Ruth Theresa Swann (Gray) was born to the late George Matthew and Mary (Smith) Gray on February 18, 1926 in Marbury, MD. She was one of sixteen children, ten born to George and Mary and six born to George and his late wife Fannie Penny. Ruth was a pillar in the community where she spent more than 75 years. She peacefully transitioned to eternal life on Saturday, August 19th at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Ruth received her education through the Charles County School System in Pomonkey, MD.  Shortly after high school, she met James Russell Swann, Sr., to whom she married on July 14, 1944. This union spanned for almost 49 years until the time of his death in 1993 and resulted in sixteen children Jean (George), Buzzy (Lavette), Stormy (Betty), Arthur (Nan), Rania (Leroy), Jenny Lee (Cardes), Baron (Cheryl), Dwight, Jason, Roslyn (Arthur), Paula, Ricky, Robin (Rick), Dennis, Dean, and Hope.

Ruth was proud of her family and had a special relationship with each of them. She spent the early years as a stay-at-home mom and eventually entered the workforce. She held positions at the Naval Research Laboratory and Naval Ordnance Station now known as the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, MD where she retired in 1991.

Ruth was loving, kind, funny and smart. She cultivated a home filled with love and laughter where everyone was welcome. Ruth demonstrated Christ's love daily in both her demeanor and practice by studying His word, prayer, and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed. She was no-nonsense, yet comical; hard-working, but gentle; humble, yet blessed beyond compare.

An amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She helped to raise a large family, managed a career, and even found time to travel both near and far. As a youngster she dreamed of being a movie "star" and in adulthood her dream was realized during a trip to Bermuda where she was asked to model expensive gowns on a cruise ship. Ruth was the center of attention and captivated the audience with her beauty and grace. Ruth's foundation was Christ, family and friends. She had many amazing experiences during her 97 years. Once asked, what advice would she give her younger self, she responded "it is what is, it was what it was, and I would not change anything!" In short, no regrets as she enjoyed a life well-lived.

In addition to her children, grandchildren (48), great grandchildren (96) and great-great grandchildren (53), left to cherish her memories are her sister Adelaide Datcher, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her father, George M. Gray, mother, Mary (Smith) Gray, husband, James R. Swann, Sr., sisters, Beatrice, Corenna, Edith, Mary, Annie, Lucy, Catherine, Regina and Virginia, brothers, Thomas, George, James, Raymond, and Charles, children, Dennis, Dean, Dwight, Jenny Lee and Stormy, grandchildren, Shayne and Tyrell Swann, as well as son in-law, Francis L. Travers and in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with the family Tuesday, September 5th from 9:30 am until time of funeral service at 10:30 am in The Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home 3439 Livingston Road Indian Head, MD 20640. Interment immediately to follow at St. Charles Cemetery Glymont, MD.

On Tuesday September 5, 2023 at 10:30 am please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream