With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth Marie Shope, a beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and friend, who left this world on June 19th, 2025 surrounded by love. She was 63 years old.

A lifelong advocate for compassion, creativity, and equality, Ruth dedicated her life to caring—for people, for animals, for the planet, and for all living things. Her boundless empathy was the guiding light in her career in the mental health field, where she offered strength and healing to countless individuals.

Ruth had a rare and beautiful soul, deeply attuned to the wonders of the natural world. She nurtured gardens that seemed to bloom just for her and always paused to marvel at butterflies flitting past—a symbol of her own gentle transformation through life. She had an abiding love for animals and never turned away a creature in need. Her compassion extended beyond her backyard, as she championed environmental preservation and stood firmly for equality and justice for all.

A creative soul in every sense, Ruth poured her heart into crafts, creating and repurposing. She was a master of crochet and could turn a simple skein of yarn into something magical. Whether building something from scratch, painting, or crafting thoughtful handmade gifts or desserts, her creativity knew no bounds—and neither did her generosity in sharing it.

Her strength was mighty. She was the kind of woman who listened without judgment, and who loved without limits. Her family—her proudest joy—will remember her for the warmth of her hugs, the wisdom in her words, the creativity of her ideas and the unconditional love she gave so freely.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and courage. She is survived by her daughter April (Ben) Bacon, her son Ryan (Deidre) Shope; her beloved grandchildren Amirah, Hudson & Abby Bacon, together with Pierce, Sylvia & Brenda Shope. She is also survived by her sister, Christy Shope. Her pet companions Khloee and Rocky will be taken care of by her family members who will continue to honor her life by carrying her spirit in their hearts and actions.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of the below charities in honor of Ruth’s lifelong dedication to protecting and helping all living things.

• World Central Kitchen
• Good360
• Friends of Animals.org
• Unbound
• Alleycat.org
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

May her memory be a blessing, and may we all strive to love everyone the way she did—with open arms and an open heart.