Ruth Eunice Carpenter

Ruth Eunice Carpenter was the daughter of the late Minister Jacob Downing and his wife Pearl Priscilla Butler Downing. Ruth was born at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore City on June 24, 1931 and departed this life on November 1, 2019 after a sudden but brief illness. Ruth was the youngest child, with four sisters – Irene, Dorothy, Marie, and Esther - all passing on before her, will now once again be reunited. Ruth received her primary and secondary education within the Baltimore City Schools system. She was a domestic worker for many years. She was married to Robert Milan, (preceded in death) in her early life, the union producing her eldest daughter, Linda Ann. Later, she married Thomas Carpenter (preceded in death), and the union producing her 2nd daughter Sheila Jean (preceded in death). Ruth was dedicated to her family and religious community. She was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness and dedicated herself to her faith. She has travel throughout the US attending conventions, and was actively engaged in missionary work. Ruth's hobbies were crocheting, listening to music, and reading. She loved Dear Abby (now Ask Amy), Sam Cooke, Show Tunes, and puzzling with her family. When she wasn’t spending time doing missions work, or with her family, you could always find her studying the word of God, or deep in prayer, habits that continued and sustained her throughout her life. Ruth had a life of ups and downs with health issues in her later years, but she always seemed to bounce back. Never one to let life get her down, she was always cheerful, hopeful, peaceful, knowing she would do the next thing, which she often said was to “to keep on living.” During the later years of her life she moved to Kennesaw, Georgia where she was cared for by her grandson and his family. She later returned to Baltimore to reside with her daughter Linda. Ruth remained in Baltimore among her daughter and extended family until it was time to return to Jehovah. We all wish her safe travels on her final journey. She leaves a legacy behind her – one daughter, Linda (Ronald Pretlow, son-in-law); four grandchildren - Ivy Allen, April Kheribot, Stephen Ma (Keisa, wife), and McEllery Tuck; four great-grandchildren - Sydney Ma, Amira Allen, Noah Kheribot, and Aya Kheribot, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. You leave behind you a legacy. One of love and faith. Without you we couldn't be. It was your love for us, commitment to your faith that set an example for us to have our own personal deep and personal relationship with God that so enriched each of our lives. Because of your faith, we realize life is worth living when God is the leader of your life. Rest in peace. May God be with you, Ruth Carpenter.

Tributes

Ruth Eunice Carpenter

June 24, 1931 - November 1, 2019