: Bukelewa Honu

Relationship: Friend/Sister


Our dearest sister and friend

Long before the hosts of the heavens and the earth was created

Before time began, during an endless stretch of eternity,

The Lord God almighty, foreknew you, Ruth

He chose you in Christ before the foundation of the world,

And He saved you, cleansed you, justified you and sanctified you that you would be holy and blameless before Him.

In Love He predestined you to adoption as a daughter, through Jesus Christ to Himself.

Then the Lord created the earth and the heavens

And he created you and gave you as a friend to all who would come in contact with you.

To teach us how to truly love Him, and how to share His love with others

To teach us how to run this race with Christ without faltering

To persevere, to face down adversity, to endure suffering without complaining

To love God no matter our circumstances, and to truly rejoice in the Lord.

And you were faithful.

Because you responded to your suffering just like Job, the greatest man in the East

For though lung cancer slayed and smote you, yet you continued to trust in God,

Your daily sacrifices of praise were a glorious aroma to the Lord, 

and you glorified Him with your suffering, just like the apostles of old.

Thank you for teaching us to rejoice in the Lord despite our circumstances.

May your soul rest in peace and contentment, in Abraham’s bosom,

For you have fought the good fight and have endured to the end

Till that great Day of the Lord when we shall all dress in white,

And put on our garments of salvation and our Robes of righteousness.

Your friendship, love, vibrancy & openness will be dearly missed. Rest in peace. Amen

Tribute by: Mrs. Adwoa Ayisi-Salawou

Relationship: Niece

What an unsympathetic day..i am existing in the stillness of shock i felt cold yet I was in the centre of humid conditions….right here in Abidjan the news streamed in .. NOOO.. you must have heard wrong.. I went to your whatsapp, it said you were last there at 6am, same day .. of course, the message must be wrong, you can't be dead so I typed " are u there? .. clearly I have not received a response yet - Did I not pray enough? Lord your ways are indeed not ours.. eish !! how possible is it that you sent me a massage in the morning in response to my call of a few days ago? You said, you were breathless, that you had been ill and conversations had been difficult, but I honestly felt we had been there before and you would once again jolt back miraculously like the many other times ..

Dreaded day.. always dreaded the day since we got to learn of this terminal cancer, you 'suffered' openly yet in dignity and silently.. bravely.. oh so bravely .. days when you had practically lost sleep to the dark nights.. as you suffered silently in still nights.. you would recount after the experience had deserted you… How is this possible? I’m existing in the stillness of shock!! your faith grew unfathomably ... your messages of hope encouraged the rest os us,, revamping my faith on the low days.. you sent me a message dated yesterday...confused I was..still remain ..24 hrs on. My aunty, my dearest sister.. the big sister that I never had.. I called her at odd times of the night , the only person other than my husband that I could call at 2 am and know she would be up cos like me, she was a nocturnal being … she would gulp down flasks of tea while she translated oh so diligently the numerous documents from French to English ...perfection to a fault ..

Yesterday we lost you ..personally, I indeed lost a dear big sister, a beloved aunty, we shared so much – on a myriad topics - God, family, fashion, politics – you had so much to say.. I loved the fact that you were informed on so many issues.. you could speak to everyone so easily .. friends from all walks of life..you had

"let me call Arnie Ruth I'd say..she will have a solution" .. ma tata branchee - as the french say.. my hip aunty..from Skype, to whatsapp to viber... to tango. She was connected even before I got connected on some of these social platforms she had already received the memo ... what are you waiting for Ewuradwoa?, she would say, get connected so we can chat...

Miss you dear ARNIE Ruth.. as I affectionately called you - Arnie Ruth.. death seriously knows no boundaries, or it would have halted far away from your presence ..i will miss you especially on those nights when I would wish for a listening ear to what had ben have been a woeful day..I'm grateful for catching up last, and the opportunity in South Africa recently, where you had bounced back as ARNIE Ruth, and cooked a storm.

On a funny note ( and I know you are smiling..) you 've proven to me that my mascara is not water (tear) proof contrary to the label...
From this earth, with my mascara stained tears.... to you Arnie Ruth in heaven

Ewuradwoa

Tribute by: Les Orchidées

Relationship: Friends/Sisters

Ruth, il est difficile de parler de toi sans heurter ton humilité légendaire tant il y a de belles choses à dire. Il n'y a rien que personne ici ne sache déjà. Nous voulons juste relater notre vie avec toi pour que tu saches combien tu nous manques.

Tu as fait l'unanimité autour de toi.

Si chacun de nous naissait avec un capital de bonnes actions à accomplir pendant son pèlerinage sur terre, on pourrait dire que tu as littéralement fait "exploser" le tien par tout ce que tu as été pour nous:

L'Amie de tout instant, une sœur attentive et aimante, une conseillère hors pair, une épaule sur laquelle nous pouvions pleurer sans honte, la mammy fashion dont le sens aigüe de la tendance nous faisait souvent applaudir quand tu arrivais, toujours en retard, à nos rencontres, -  « La » conscience des Orchidées, tant tes interventions justes et éclairées aplanissaient les situations que nous pensions difficiles. La liste n'est bien entendu pas exhaustive!

Chacune de nous peut se vanter d'avoir eu une relation privilégiée avec toi durant ces 11 années, et plus pour certaines d'entre nous, où nous t'avons côtoyée. Tu as su montrer à chacune de nous qu'elle était importante à tes yeux.

Nous nous adressons à toi aujourd'hui avec évidemment beaucoup de peine parce que c'est la dernière fois. Nous n'avons même pas eu l'occasion d'entendre une dernière fois ta réponse favorite: « laissez-moi en paix! Je m'en fous de vous! » chaque fois que nous te chahutions.

