Annie Ruth (Ouzts) Mitchell

Annie Ruth Mitchell

Philadelphia, PA:  Annie Ruth (Ouzts) Mitchell affectionately known as Ruth went home to be with the Lord on April 26th, 2018. She was born on October 9, 1933 to the late Willie J and Lillie Mae (Sims) Ouzts in Saluda S.C.

Ruth was a graduate of Saluda Rosenwald High School. She later moved to Philadelphia, PA in the 1950’s. On December 14, 1953 she married the late Virgil O. Mitchell and they started a family. On September 19, 1967 Virgil O. Mitchell went home to be with the Lord and Ruth became a single parent. She did her best to make sure her children had a good upbringing and well behaved. She believed in tough love, (discipline), giving instructions, and making sure her children were obedient.

She always put her family first, when her granddaughter Jean Nate’ (Tweety) was born, Ruth went to Saluda SC and brought her back to Philadelphia so she could get the best medical attention needed.

She worked as a Nursing Assistant for many years in Philadelphia, PA. She was the owner of several J&R Cleaners. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and helping those in needed.

Ruth accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. As a member of Mt Enon, she served as the Church Secretary. When Ruth moved to Philadelphia PA, she became member of Thankful Baptist Church and later a member of James Spring Memorial Baptist Church of Philadelphia PA. She enjoyed ushering on many Sundays at James Spring.

She enjoyed having gatherings and dinners at her home. Her long-time companion Phil also known as Pop Bean preceded her in death.

She was a very strong woman and she didn’t take no for an answer. Whatever she put her mind to she always made it her business to see it through. No matter what life threw at her she always made it out with smile on her face, class and style.

When Ruth wasn’t able to get around independently or do for herself, she had the help from her special care taker (Ms. Shirley Brown).

Ruth loved her family dearly – which also includes her little fur-ball cat (Tammy) who preceded her in death. Ruth has reunited with her husband, parents, siblings and other love ones.

Ruth leaves to cherish and honor her memory; daughters, Joanne (Hank) Brown, Betty (Johnny) Lott and Sandra Moore all of Philadelphia, PA, Willie Mae (BJ) Minick of Saluda, SC; sons, Virgil (Ann) Mitchell of Saluda, SC, Brett (Wanda) Mitchell of Philadelphia, PA; sister, Amanda Cook (Johnathan) Barksdale of Saluda, SC; brothers, Henry Ouzts and Joe (Rev. Vanessa) Ouzts both of Saluda, SC; 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; three sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Fairy Bell Ouzts of Saluda, SC, Shirley (Daniel) Mitchell of Philadelphia, PA and Orimena (Glaston) DuBose' of Lexington, SC; aunts, Laurie Sims of Washington, DC and Julia Ouzts of Saluda, SC; uncle, Lonnie Ouzts of Saluda, SC; nieces, nephews, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

A Celebration of Her Life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, 5/5/18 at Mt. Enon Baptist Church conducted by Elder Homer L. Ouzts officiating, with pastor, Reverend Donnie Byrd presiding.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 12  Noon.

Public viewing will be 1-8 p.m on Friday at the funeral home.

The family is at the home of her son, Virgil (Annie Ruth) Mitchell, 122 Will Ouzts Road, Saluda, SC.

Butler and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the Mitchell Family.

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