December 29, 1929 - May 25, 2022
Ruth Inez Withee “Mimi”, age 92, passed away on May 25, 2022 in Stockton CA. She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and worshipped at the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Stockton for many years.
Ruth was born on December 29, 1929 in West Palm Beach, FL to James Ralston “Jack” and Gladys (Gray) Moore. She loved to talk about her childhood in Florida — especially her grandmother’s cooking, her unusual pets (including a squirrel and an alligator), and the beautiful fruit and flowers that were available year-round.
After high school, Ruth attended college in New Jersey where she studied to be a teacher. She was outstanding in her vocation and loved and believed in each of her students. Some of her best memories were working in Chicago, where one of her favorite places to visit was the old Chicago Library and where she and her class would travel to field trips on the “L”.
Ruth married George A. Withee Jr. in 1959 and they had five children together. When he died in 1967, she returned to the classroom and taught in Oakland and Pacifica for 25 years. After serving as a nanny for several years, she retired, having invested in the lives of thousands of children over the course of her career.
Ruth raised five children as a single mother. Her perseverance and strength were an inspiration to all who knew her. After she retired, her great joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She celebrated their talents and bragged about them to anyone who would listen.
Ruth is survived by her children: Georgia (Bobb) Joseph of Brookfield Wisconsin and grandchildren Kerrigan (Laura), Reid (Kim), and Lydia; Marian Gomez and grandchildren Erik, Ryan, and Tyler (Kelsey); Robert (Patty) Withee of Stockton, CA and grandchildren Melissa (Ben), Patrick, and Kyle; Jay Withee (Ambi Tandel) of Sacramento, CA; and George Mitchell (Susan) of Fountain Hills, AZ. She is also survived by sisters Mary Ballard of Connecticut and Jacqueline Hiers of Florida, and four great-grandchildren whose video antics brought her great joy in the last weeks of her life.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband, George A. Withee Jr. and a son, Ronald Withee. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Windsor Hampton Care Center and St. Joseph Medical Center for their care of Ruth during her final illness.
Family and friends may call at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi on Friday, June 17, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park on Saturday, June 18 at 1:00 PM with the Reverend Jonathan Merica officiating. Interment Cherokee Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gospel Center Rescue Mission in Stockton or by slipping a homeless person some cash.