La peine, elle est là, au fond de nos cœurs mais beaucoup plus grande est la joie de te savoir auprès du Créateur, Celui qui nous a permis de te connaître.

Tu as démontré que la Foi en Dieu déplaçait des montagnes, tu n'as jamais douté de Lui. Aujourd'hui IL t'ouvre Ses bras et IL transforme nos pleurs en larmes de joie. Ruth, ton bonheur aujourd'hui est infini. Fais le rejaillir sur Ernest, Yaw, Kwabena, Amma, Abena, Yaa, toute ta famille et tes amis.

Tribute to a sister:

Ruth, talking about you without hurting your legendary humility is an uphill task, what with all the beautiful things one can say about you. What is there to add to what we all know? Let us however tell the story of our life with you, to let you know how much we miss you. You always gained the trust of all those around you. Considering that each of us is born with a "to-do list" of good deeds during our earthly sojourn, yours was obviously the longest, such was your warm-hearted nature evidenced by what you were to us: a friend of all seasons, a caring and loving sister, an advisor par excellence, a shoulder we could always lean on and cry on unashamedly, our fashion lady, whose acute sartorial taste always left us wowed with admiration whenever you made your appearances at our meetings, fashionably late. You were the conscience of The Orchidées, making very fair and enlightened interventions, which lightened hitherto difficult and insurmountable situations. Of course, we can go on and on and on. Each and everyone of us is proud to have enjoyed a privileged relationship with you over the past eleven or so years. You always treated each of us with the utmost respect and attention. You would certainly understand our pain now, as we speak to you for the last time. You did not even afford us one last opportunity to hear your favourite catch-phrase "give me a break, I don't care!" whenever you found yourself at the receiving end of our teasing. While, deep down us, we feel that pain and sorrow even now, we also feel even greater joy in the knowledge that you are with Our Creator, He Who placed you along our path. You have proven that Faith in God can move mountains; you never lost your trust in Him. Today, He is welcoming you with open arms and is transforming our tears of sorrow into tears of joy. Today, Ruth, you are blessed with infinite joy. Let your joy flow unto Ernest, Yaw, Kwabena, Amma, Abena, Yaa, all your kith and kin, as well as your friends.

Tribute by: Kwarley Buckle

Relationship: Friend/Sister

The strife is over, and as a follower of Christ Jesus, the battle is won because you are resting safely and peacefully in the arms of The Lord. You lived life with a zest and a zeal that some of us could not always comprehend. Always on the move, always planning, always to the rescue, always shopping, never a dull moment! You had such a wit, always stated your case with such eloquence and fought fiercely for what you believed in and with that passion you fought long and hard to extend your sojourn here on earth for the sake of your family who were everything to you and God knows how much you loved and cherished them all! But God knows best and as His child, He's called you home to rest with the assurance that He's the Almighty and He will watch over your dearest family. Rest in perfect peace Ruth, in the arms of our Saviour, rest in perfect peace!

Tribute by: Grace Sam

Relationship: Friend

RUTH - PARAGON OF POISE

ROSE- beautiful to behold
UNRELENTING-you had hope against all hope
TREASURED- more than all the jewelry you loved
HEARTY- a bag full of happiness and life

A DEDICATED WIFE PAR EXAMPLE
O PARAGON OF POISE
NANTE YIE

so goodbye our ROSE
stay blesssed in heaven our HOPE
a jewel TREASURED
forever in our HEARTS

A MOTHER FULL OF LOVE NONE CAN COMPARE
O PARAGON OF POISE
DAMRIFA DUE DUE

Tribute by: The Dadsons

Relationship: Friends/Sisters

Kakra:

“A real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18: 24 (New Living Translation)

When I think about Ruth, my memories are of laughter, fun times, great meals and heartfelt discussions on everything under the sun. Ruth was more than a friend to me and my sisters - and our family - she was our sister. We had so many shared holidays, family times and she was an agony aunt par excellence - one of the very few confidantes to whom I could truly bare my soul.

We met in the “golden age” of Cote d’Ivoire in the mid 1980’s when we were young, unmarried and starting our careers. Our friendship was to be one that was to last decades. She soon became such a part of our family that she referred to our parents as mummy and Egya. They in turn embraced her as a daughter.

Our bond was one of shopping, books, politics and a love of fashion and francophonie. Ruth had a joie de vivre and a zest for life which was infectious. I always consulted Ruth on major purchases, romances, life decisions and she shared her counsel willingly. She was the big sister we didn’t have. Her shopping zeal was legendary. I know I’m a shopaholic, but in Ruth I met my match.

The amazing thing, I saw over the years, is that she replicated this with other friends in her life who also saw her as their sister. She was unselfish, generous and loyal.

Ruth’s practical advice and sisterly scolding saw me through many a personal crisis or work-related difficulty. She was there for me when as a first-time mother I would agonize over nappy rash and feeding issues until she came along with her big sisterly wisdom and warmth to cheer me up and I remember many a night when she would come over to help me no matter what time. She was a walking medical encyclopedia.

It was to Ruth’s house we sent Tilay (our then 5 year old) in 2002 one fateful day when gunshots rang out in Abidjan on the eve of the civil uprising and I was stuck in Yamoussoukro - unable to get back from a work assignment because of a blockade and Matt caught up and unable to move from Plateau. It took one call to Ruth, she arranged immediately for his transfer to her house and safe with Nana (his best friend), Aunty Ruth and Uncle Ernest, I knew all would be well until I got back two days later. She was always there for us.

Thanks to the internet we kept in touch regularly when she moved to Tunis and we left Cote d’Ivoire. The family visited us in London in 2006 we in turn had an unforgettable vacation in Tunis in 2007. A few years later they came to visit us in Atlanta - again, memorable times.
When she was diagnosed in 2011, we were on our way to Indonesia, but fortuitously we had a stopover in London and I was able to spend some time with her. It was shock and dismay, but she kept it real, had such unshakeable faith. After that time, our many phone and whatsapp conversations, even during difficult treatment times, were such a testament to her courage and faith.

I thank God for your life Ruth, you blessed me in so many ways. I will always love you. Rest in Peace.

Panyin:

“The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change: Yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.”
― Paulo Coelho, Warrior of the Light

Ruth’s relationship with me began in the mid 1980s, when Kakra and I were introduced to her by a mutual friend, the late Richard Anibrika who was working at ESIE and thought that three young and adventurous women on their own in Abidjan to seek their fortunes could do well to hang out together and support each other. Ruth was a fluent French speaker, had a natural talent for languages and was affable so the friendship began instantly over lunch in the Plateau. We had a shared taste for ‘la belle vie’ and so ‘La perle des lagunes’ or ‘Le petit Paris’, as Abidjan was then known, was a marvellous place for us to discover good food, wine, clothes, jewellery, news, romance, books and shopping. We spent so many hours together in the restaurants, markets; theatres, cinemas and art galleries. Hardly a week went by without one of us finding a new store, tailor, artisan, vacation venue and arguing about which one had the better find. Her inquisitive and meticulous mind was always ahead of us. I am sure in time we must have inspected every single piece of gold jewellery that could be found in the Cocody Marche for flaws and imperfections and exhausted the merchants while looking for special and unique pieces.

With time, we grew up and each found jobs, and Kakra and Ruth had spouses and children and I a couple of failed love affairs, but each one of us remained part of a tight network of ‘sisters’ to which we could each find comfort, advice, support, laughter, encouragement and an honest perspective on life. Ruth was central to that network. My 12 years spent in Abidjan were some of the best in my life and I am grateful to have shared that friendship and time with her.

Ruth met our family and became a part of it. Mummy and Egya became her de facto parents in Abidjan and she met and befriended our other siblings and I also got to know and love her sister Abena. When I left Abidjan and returned to Ghana and then moved to Paris, we kept constantly in touch, exchanged visits to her family in Tunis and to me in Paris. On my return to Ghana, we would meet every time she came to Accra.

There is no better time to be a true friend than in times of hardship and trouble and we have supported each other through heartbreak, losing parents and changing jobs. Her courage and grace in fighting her illness demonstrated to me her resilience and inner strength and her faith in our Redeemer God. She researched lung cancer and learned so much about the disease and its treatment. She was always ready with new information about it. When she launched a new business in 2014, ‘Rafa collections’ to raise money to support the cost of her treatment, she did it with her usual enthusiasm and fighting spirit and with the support of her boys Nana T and Yaw.

In the last few years, we used social media to keep in touch. Mummy would occasionally skype call or send words of encouragement on whatsapp. Mummy reminded me again of a FaceBook wall post that Ruth made about two years ago and a quote which stuck with me: ‘The opposite of cancer is life.’ Ruth lived. When illness struck, she did not sit still waiting for something to change; she lived her life to the full and is living right now.

Ruth, we will miss you.

Live in eternal Peace

Tribute by: Carolyn E. Perry

“Woman of Noble Character… She is clothed with strength and dignity…” Ruth 3:11, Proverbs 31:25

I first met you in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, when Bro. Ernest drove me and your sister Julie to finally meet you at your home. Even in your pregnancy, you were extraordinarily kind, gracious, hospitable, and beautiful. I understood why your sisters loved you so. From that moment, to the most recent times, you have been a delight and joy. You have shown your dignity and strength – amazing fortitude in the midst of life’s journey. You have shown me how to smile in adversity, and how to push forward faithfully. Your strength and grace have also helped my mother during her own health challenges. I have learned from your lovely demeanor. My prayer is to continue to grow from the fond memories of you that I hold so dear.  Thank you for being a bright light in this world. Dear Sister Ruth, may you rest in peace.

Tribute by: Aburi Old Girls Association (AOGA)

Relationship: Classmates (Secondary School)

During church service one morning, a Reverend Minister asked his congregation to perform a strange but simple exercise just before the delivery of the sermon. He asked them to turn to the person on their right side and the left, take a good look at them, smile and shake their hand. A buzz of excitement went round the auditorium as the congregation complied. They turned, smiled, even laughed as they heartily shook hands with one another. When it was over, the Minister announced “You may not know it now but you probably just shook hands with the next President of a nation, or some other future prominent national or international figure. One day you will look back to this day and say with pride – I sat next to her at church that day and actually shook her hand!!!” That is our common story with Ruth Tete, later to be known as Mrs Ruth Tettey.

Our first encounter with Ruth as members of AOGA78/80 was when we entered Aburi Girl’s Secondary School as ‘ninos’ in September 1973. Throughout our stay in school, Ruth was very unobtrusive, never in your face. She was not notorious, and never made the headlines for the right or wrong reason. She was open and friendly. Though she had her own circle of friends, she opened up to anyone who came up to her. Time went by and we passed out in 1978 and 1980, and lost touch with each other for over 20 years.

Almost 30 years after having left Aburi, a small representation of our year group joined other Old Girls in a maiden attendance at the then newly instituted annual Thanksgiving and Memorial Church Service at the School. Ruth was one of them, having returned from her sojourn in Cote d’Ivoire, following the crisis in that country. That first service had such a profound impact on our Ruth that immediately after the service, she made the call for and championed the formation of our Year Group. Suddenly, the inconspicuous Ruth of our teen years had become the founder of a great sisterhood that has grown from strength to strength over the years from its humble beginnings, where all the early meetings were held at her home in Adenta until family obligations compelled her to travel abroad again to Tunisia. At Ruth’s place in those days, item 13 on the agenda was always a sumptuous buffet served in style with china, crystal and silverware – she always outdid herself. Even while abroad, Ruth was always very much involved in the activities of the group. She would phone in to participate in our meetings, send emails regularly to share ideas and encourage us, send in her dues and contributions and always showed up at a meeting whenever she was on a short visit to Ghana.

Not only did Ruth bring us together as a year group, she also challenged and strengthened our faith and stand in God. The Bible tells us in Isaiah that God’s ways are not our ways, neither are His thoughts our thoughts. It also tells us in Jeremiah that He knows the plans He has for us, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give us a future and a hope. As God would have it, our Ruthie developed lung cancer in her later years. Under the circumstances, how do we put these verses together and understand them? While we were shattered at the news, her sheer strength, faith and belief in God, coupled with her total devotion to Him were a source of encouragement and hope to us. We are gratified and privileged to have been a tower of strength she could rely on for prayer. In all her interactions with us under that dark cloud, she remained cheerful and full of hope that the God she believed in would not let her down. He had seen her through the valley of the shadow of death so many times we were sure a miracle of a final total healing would be hers and ours as well. She shared testimonies of instances where her doctors had given up on her, and she had quoted scripture to them and declared that her God would see her through and He did, thereby confounding medical science. It therefore came as a tremendous shock to us that she had passed away. It has taken a lot not to keep asking God WHY? This loss has inflicted us all with a deep pain. Interestingly, it is her own tenacious faith, words of encouragement and the testimonies she shared that keeps us going. She never hesitated to reach out and help us individually and despite her obvious suffering; her interest in the Group’s activities, affairs and projects was keen till the very end.

That was Ruth, selfless to the very end, faithful to the end, still praising and believing to the very end. We miss you terribly dear sister, our tears just won’t stop flowing. We keep reading and re-reading your texts and emails, especially the last messages to us, the last conversations we had and we are thankful to God for giving us the privilege of knowing, living and interacting with a precious gem like you.

Thank you for what you gave us
Thank you for the path you showed us
Thank you for the example you left us
Thank you for bringing meaning to the hymn we so much love to sing as a Group

1. Through the love of God our Saviour, All will be well
Free and changeless is His favour, All is well
Precious is the blood that healed us
Perfect is the grace that sealed us
Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us
All must be well

2. Though we pass through tribulation, All will be well
Ours is such a full salvation, All is well
Happy still in God confiding
Fruitful if in Christ abiding
Steadfast through the Spirit's guiding
All must be well

3. We expect a bright tomorrow; All will be well
Faith can sing through days of sorrow, All is well
On our Father's love relying
Jesus every need supplying
Yes in living or in dying
All must be well

Farewell dear Sister. Go rest in the bosom of the Lord you so loved and believed in till the very end. Rest in sweet peace till we meet again.

Adieu Sister Ruth Tettey!
Thank God for the life you lived and the love you so freely gave. You fought the battle with cancer with so much grace, strength and courage. You were an exceptional woman. You inspired everyone around you and was such a great example in staying cheerful and strong in the face of adversity.
I remember the first time I met you in Tunisia in March 2008 and how wonderful you were. You gave me one of my most memorable birthdays. I can never forget your thoughtfulness, cheerfulness and love. You adopted me into the family ever since and I am proud to say I have been blessed with the best Ghanaian sisters anyone could ask for.
You had such strong faith in God and remained in Him till the end. You had a great sense of style and a true fashionista you were. You were a fabulous hostess, you could throw the best party at the blink of an eye. You were a beautiful soul, in and out. I cant believe that we will never see your beautiful face or hear your rich laughter on this side of heaven again. But we thank God for your life. It was a full and beautiful life.
So today, I join Uncle Ernest, your children, Julie, Yaa, Solo, your family and friends to celebrate YOUR LIFE. It was a beautiful life cut short too soon.
We are comforted in the knowledge that you are with the Lord and resting in His bosom.
We love you, Sister and will surely miss you.
You remain forever in our hearts.

Aunty Ruth gone too soon. I remember you for always being smart and elegant. Having interacted with Kwabena in TIC I can tell that you raised good children. May God comfort those you have left behind and grant them his peace that surpasses all understanding. Till we meet at Jesus's feet.

Aunty Ruth,

Truly a beautiful woman both inside and out. After your diagnosis, I only saw you a couple of times but every time I did you were cheerful and full of hope. The Bible teaches us that in all things we go through in life, we must always keep our faith in the Lord. You truly exemplified this, and serve as an example for all of us.   

Though we mourn your loss here on earth, we remain comforted that you are at peace with our Lord.

We celebrate you, and the beautiful life you led.

​H​ow does one summarize​ the life of a formidable person like Ruth,​ especially when​ you've had a close​ relationship spanning​ almost 4 decades​ with that person ? Not ​possible. But i'd like to say this...

Ruth was a very ​intelligent and wise woman who never flaunted her knowledge or wisdom​ or made anyone feel inferior​. She was a woman with a purpose, and she forged a path and made sure she left ​a trace everywhere she went. She was kind and generous without making you feel pitied or degraded. She spoke her mind and gave her opinion, but never in a disrespectful ​or hurtful ​manner. She was a great hostess without ​suffocating you​. She enjoyed a party without ever being crass or obnoxious. She loved life fiercely but not so obsessively as to be delusional about her immortality. Because in the end, when it was time for her to depart, she humbly accepted her fate and bowed out gracefully.

From Accra to Dakar and Abidjan, from Tunis to the US. I will forever cherish the memories we ​shared.​ ​​My dear sister, Ruthie, goodnight​, until we all awaken at the dawn of Glory.

