Kimberly Hoagland
I would like to Thank Ruths whole Family for accepting my son, Evan, as part of their family for the last 12 years! The love and support that each of you generously gave him tonight in the wake of your own grief was amazing and I am truly grateful for the years he got to spend with all of you! The holidays, weekends, birthdays … You have all been so very much a part of his life, I hope you will stay in touch with him. Evan is proud to be 'Roy's boy' and he has ALWAYS loved Makayla very much. Jim & Rita have accepted Evan into their home for private family get togethers and included him as if he belonged there. I know that many of you helped Grandma with watching her kids when she couldn't and I was grateful for the reliability and the level that I was able to depend on her due to that help. In 12 years, you guys never let me down! He has enjoyed you all in his life very much! Grandma Ruth was an incredible influence to Evan – I always tell people "Evan is Catholic because Grandma Ruth is Catholic" ??I was frightened to leave my newborn with strangers. When I first got Grandmas number from John MacIntosh I didn't think I would call but I mentioned it to Ms. Rutherford at the Mt. Zion BASAP and she asked me if they called her 'Grandma Ruth' I told her I was uncertain and that I had not met with her yet. Ms Rutherford let me know that IF this was 'Grandma Ruth', she was the best – and also being in the business of watching kids, she would know. Shortly after my conversation with Ms. Rutherford, I was talking with my Aunt Diana Manning about my child care dilemma and I told her that I had gotten a number for a Ruth Austin – My Aunt told me that Grandma Ruth had been friends with MY GRANDMA (Marjorie (Matthews) Locke, who died just before I turned 10). I had not even met this beautiful woman and I already had 3 recommendations ??These 'strangers' became Evans Family and Evan & I have grown to love you. You are a wonderful group of people! THANK YOU FOR SHARING GRANDMA RUTH WITH US! ❤️ She will be remembered and our memories are cherished!