Ruth Elnora Williams

Ruth Elnora Williams, 91, passed away in the early morning hours on March 5, 2025 at Gulfport Memorial Hospital in Gulfport.

Ruth was born in Hazelgreen, Missouri in 1934 to Warren and Ruby Watson and was one of six children. She graduated from Richland High School in Richland, Missouri and then continued on to nursing school at Burge Nursing School in Springfield. As a nurse at Burge Hospital, Ruthie met an orderly, Franklin Williams, while in the elevator who would later become the love of her life. After their wedding on January 12, 1956, Ruth continued her nursing career on various medical teams that took her to Honduras and Haiti and was a nurse for 50 years. After moving to Lafayette, LA, and Biloxi, Franklin and Ruthie made their final move to Long Beach.

During their marriage, Franklin and Ruth had five children: Renae Gregory (Anthony), Christopher Williams (Marcella), Cari Williams (Rod Davis), Tina Williams and Paddy Williams (Jo). Ruthie was blessed with sixteen grandchildren, twenty six great grandchildren and twelve great-great grandchildren.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Ruth began her second career at the First Baptist Church in Long Beach where she organized and prepared two meals a day for over 100 students. She was also known for giving out many hugs throughout the day. Ruth was very active in and participated in various activities for mission trips and youth groups by cooking. She was also active in the National Exchange Club.

Ruth was one of the kindest people that ever lived. Her love of God, family, her community and making her family pancakes is something that will forever be cherished.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Franklin, her daughter, Cari Ann and two brothers, Melvin Watson and Dale Watson. She is survived by her immediate family, one sister and two brothers.

A visitation for Ruth Williams will be at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach on Monday, March 10th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. A funeral service will be held at 4:00pm in the funeral home chapel.

Memorials should be sent to the Community Food Pantry of Long Beach

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the Williams family.