Tribute by: Ernest O. Tettey

Relationship: Husband

In November of 2011, Ruth was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and given a dim prognosis. She endured many sessions of chemotherapy and never showed despair. In fact, her faith grew tremendously during this time. She also was very bold in talking to doctors, nurses, other cancer patients, and anyone else she could talk to about the Lord and salvation. On 21 December 2015, after a courageous battle, Ruth succumbed and went home to be with the Lord. One of her major preoccupations was her then 11-year old daughter, Maame, but she had four extra years after the diagnosis to groom her, and for that and many others, we are grateful to the Almighty God.

If I were asked to say just one sentence to best describe Ruth what would I say? I would say this: Ruth touched people’s lives in special ways. So many people told me stories about something Ruth did for them or shared with them that they never forgot and that is the reason why they have traveled from the US, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Nigeria and other places to be here for her funeral.
Sometime in June 1987, Ruth touched my life and we began a journey of love and total devotion to each other. This was our first meeting at Auntie Peace’s former residence in Abidjan. For the years that followed, we did everything together. It is no surprise that on the night she passed, I was with her, at least until she stepped into eternity. It couldn’t have been any other way. I had to let her go, the saddest day of my life.

I do count it a privilege and honour that God entrusted me to be the husband of such a beautiful and lovely person for 27 years. She enriched the lives of so many people, not least my own. There were times when she had great difficulties in her life, but she had such a strong faith in God that enabled her to come through those difficult times. She was a totally unselfish person and would so often put other people before herself.

My dear wife was not only a wonderful wife and mother but she was a meticulous housekeeper and homemaker. She was a cheerful, friendly person and made many warm friends. She seldom, if ever, criticized any person. Instead, she focused on their good qualities. She would never shade the truth no matter the consequences.

Though we will miss her terribly, we can rejoice, knowing that she is now with the Lord whom she loved so much, where there will be no more pain or suffering. Our loss though, is Heaven's gain. Ruth has gone ahead of us, but we do believe that the day will come when those of us who have trusted in Christ, will all meet up again when the trumpet will sound and we shall be caught up to be together and forever be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

Ruth has left us with the most magical legacy in our three wonderful children. She lives in every one of them. Yaw, our thoughtful kind boy who shares his mother’s obsession of thinking about others. Nana, who also has the ability to give everybody a feeling of warmth with his smile and laugh. Maame, who has definitely inherited her determination, her independence and ability to remain in total charge of the house. She was the most incredible mother; and words cannot express how I feel about them missing out on her love in the future.

Dear Wife, Dear Mother, Dear Sister! Nothing can take your place. Your love, devotion, toil with and for us, had been unceasing, and now you have gone to a heavenly home where sorrow and suffering can touch you no more. But your mission with us is not yet done. We feel your influence, love and interest in us as ever before, and our lives, acts and service for and to each other and the cause of God, shall forever be as though you were still by our side, and approved everything we did.

Ruth, we will miss your wisdom and knowledge that the children and I continually drew on. We will miss our family trips and the jokes and stories you told as we went, in a manner that only you could. It will never never be the same without you. I will carry with me forever precious and many lovely memories of our journey together, through Abidjan, to Tunis and then to Johannesburg. Thank you for all you did to make the world a better place for us. We love you and miss you dearly. My only consolation now is that you are with the Lord. Till we meet again, Ruth, my love, rest in perfect peace.

Tribute by: Yaw O. Tettey

Relationship: Son (First Born)

I can’t fully explain the mix of emotions I was going through when I received the news that you had left us. For the most part, I was sad and devastated by the reality that you were gone. Yet, a part of me was at peace with the fact that you will endure no more pain and suffering as you smile over us in heaven.

Being several miles away from you while you were going through this battle was challenging for me. It was honestly your cheerfulness and constant reassurance that you would be fine, that helped me through this journey. You remained optimistic that you will sail through and conquer this disease. You did indeed conquer this disease, you never allowed it to dampen your spirits and still remained who you’ve always been. When we would talk on the phone and things weren’t so good, you still managed to keep calm and told me to continue praying for you; that the Lord will see you through. The Lord did keep to your promise and blessed us with numerous miracles and testimonies. I will forever be inspired by your confidence, bravery, positive spirit and above all, your relentless faith in the Lord throughout this journey.

Not enough words can list all the qualities you possessed as a mother. You have always been an exceptional mother, role model, teacher and best friend. You showered us with unconditional love and always stressed how much we meant to you as your children. I thank you for filling us with a wealth of wisdom and knowledge that we will continue to draw on as we move on. I thank you for instilling in us great values and morals. Life will certainly not be the same without you. I will miss your valuable advice, your calls, your voice and just your overall bright personality. I will forever cherish the wonderful memories we spent together.

Farewell mommy. I am consoled by the fact that you’re living peacefully and comfortably with the Lord, who was pleased with your life on earth. May you rest in perfect peace.

Tribute by: Amma O. Tettey

Relationship: Daughter (Third Born)

My mother was the strongest person I knew, she fought Stage IV Lung cancer for 4 difficult years, with all the strength she had, and for that she will always be my hero. Even though I want her back so badly by my side, I knew this battle was draining her out. 

The past few weeks were her worst, I remembered how I had to shower her, because she was barely able to move. But even before that she could barely get up the stairs, and those were the moments when I realized that I could lose her. But I was selfish and in denial, and I thought she could fight it, like she always had, but this time something deep deep inside me was telling me that she wouldn’t make it, and God was calling her up to heaven, where she wouldn’t experience any pain, and where she would be happy. And for that reason I’m trying to keep it together, for her and the rest of my family members, I love my mother so much, and these past few weeks made me realize I would have done anything for her to be happy again. And as much as I wanted to be selfish I realized if she could finally be in a place where she would be happy, and not experience pain anymore then I will try my hardest to be strong, for her, because she deserves all the happiness in the world and I know she will always be watching over me.

