Ruthie Mae Gaither

December 19, 1922 - May 23, 2019

Ruthie Mae (Rolland) Gaither, the daughter of the late Priscilla “Mom P” Stewart Lee and Rosenau Rolland went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 10:30 am in Owensboro, KY. She was born December 19, 1922 in Selma, Alabama and professed a hope in Christ at an early age. After moving to Providence KY, she joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and married Ray Franklin Gaither, Sr. Together, they raised 13 children. Ruthie was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill where she served in many positions in the church: she was President of the Choir, Matron’s Auxiliary, and President of the General Mission Circle #4 of the First District. She was also a Past Matron of Ruth Chapter #26 Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated; a Kentucky Colonel; a member of Webster County Women’s Democratic Club; and a member of the NAACP (Webster County Providence Branch). Ruthie was a caregiver to many children. She worked at the Senior Citizen Nursing Home and Kentucky Rest Haven of Madisonville KY. She also worked as a Senior Companion where she later retired. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray F. Gaither Sr.; her sister, Velma L. Carey; her brother, Ezra Rolland; and five children: Armond, Rena, James Burl, Dana and Theresa. She leaves behind nine children: Ludella Grinstead, Velma Flemmings, Ray (Margie) Gaither, Jr., Rosie Gaither, Frank (Sharon) Gaither, Christia (Ray) Frazier, Diana Morris, Kathy (Sherman) Tinsley, and the “Baby Girl,” Elaine Gaither; one sister-in-law, Norman Gaither; 26 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and many friends. Services are Friday, May 31, 2019 at 1:00pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Providence, KY with visitation from 11:00am until service time. Another visitation will be held Thursday, May 30, 2019 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Zion Baptist Church, 2311 West 9th Street, Owensboro, Kentucky. Burial at Cumberland Hills Cemetery in Providence.