Ruth Ann Barbour, 71, of Waldorf, Maryland.

June 9, 1952 ~ August 24, 2023

Her Journey

Ruth Ann Barbour was born June 9, 1952 in Waldorf, Maryland to Benjamin and Loretta Laura Barbour. Ruthie, affectionately known, was surrounded by family as she transitioned into the loving arms of her heavenly Father on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Ruthie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, and was baptized at The Temple of Praise in Washington DC. She loved the Lord and had a hunger to learn His Word. Her focus was to hear the Word, Praise and Worship God, and you would be wise not to disturb her with unnecessary chatter. She was also an active member of the Usher Ministry.

Ruthie received her education from Charles County Public School system graduating from Thomas Stone High School in 1970. After graduating high school, one of her first jobs was with Pendleton Security as a Security Officer. She continued in this profession with the General Service Administration (GSA) at numerous federal government buildings for more than 25 years. Ruthie later discovered her dream jobs as a Daycare provider, then ultimately a Teacher's Aide for special needs students at Davis Middle School in Waldorf Maryland. Her advocacy and devotion to "her kids" was admirable and exceptional. She was so dedicated to them that she refused to retire in 2022 when eligible. Ruthie was a quiet storm and a modern-day Angela Davis, ready to protect the helpless and voiceless who couldn't defend themselves.

Ruthie was the ninth of eleven children, and she loved her family. Their nicknames for her were "Skinny, Tuff, and Red Rooster."  When lovingly addressing them, her term of endearment was "Sister and Brother." She was a fierce Softball player with her sisters and friends on the B.T. Express team while covering second base. They described her as a fearless, generous, hard-worker, and the finisher (you start the fight, but she will finish it). Ruthie enjoyed bringing everyone together for a good time and good food.  She was always the cook on the grill and made her famous side dishes for every cook-out and family gathering. Family and friends loved her famous ribs, venison (deer meat), green beans, seafood pies, and her tasty gravy.

Ruthie's greatest accomplishment and the joy of her life is her only daughter Dina. She was always a mother, then a friend when Dina became an adult. On occasion, Ruthie enjoyed hanging out with Dina and her grandsons at the Go-Go with Rare Essence and Junk Yard Band. She also faithfully sent Dina morning text messages that read, "Good Morning, God Bless You and Be a Blessing to Someone Today." Her love and devotion continued to her grandsons Quay and Tre, and "GiGi's" great-grandson, Tanaman.  She was very protective and always encouraged them to be positive and strive to be great in life.

Ruthie's favorite pastime activities were going fishing at Farmington Landing; finding treasures at Saturday morning yard sales; growing beautiful green plants; going to softball games; playing Spades and reigned as the undefeated champ along with her sister Mary; watching food cooking shows (Emeril Cooks and Chef Gordon Ramsey); and dining at her favorite restaurant, Rio Buffet & Bar in Iverson Mall.

Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Loretta Laura Barbour; brother, James (Ruth); sisters, Delia (Annie) and Nancy (Joseph); and her granddaughter Mckenzie.  She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving daughter Dina Jenifer, her two heart-beat grandsons, Quayshawn (Quay) and Trequan (Tre), and her precious grandson, Santana (Tanaman); her devoted siblings, John Bennie (Sylvia), Steve (Robin), William (Donnie), Loretta (Loisy), Mary, Vivian, and her bonus brother Robert (Tudy). Also to cherish her memories are two bonus sons, Darrell "Blue" and Rydell, and best friends Renee Allen and Dorothy Murrell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023, until time of Service, 11:00 a.m., at The Temple of Praise, 700 Southern Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Interment, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646.