My biggest regret was not telling her I loved her as much as I used to when I was younger, I remember telling my mom I would always love her, and she asked me “you promise?” and I said yeah, but over the years I stopped, or I forgot, and I regret that so much. Another huge regret, is her seeing me so angry these last few weeks, and she’d always ask me if she was the reason I was angry. But it wasn’t her, her cancer was what caused my anger, over the years I grew angrier and angrier, because I couldn’t understand why such a wonderful, kind, amazing woman would have cancer, I was angry because she was in so much pain and there was nothing I could do, and that hit me really hard, I wasn’t only hard on myself but I was hard on others. But now I refuse to be that way anymore, I refuse to be cold and angry, because I know my mom would want me to be happy, and I will, because I know she is watching over me and I will one day see her again. Before I finish I want to end with something she said to me: ‘I’ve loved and nurtured you from the time God formed and put you inside me, and I knew you were there, till now I’ve loved you, and will continue to love you till the day I draw my last breath… I hope you understand this and don’t ever doubt this’.

Tribute by: Juliana Asante-Dartey

Relationship: Sister (First Sibling)

Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy. The praises of my God shall still, my heart and tongue employ.

O magnify the Lord with me, with me exalt his name; when in distress to Him I called, He to my rescue came.

‘Come and meet your big sister’ Maa said as she introduced me to Sis Ruth who had just come home from school. That is my earliest memory of her as a four years old, meeting her 15 year old big sister. And oh what a real big sister you turned out to be! God blessed me with a gem and a guardian angel.  An advocate who skilfully handled Maa and Dad for me in those difficult teenage years and made everything so much better. You never left me, and your returns from school and visits while I was in school were such joyous and memorable moments. All my friends took to you immediately and continually commented about what a wonderful person you were, and how nice you were.  You introduced me to your friends too, and indeed most have become life-long associates who are mourning and hurting as much as I am. We shared so many happy moments together and had our fair share of challenges; but together, we weathered it all. What do I do now? With Christ in the vessel, I shall smile at the storm.

You walked with me and, like footprints in the sand, guided me through my journey in life. You’ve been my pillar, mother, big sister, friend and confidante. What can I say? Thank you and thank you again. What didn’t I learn from you? Your love and concern for family and others, your generosity, kind-heartedness, sense of style, love for jewelry, hard work, boldness, fortitude, positivity and, above all, love for God and absolute faith in Him. Woman of valor, you did well and were such a shining example to emulate. People commended us for how well we had helped, alongside Bro. Ernest, to get better. But for us it was a matter of cause, we wouldn’t have had it any other way.  We had benefitted from and learnt from the best caregivers in the world, you and Maa. We were only practicing what we had been taught and had experienced. Ever expressive with her thoughts, Sis Ruth was so appreciative of the care and love given her and marked us, together with Bro. Ernest and the countless friends that pitched in, A+. And it fills my heart with such joy that you got to experience some of the love you so freely gave.

Boy, did the journey get tough and daunting as we spent hours on end in hospital facilities around the world as you underwent treatment, dealt with harsh medication side effects and the myriads of challenges we had to confront. We prayed, talked, cried, joked and laughed through it all. Nothing was off limits. No subject, too sticky to discuss. You openly shared your inner most feelings and by so doing, made it much easier for me to handle the biggest challenge of my life. You were so brave in the face of adversity and in my moments of despair, you will quickly sense my fears and reassure me it is well. You never lost faith and hope. We serve a living God and many were the miracles he did for us. ‘Ebenezer, thus far has the Almighty brought us.’

You had a zest for life….so how could death deal us such a heavy blow? I thank God so much for the wonderful years he blessed me with your life and the numerous, invaluable life lessons you taught me. I love you more than words can ever describe. I will give everything to receive one more stern text message of “Tetebea, on dit qoui?” when I hadn’t checked in with you timely in our almost daily phone conversations but alas, it’s all gone quite.

Rest well, my dear. My sister for always, my friend for forever…

Tribute by: Yaa Ansomaa Tete

Relationship: Sister (Second Sibling)

“He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces…’’ Isaiah 25:8

My early recollections were of sis Ruth coming home from Abidjan, exciting times full of pleasant surprises and goodness. She not only visited but she took us around the continent with her, generously sharing her life with us and introducing us to lifelong friends. Her warmth of character is attested to by the ease with which she made and retained friends from all walks of life; and how she adopted our friends as her own; such a large and beautiful personality. I remember her pulling her spectacles over the bridge of her nose, trying to bring some humor to the situation as she cared for me post-operatively in Trondheim. And boy could she throw a party, keeping up with what was 'in' at every point in time- here was one who was truly young at heart!

Sis Ruth, Akua Obuame, Akua Ruth, our 'mother', our advisor, our big sister and our friend. We have indeed lost a cherished sister.

Ruth had a deep concern for the welfare of others, she was truly generous, kind and understanding. She was gracious and elegant. Where one would be alarmed, Ruth kept her calm, gently talking one through the situation - the voice of reason. Her determination never to quit, her ethic of hard work, her visionary inspiration, her industriousness, her zest for life, her infectious sense of humor, and her warm-heartedness, were all qualities that attracted all to her. She was such an inspiration to friends and family alike. Her sheer courage and joie de vivre in the face of otherwise indomitable circumstances were so inspiring. In missing her we miss a mentor, a tower of strength, a peacemaker and an irreplaceable treasure. She is so sorely missed but we trust she sleeps and rests safe in the memory of our God until He brings her back to life again (Job 14:14,15; John 11:11; Acts 24:15).

