Aunt Ruth, it's still hard to believe you are gone. You were one of the strongest people I ever knew.. you will be missed, always loved and never forgotten. Thank you for being strong for me when I couldn't be and for being a voice that I felt I didn't have. ❤

Deacon Ruth, You were such a beautiful spirit! I appreciate how you loved and cared for the wellbeing of my son Darius - he loved you too! Now that you have received your wings, I know Heaven is a much sweeter place. While we may believe you are "gone too soon", God was simply "jealous for you"! I feel truly blessed to have known you! May your soul and spirit "Rest In Peace"!

Aunt Ruth this is so hard to swallow right now. It's so hard to know that I wont hear you call me Niece or see that beautiful bright smile. I love you so much and I was glad to have our last convo and you telling me how proud you was of me and how beautiful I am. I love you so much and I'm going to miss you.

Deacon Ruth! a woman you can call on for anything, a smile to live for, and a hug to last for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing her with us. Her service will forever be remembered. she also laughed a lot and i truly will will miss that. God loves her more and she is truly resting with the Father. Our families prayers are with you. I am grateful today to have known and served along side with her. God Bless you!

I never had an opportunity to meet Mother Ruth , but I have heard wonderful things about her from my dear friend and sister, Lakia (LB). No doubt all of the beauty and determination I see in LB and Kai stems from the amazing love and character of their mother, Ruth. I know heaven has gained a “Hallelujah God” Angel. May the family continue to find comfort and strength in our loving Father! Love and Blessings ❤️Bre

Deacon Ruth thank you for your wonderful smile and warm hugs. I enjoyed our time together. I never forget how we use to walk to church and was there on time and the wisdom you impartedon on our journeys. You will be truly missed.

My dear sweet Deacon Ruth. Dwayne and I will truly miss your smiling face, your genuine friendship, & love and care for my family. You always greeted me with a huge, arms wide open hug, whether we were at TFC, Rose & Ronnie's house or at Fit4Life with Pastor George. You had become part of my family and your presence will forever be missed. Rest well We Love you and our condolences to your family!

My heart is in shock of God’s timing. But one thing I know for sure, you are finally feeling the kind of hugs that you gave. No one, and I mean NO ONE can give a hug the way you can. You had a way of taking away pain, sadness and disparity with a hug and a I love you. I will miss your hugs for sure. Even after I stopped coming to church, when I visited, you still made me feel like I was home. Thank you for being you.

Deacon Ruth was an amazing sister in Christ, servant of God and His people, and an overall sweet and genuine soul. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to do ministry with her and have her in my life as a friend. She willed be missed immensely. My heart is heavy and sad but I know she is at peace resting in the loving arms of Jesus. For that reason, I can rejoice!

I am deeply saddened over the loss of Deacon Ruth. She was such a great friend and sister. I admired the qualities that made her so special. I could trust her wisdom and advice on situations. She always spoke well of her family. Thank you for sharing your mom with me. She had wit, a caring heart, kindness and compassion. I will never forget the wonderful and fun times we shared. Deacon Ruth was a gift from God and I am blessed to have known her. You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met you. Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part. God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart.

My condolences to Deacon Ruth family and friends. May she Rest In Peace.

I will remember how I felt "at home" with Dea. Ruth. Smiles, hugs, kisses and meaningful conversation came easy with her. Dea. Ruth I recall when you told me you were moving to Atlanta. I was none too happy about that because you had a way to connect with a "kindred spirit" using few words! I still reflect on our last chat about two weeks before you graduated to rest in the presence of Jesus. I will hold on to those memories until we see each other "in the rapture some sweet day!" 

Deacon Ruth had the Biggest Heart and the Biggest Hugs! She was always encouraging and ready to lend a hand with whatever you needed. I will always remember the Thanksgiving we spent together. I didn't have much furniture in my house at that time but it was filled with the Love and Laughter of her Friendship. I will always be Grateful for you my Sister and Friend. Love Always Sister Pearl and Min. Yolanda 

Deacon Ruth had the best smile every time I would see her. She would give me the biggest hugs and greet me with Hey, MinDeb. She always made my heart smile. She was, indeed, an example of the love, compassion, and joy of Jesus.

