Thursday, November 14, 2013
My sister Ruth Carolyn and I were born 18 years apart, but despite our difference in age as children we became very close as adults and shared a deep love, respect and admiration for each other that I will treasure as one of my life's greatest blessings. She rocked me in her arms and changed my diapers when I was a baby like I was her own child. As adults, we bonded as one as our Mother became frail with age and made it our mission together to provide Mother with the respect and dignity she showed us as children and adults. After Daddy passed away, Ruth took his place at Mothers side and beamed with pride as my family blossomed and I enjoyed triumphs that would not have been possible without her loving support and that of many others that God has placed in my life. Ruth showed me what it means to live life fully and with grace, and to seek out what is good in every person and to be thankful for all the blessings that The Lord has given us.
Together, my wife Loretta and my sister Ruth were my best friends. In her brief time on earth, Ruth shared her love for Christ and her love for life with me and everyone she met - and I regret that I will no longer feel her tender touch or see her beautiful smile until I meet her again in heaven. I know that Mother, Daddy and Ruth Carolyn are reunited with the Lord now and will continue to smile and send us their love just as they always did.
My prayers and support go out to Terry, Wayne, Katie, Alan, Li'l Katie, my brother Kenneth and Ruth's extended family. We are united in grief as we share the loss of such a precious part of all of our lives - but our lives are richer and we are truly blessed to have had Ruth as our sister, wife Mother and friend.
Godspeed Ruth Carolyn Simpson Keniepp.
Your loving brother,
Timothy