Adieu à ma grande soeur,
Adieu à ma ‘maman’
Je penserais à elle
et je ne l’oublierais jamais

Tribute by: Yaa Boatemaa Adjei-Annor

Relationship: Sister

Although we have been aware of the failing health of our beloved eldest sister for the past few years, the news of her death on 21st December, 2015 reached us with distress and shock because we believed her abiding faith in the Lord would pull her through the sickness. Sista Ruth lived up to expectation of the leader of a large family. She was the pillar and unifier of our kindred. I regarded her as a man because of how she guided and cared for us. She was generous and kind. Her pieces of advice were rich and beneficial to us. She believed in peaceful, happy relationships, and was a great inspiration and support to all of us. The family has indeed lost its light and guide. An enormous vacuum, which will take a long time to be filled, has been created. We thank God for giving us this great gift, and we pray that He will place her safely in His bosom. Sista Ruth da yie, me da wo ase, Nyame nfa wo nsie.

Tribute by: Angela Asamoah

Relationship: Sister

Gone too soon! You will be missed. You've left such a huge void in our lives that no one could ever fill. In spite of the struggles with this disease, you always took time to ensure that we excelled in academics, job and marriage. Even on your sick bed, you worked as an ambassador to bring the family both at home and abroad together. You who never hold grudges against anyone, so loving, forgiving, God fearing, God loving, faithful to the word of God and courageous! Never once did you lose your faith in your maker, you always believed in His will. "Damirifa due" may you rest in perfect peace with the Lord.

Tribute by: Ruby and Phillys Tete

Relationship: Sisters

A big sister’s love is something we were blessed to have. A sister’s bond so strong that not even in death can it be broken. Sis Ruth, your death still seems like a dream to us.

Thank you for being our inspiration and strength. Thanks for blessing everyone with your presence. You were gone before we knew it but only God knows why.

Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow. What it means to lose a big sister, no one can ever know. But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more since you’ll never be forgotten.

God keep you safe and give you peace till we meet again. Rest well in the boson of our father Abraham.

Nantie yie. Nyame nfa wonsie. Dammirifa due, dammirifa due, dammirifa due

Tribute by: Katherine Adarkwa

Relationship: Aunt and Classmate

“The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. Isaiah 57:1-2

Akua, my dear niece, sister and friend, today is the day you are being laid to rest, our hearts are heavy and the tears cannot cease flowing, but as it is always said, God only takes the best. Everything happens for a reason, even if we may not agree.

We met in our early teens as “ninos” in 1973 in Form One at Aburi Girls’ Secondary School. As soon as we found out that we were family, our bond started and we have been very close like sisters to this day. Even though you have been away from Ghana for some time, you always found time to call and to visit whenever you were on holidays in Accra and we had good times together.

I never expected that death would snatch you so soon, there are so many questions running through my mind as I write this tribute to you, but we cannot question what God has planned, sometimes it's not meant for us to understand.

The thought of never seeing you again, or having our long and hearty chats on phone or Skype brings tears to my eyes. You were such a tower of strength even when you were going through a very hard time with ill health. Your faith in God was so amazing and it was a source of strength for me and gave me some hope. 

But now I can understand why God would want such a beautiful angel on His side from now until eternity. You brought so much joy and happiness wherever you were with your kind and loving ways, you lifted up spirits with your laughter and light spirit, no matter what was happening, you knew just what to do.

“If tears could build a stairway, and thoughts a memory lane, I’d walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again, No farewell words were spoken, no time to say good-bye, You were gone before I knew it, And only God knows why. “

Akua Ruth, I miss you so very much, but I find comfort in the fact that you are now at peace and resting in the arms of Jesus.

Adieu ma soeur, fare thee well till we will meet again.
Rest in perfect peace my dear Sister.

Tribute by: Reverend Kwabena Botchway

Relationship: Cousin/Brother

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  2 Timothy 4:7

Sister Ruth, indeed you fought the good fight and you kept your faith in God through it all. That makes you a true follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. For me you were my mother, a father, a sweet sister, a friend, a confidante and a counselor.

You were always there to correct, direct and encourage me whenever I went wrong and you ensured I excelled in my academics. In spite of your loving nature and tender care, you were a disciplinarian and you did not compromise on your principles. I had to stay in line anytime you gave me your usual stares, when your eyes spoke louder than words and am today grateful for the discipline you instilled in me.

Sweet Sis as I called you and you always responded with a smile "Bro Bro, Bro no no". You taught me how to build a personal relationship with God as you narrated your life story over and over again to encourage me in my trying moments. It is the best of all the legacy you left, and I shall be forever grateful sweet Sis.

My Sweet Sis, my counselor, I am so sad and full of tears today as we part company because I would love to have you forever with me but you yourself prayed that God should take you home when His time was up; and you never wanted to be bed-ridden and be a burden to anyone. Indeed God has answered that prayer.

Hmmm, God is so wise that He never created loved ones with price tags, because if He did, how could I afford a sweet and precious sister like YOU, how could I?

I love you sweet Sis and you will forever remain in my memories, but God loves you best.

mɛ gyamɛ, de le !  Onua pa da yiɛ !

SISTER RUTH, REST IN THE PERFECT LOVING ARMS OF GOD. AMEN

Tribute by: Solomon Asante Dartey

Relationship: Brother-In-Law

I first met Sister Ruth in 1991 when she invited me to her home in Abidjan, La Cote D'Ivoire for a weekend. She had heard so much about me and witnessed a number of telephone calls to her home from a certain Solo asking to speak to her younger sister. I later found out that the invitation was an assessment prior to any form of acceptance of proposal or friendship upgrade by her younger sister. What a serious big sister. I also realised later that she loved her siblings so so much and was always ready to protect and guide them to great heights.

