Ruth Ann Barksdale was one of eight children born to Ada Mae Latney-Roberts-Lyles. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, where she met and married her "Viking" Paul Barksdale. She was an amazing wife "girlfriend" for over 30 years. From this union, two families became one. She was a phenomenal woman. Ruth was a matriarchal rock, full of love, wisdom and light. She was loving, knowledgeable and judge-free. You could always count on her for a listening ear and for unique, but truthful advice. Her favorite saying was to "do you." Ruth was so funny that she would make most people cry from laughter, even herself. Her humor would turn anyone's bad day into the best day. She was also charitable. She knew what it was like to go without, so she gave what she could no questions asked. Ruth would give money to anyone in need (charities and nonprofits included). November 14, 2021 was her 15th-year anniversary of a successful kidney transplant. She continued to fight different illnesses never complaining and always helping others, until she returned home to God. She was preceded in death by her mother Ada Mae and two brothers Clifford and Ronald. She leaves to cherish loving memories: her husband Paul and her children Monty (Robin), David, Angeline (Darren), and Shawnee'; step-children Paul (Christine), Tiffany (Jelani), Brandi, and Jesse (Naja); grandchildren Angeline (Jerome), Nadijah, Moni, Dau'd, Monty Jr., Maya, and Taylor; step-grandchildren Quaheem, Paul, Jelani Jr, Maya, Manny, Joanna, Mila, Marcus, Maddox and Jesse Jr; great-grandchildren My'lah, Mila and one on the way; siblings Headdy (Glenn), Christopher, Sandra, Alice, and Robbin (Hawthorne), and a host of other family members and close friends. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church, 7204 Bethlehem Road.