Today, my struggle with Vascular Dementia is over, and I am at rest with the Lord, leaving to my beloved family and friends fond memories of the times we shared. Gone is the past, my yesterday and all the tomorrows.

Ruth transitioned peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with dementia. It challenged her life existence as she struggled daily to remember family, friends and neighbors. She was independent, resilient and remained humble throughout her illness over time. We realized that it could not go unnoticed as she could acknowledge her inability to remember. She could not defeat the challenges of her illness; it was much greater than we could ever imagine. During the memorable times of her life she enjoyed listening to music, singing “Jesus Loves Me”, “You Are My Sunshine” or she would hum a familiar song, which brought calm and comfort to her soul and spirit. When asked how she was feeling on any given day she would respond with an infectious smile and say “it was good news", on a not so good day she would say “I am on a wing and a prayer.” Through her faith she preserved.

She began her education at Coalpit School in Glen Allen. In 1953, Ruth graduated from Virginia Randolph High School and continued her education at the Apex College of Beauty Culture and Hair Dressing, founded by Madame Sara Spencer Washington, where Ruth graduated in June 1958.

Baptized at an early age, she joined the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where she served faithfully on numerous church organization and committees sharing her time, talents and treasures. Ruth would later reaffirm her church membership at St. Peter Baptist Church, Glen Allen, where she also served faithfully on the Ladies Auxiliary Usher Board. When she could no longer attend services at St. Peter each Sunday, she continued her Christian fellowship by attending the Guardian Place Sunday Morning Worship held by the Brookland United Methodist Church until her illness prevented her ability to attend. She enjoyed attending the weekly social gatherings, when possible, to join neighbors at the Friendship Cafe' sponsored by Senior Connection.

In 2023 Ruth attended Opening Minds to Art (OMA) classes at the Culture Arts Center in Glen Allen, a program designed for seniors with dementia and caregivers to create colorful artwork.

Ruth retired after 47 years of dedicated services as a domestic worker and caregiver to numerous families in the County of Henrico and within the City of Richmond, including working in culinary services at various prominent businesses and recreational facilities.

Her favorite past times were traveling, attending family reunions in Virginia, Maryland and Philadelphia, the family dinners and endearing conversations with her siblings, filled with memorable moments, laughter and joy as they all reminisced of their childhood and journey of life.

Ruth greeted everyone she met with a genuine smile, a kindred spirit and a gentle handshake. She lived a life of loving kindness and gratitude. She was caring and always generous to her family.

Ruth was a mother, Nana, sister and beloved Aunt Ruthie to her nieces, nephews, friends and to others. She was one of eight children born to the late Elvin Mark and Delia Lewis Cosby. She was preceded in death by her brother, Manuel Cosby; sisters, Bessie Thomas and Gladys Rogers. Surviving are her devoted daughter, Sheila Ann; granddaughter, Patrice Angela; brother, Elvin R. (Lottie); sisters, Viola Dallas of Decatur, Georgia, Florence Johnson of Richmond and Virginia and Ethel Latimer of Jacksonville, Florida; loving nieces, nephews, devoted Jean and Pamela and numerous friends and others.

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

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, August 27 at St. Peter Baptist Church, 2040 Mountain Road. Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, Pastor. Interment Roselawn Memory Gardens.