Job well done, good and faithful servant. See you later. I expect one of those hugs.

As I sit here thinking of the first time we met at Bible study. When we introduced ourselves to each other and she said you are the "other Ruth" I heard was a member. Everytime I saw her she would give me a big hug with that smile and say, "hello Namesake". Well done Namesake. You have your wings now.

I will always remember her lovely smile and she always had a warm hug for everyone. She was a true blessing to us all and will definitely be missed. May she rest in eternal peace! 

Deacon Ruth you were always, always a bright place in my life. Your joy and love for us was/is the example of what Christ wants of us. Our days in the food bank at Crossover to noon day prayer service you was forever the same loving, caring and compassionate partner! Your smile lit the room and my life! Rest now in the arms of your first love. You are sorely missed but we carry in our hearts how you made each person feel special.

On April 21, 2018, I remember being at Deacon Ruth's house, helping her pack for her move to Georgia. The reason I remembered that date was because that was the date of Barbara Bush's funeral and while packing, I would sneak off into her sunroom to continue watching the funeral. After the funeral was over, I said to myself....wow!!!!, I wish I could have known her personally because she seemed like an awesome person. I did not know Barbara Bush, but I knew Ruth Arrington and she was a true Women of God....

I first met Deacon Ruth when I started volunteering at the Food Pantry. She taught me what needed to be done as a volunteer. While waiting for the Elementary kids to come over and pick up their weekend bags, she shared with me her passion of cooking. She even brought me a sample of her mac & cheese and sweet potatoes, that proved to me she could cook. She was real serious about her cooking. When packing up her kitchen, her spices had to go onto the truck first, because she needed to make sure those items did not go into storage......

When you would first encounter Deacon Ruth on an early Sunday morning, you know you would be greeted to one of her hugs first and then a kiss on the cheek. Then she would ask you "how you're doing".....Even with her move to Georgia with Lakia and Kyeashia, she would still call checking in.......

My Ruthetta, as I would call you.....you will always be in my heart as one of my true friends........

Enjoy your time with God...........

While we were saddened to hear of the transition of our dear Deacon Ruth, but we know that she is safe in the arms of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. We will miss your sweet, welcoming spirit, your kindness, your beautiful smile, and your warm hugs and big kisses! We are so grateful that you were a part of our lives! You will truly be missed and we will always love you! - Dennis & Gretchen Waller

I always looked forward to your vigorous hugs and the times you would say a prayer for my marriage. Ironic, I never saw you without a big smile on your face, I always thought that smile was just for me. You will be dearly missed Deacon Ruth. Rest easy!  

Deacon Ruth was sunshine on everyday. Just to see her would put a smile on your face because her genuine delight in seeing you just made all of the cares if this world melt. Deacon Ruth would always greet me by calling me “Cousin” although not blood relation we always considered each other family!!! Deacon Ruth I cant bring myself to say goodbye but see you later “Cousin” with a bright smile!!!

Deacon Ruth has been such a heavenly delight from the first time we met at Crossover Church. True servant and godly friend that have impacted so many and it was a joy serving with you in the Women's Ministry. Her hugs and smiles just melted away any concerns or worries. Most memorable times was when Pastor Robyn and l visited Atlanta and the love, fun and hospitality as she showed us "Hot Lanta". We were so at home with you Ruth. Now you have found your heavenly home and the angels are rejoicing. Will miss you and confident we will see you again my dear friend.

She’s resting in The Father’s arm my dear friend, sister and fellow laborer in the vineyard. Oh, how I will miss your “Hey Girlfriend,” our prayer times, those numerous impromptu road trips, luncheons and family gatherings. My parents embraced you as their daughter and your family became an extension of mine. Your love of God and family are evident in your children. You always said, “I appreciate you” and now I say in honor of you that I appreciate you for leaving an impressionable mark on all our lives. Forever in our hearts your Smith Williams Families.

