Ruth Myra Jackson

Ruth Myra Jackson was born on August 24, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri to the union of Jessie and Katherine Jackson.  She was the fifth of eleven children.  Both her parents and five siblings; Edward (Stonewall), Marjorie, Elizabeth, Alice Faye, and Benjamin (Bennie), preceded her in death.  

Ruth attended Dunbar Elementary and graduated from Vashon High School.  Ruth ventured on as she found employment at a garment factory.  Thereafter, she obtained a position at Stix Baer & Fuller department store chain, as she graced her beauty as a model.

Ruth enjoyed serving others as she worked for a private family sector, the Blumeyer’s as she helped with the family’s children and housework duties.  She was also employed at Bussmann Fuse Company for over 20 years.  Ruth was known as being a “Boss.” She voiced her values to others encouraging them to have good work ethics.   Her ambitions and leadership skills led her on the path as an entrepreneur and she opened a restaurant, Ruth’s Barbecue in South St. Louis.

Ruth worked hard, but she also played hard. She was the first among her siblings to travel abroad.  She visited Spain and Africa.  She enjoyed attending parties and dances.  Her lifetime friend, Marsha and she would attend parties at five-star establishments including the Chase Park Plaza Hotel.  Ruth loved the finer things in life. She adorned herself in elegant clothing, fur coats, hats, and jewelry.  Ruth loved hosting parties and celebrations.  Her party agenda always consisted of the three F’s: family, friends, and (good) food. Ruth cherished her family. She talked to her sisters and brothers daily and had a special relationship with each one.       

Her service in working with private families came back in a full circle, as she met Sue Engelhardt for a position as a nanny to her baby girl Erin (Baby Cakes). Not knowing this opportunity would be more than a job but, gaining a family that she could call her own.  The Engelhardt's showed Ruth unconditional love.   They supported her in many facets of her life. The Engelhart’s gave Ruth the party of a lifetime.  An extravagant 70th birthday celebration including hundreds of attendees.  The guest list included family and friends of Ruth’s and Engelhardt's. 

Ruth was bold and sassy, but she also displayed love from her heart.   She would give anyone her last dime or food.  When Ruth took ill and was bedridden for many years, but she kept her determined drive about life.  From her bed, she continued to keep her house in order and gave directions to her home health care workers.  She continued to hold family gatherings on holidays.  She hosted baby showers for Engelhardt’s children whom she helped raise, Erin and Evan as they were expecting to have children of their own. 

As Ruth was more settled at a certain stage in her life, her focus did shift more to the giver of all things, The Lord Jesus Christ. She did confess to Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  She was born again, born of water and the Spirit. As an adult, Ruth was baptized.  Later in years she sought and prayed to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. In November 2019, a family member along with members of the clergy prayed with Ruth.   While she was seeking the Lord, they witness the Holy Ghost falling upon her as liken to a dove.     

On November 8, 2021, she departed this life. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: Irl and Sue Engelhardt. Their children, Dr. Erin Orf (Ryan), Evan Engelhardt (Nicole), Joel Engelhardt.   Engelhardt’s grandchildren: Lillian Ruth, Amelia Rose, Eden Evelyn, Emry Eileen, Olivia, and Carl. Four sisters, Mildred, Catherine, Winona, and Audrey.   One brother, Vernon (Pearl). Beloved friends Marsha McCullough (Walter), Christine McCullough (Lawrence), and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.    

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