Sis Ruth and I clicked the first day we met and she became more like my big sister too than anything else. A very warm, lovable, generous, caring, and open minded person who never hesitated in sharing a thought or giving me directions whenever we engaged. We shared a lot in common and got on so well. She extended the same warm welcome to my family as well as our friends, building close relationships/friendships with a lot of them.

Sister Ruth fought the battle with her sickness with such strength and courage that was beyond understanding. Although we could all see her go through such discomfort, I never heard her complain for once about the pain and suffering. Rather, on the numerous occasions that she spent with us receiving treatment, we would sit for hours deep into the night chatting and discussing pension plans and business ideas as well as the future of the children. I remember very well our last conversation before her departure to Johannesburg a couple of months ago after successfully going through her treatment in the USA. We had discussed how the entire family would be back home by the end of 2016 and how our brilliant ideas would be implemented and so on. But that was never to be.

Big Sis Ruth, I will always cherish my moments with you. You loved, cared and lived for many beyond measure as is evident by the numerous tributes and testimonies by all who knew you. A great loss indeed. Rest in perfect peace my sister.

Tribute by: The Ayensu Family

Relationship: Extended Family

It feels like years but it has only been weeks. Yet, it still is too long. We do love you in the same way we did before, as if you were still here with us, laughing during the good times and crying during the bad times. We miss being able to call you any time and talk about everything under the sun. As children, we had fun together and then grew apart with the years, as most siblings do. We all had our own set of goals for our lives, but that still didn't change the fact that we were family and are grateful for the time we got to enjoy each other’s company once again in these last few years. There was nothing that we wouldn't do for you and nothing that you wouldn't do for us. We wish you were still here with us. We can understand, however, why God would want such a beautiful angel on His side from now until eternity. Just know that we love and miss you very much. This is the tribute to you our lovely big sister. Rest in peace sis.

Tribute by: The Family

Relationship: Extended Family

All is quiet! Darkness has swallowed the moon. The moon is no more brightening. The twinkling star is no more. The well has dried up! But a voice tells me it is well with my soul. We thank the Lord God Almighty for giving us such a wonderful woman.

Akua, as we affectionately called her, was loving, caring, sympathetic and had a great passion for her family; a woman who showed great interest in the education of every individual in the family. We thank God for her life.

Though she had not been too well within the past few years, she looked very strong about four months ago when she returned from check-up in the USA. We were with her at Abena’s residence, chatted and shared happy moments together before she returned to South Africa. Whilst expecting our dear sister for Christmas as usual, we rather had the greatest shock of the news of her death. We never anticipated she was going to leave us this soon.

A great leader is gone, a great friend is gone, a great sister is gone, a generous person is gone, an adviser and a counsellor is gone. She was all that we had in the family. It is indeed with a heavy heart that we pay tribute to this great woman. We cannot find enough words to describe our pain and agony. Her loss is irreplaceable.

Akua we assure you that we shall continue to build on the rich legacy you have left for our family, which is education.

Sister Ruth, Akua Obuame, your sisters, cousins, aunties, uncles and the entire family say God Bless you for all the support you gave to them.

May the everlasting arms of God receive you and rest your soul in perfect peace.

“Da yiye”,

“De kɔse”

Auntie Ruth.. Hmmm when I do lose my own mom.. You formed part of the many mothers that cared every single day... You were more than a mother to so many of yours.. You encouraged us everytime.. U made us realise you were a good fighter even through your hardships of sickness.... I JUST COLD NOT BELIEVE THE LAST TIME I WILL HER FROM YOU WAS A MESSAGE THROUGH FACE BOOK... But in all GOD knows best and he called you.. We thank him for the wonderful times we shared with you... May you R. I. P.. MOTHER AUNTIE..

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18 NKJV). For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate "RUTH" from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38 - 8:39 NKJV)

Ruth was a woman of faith. Of unfailing faith in God. If only she could have seen His Face but alas, "......He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live (Exodus 33:20 NKJV)". But the Lord continued and said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. “So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. “Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen (Exodus 33:20 - 33:23 NKJV).

Ruth, rest in the cleft of the rock that God has provided until that day when the trumpet shall sound and we meet again. Rest for “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts (Revelation 21:6 NKJV)".

To Ernest and the kids, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV)". Believe that Ruth thirsted and now rests in the bosom of our living God. May she rest in perfect peace.

Tribute by: Kwabena T. Tettey

Relationship: Son (Second Born)

Sometimes in life things happen that you cannot quite explain… the passing of my mother is one of those unfathomable moments. For a woman so dedicated to her faith, devoted to the wellbeing and prosperity of her family, and committed to the welfare of others, one can only reflect on the passing of my dearest mother Ruth Obuame Tettey.

Mama, you never smoked a day in your life yet the disease that took your life away was lung cancer. Such occurrences only happen to God’s chosen angels, and I believe you have been handpicked by God to watch over our family. I will miss your physical presence here on Earth but I am certain that your soul will live with us forever.

You always taught me to be humble, respectful, and own up to my mistakes. For that, I am eternally grateful. Your wisdom was very admirable; every piece of advice you have given me to date has impacted my life in one way or another. I will never forget the late nights we spent talking about your childhood, my life experiences, and the future you envision for our family. I will make it my life goal to turn those ideas into fruition.

You have been fighting this disease so bravely for four years now, and it is finally time for you to rest. In my eyes, you won the battle because you never let your physical condition hinder your spiritual and intellectual health. I love you more than you will ever know and hope to be reunited with you someday in heaven. “For I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” – John 10:28.