My Dear Sweet Deacon Auntie Ruth! Thank you! For embracing my mom, my daughter, and me as members of your family. For opening up your home to us and for sharing quality time and great meals. I am eternally grateful. I love your zest for life, selfless commitment to service, tenacity, perseverance, as well as your genuine and generous spirit. I will always remember your beautiful smile, warm hugs, and “suga”. I love and miss you dearly “Girlfriend”, but am confident that I will see you again.❤️

I called you Deacon "Aunt" Ruth because that's who you were as the live action person who interacted with my puppet for a Children's Ministry presentation.  We had many wonderful times of pre-service prayer and conversation as you wrestled with making that decision to move to GA. I will so miss that warm smile that always started with a gleam in your eyes and radiated throughout the room.  I don't have to pray for you because I know where you are. But I will indeed be praying for your family as they process the impact of your physical absence in the days, weeks, months and years to come. Rest in His Presence.

In addition to her hugs and that "suga" she would place on your cheek, what I will miss the most about Deacon Ruth is her pretty smile and that dancing pep she always had in her step! I thank God for the honor and the privilege of knowing one of His angels and I will indeed and truly miss you.

To the family of your precious jewel, Ruth, thank you for sharing her with us. Her warm presence was always so genuine and kind. Our hearts are broken for you. Our prayers are with you and we will always praise God for allowing our paths to combine.

Our dear friend Deacon Ruth,
She was such a blessing in our lives.  When we first met Dea Ruth at Crossover Church years ago we were all drawn to her.  Once you got to know her, she labeled you as “family” and that meant so much and was so special.  She would do anything for you.  Deacon Ruth was always willing to serve and was a true servant.  She would put others always before herself. 
  All she talked about were her daughters, grandkids and her son-in law.  She would say “he’s the hardest working man I know”!  She called her daughters Nikki and Lakia, her “Queens” and the grandkids gave her so much joy.  Ruth absolutely loved and was so proud of her family.
  When we moved to Georgia, Dea Ruth was happy to have us here from Maryland.  It was great just spending time and getting even closer to our buddy (that is what my husband used to call her).  She even joined the same church that we attended in Georgia.  When we invited her and once she walked through the doors, the very first time she smiled and said “I’m home” because The Faith Center reminded her so much of Crossover Church.
  We love you Deacon Ruth and will miss your beautiful face, your smile, our talks, our get together outings, your delicious food and those wonderful hugs that only you would give.
  Rest in peace and I know you are saying “yes, girlfriend, I am”.
-Ron & Rose Finney, Friend/Church Member (Crossover Church and The Faith Center)

News of your transition, truly made me weep. You left such a lasting impact on my life. Your smile, your true genuine kindness and sacrificial service will always be remembered. Rest well sis!!

We celebrate the elevation of our dear sister Dea. Ruth. She could always big counted on for a bright smile and a tight hug. 

I will always remember your big smile, our conversations and your great hugs.

What I will miss most is your smile. My week could be chaotic. But when I walked into church, your smile blessed me. GOD spoke so much through your smile. You truly had an impact on life. You will be truly missed.

Celebrating the life of a sweet sister in Christ, friend and servant of God. It’s still hard to believe she’s no longer here and our hearts our sad. I’m forever grateful for our conversations & stories, working with me in Crossover’s aftercare, serving the food pantry, Deacon, meals together and so many fond memories. Her warm smile, big hugs & juicy kisses on the cheek will be missed. She fought the good fight & finished her race.❤️

I can’t begin to say how much my life has been impacted by Dea. Ruth over the years we spent together. She has been a blessing to our family, church family and a dear friend to me personally. We shared life, ministry, road trips, trials, victories and so much more. I’m so thankful to God for allowing us walk together and to enjoy and experience the love and friendship of sisters in Christ. Her life and legacy will live on in every soul she touched. We all have become richer because of Ruth Cecilia Arrington. This is not goodbye my friend, I will see you aging ❤️