Ruth Ophelia Delores Garrison McGruder
Ruth Ophelia Delores Garrison McGruder, of Merced, Calif., formerly of Washington, died Saturday March 5, 2022, in her home, with her family at her bedside.
She was born February 10, 1935, in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County, a daughter of the late Archie and Willa Ann Bonaparte Garrison.
She was a graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1953.
Ruth worked as a daycare provider in her early years. In 1971, she joined the Washington County Health Center and retired as an inventory coordinator in July 1995. Ruth was an active volunteer member of the Washington Literacy Council.
She was a member of Yosemite Church in California and honorary member of Grace Temple in New Jersey. She loved Jesus as her Lord and Savior and spent time daily reading the word of God. If you asked her for advice she would say “Did you pray on it?”
Ruth made the best fried chicken and always was ready to serve a meal to anyone who stopped by. Whoever walked into the house had to hug Grandma first then you could have some of her famous fried chicken.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Jean Nesmith (Mark); son, William Lee Garrison (Carol); daughter, Lanita E. Chambers; and brother, Paul Garrison. She leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and Church family.
She was preceded in death by son, Stanley Garrison; her husband, Bill McGruder; great-grandchild, Jaliyah Chambers; and seven sisters, Dorothy Ferguson, Geneva Wallace, Thelma Scott, Margaret Young, Willia Lee Dudley, Alice M. Russell and Gloria Garrison.
Ruth’s loving and sassy personality will be missed by all who crossed her path.
Friends will be received from 10 until the 11 a.m. time of service Friday, March 18, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Bishop Michael Franklin officiating. Burial in Forest Lawn Gardens will be private.
Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.