Ruth Mae Gaines

Life Reflections

Ruth M. Robertson Gaines was born in the small town of Whitesville, Tennessee, on August 31, 1914. She was the only child of Bufort Franklin and Idella Robertson. She was raised by her grandparents Lindsey and Mary Robertson, with whom she lived until she was married. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and husband of nearly 71 years.
At age 6, she united with Hills Chapel CME Church in Vildo, Tennessee. She attended Hills Chapel Elementary School, also in Vildo.
On April 30, 1932, she was united in Holy Matrimony to John L. Gaines. From this union, eight children were born: four sons and four daughters.
In January 1954, the family relocated to Indianapolis. In November 1955, she was employed with Indiana University Hospital, working also at the formerly known William H. Coleman and Robert Long Hospitals, in the Dietary Department until her retirement in 1976.
In 1957, she and Dad united with First Samuel Missionary Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. William Smith. In January 1977, they moved their membership to Seven Star under the leadership of the late Rev. Booker T. Washington. She was a member of the Nurses' Aide Auxiliary and attended Church each Sunday until her illness and ensuing death. She was kind, generous, and compassionate, with a great sense of humor. She was well-respected, a trusted member of the Church and community, and a ‘mother' to many.
She will be greatly missed. We believe in God and in His word and know that she now lives in a ‘mansion not made by hand'. On that ‘great getting up morning', we will hug each other, lock arms again, and give praises to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children: James (Hilda), Victorville, CA; Rev. Thomas; Johnnie Greene; Gerald (Connie), Valdosta, GA; Louis (Margo); Fannie Cox (Maurice); Idella Mayze, and Brenda McCauley (Clarence); 24 grand-children; great and great-great grandchildren; a cherished aunt, Sue Ward of Nashville, TN; uncles Mann Charles, Orange (Cynthia), and Eddie (Doris) Robertson of Memphis, TN; other family and friends; those who affectionately called her ‘Mom': Minnie Myles, Earline Hilliard, Deacon Charles Holt, Deacon Clyde and Sister Barbara Buffington, and Deacon Tommy and Sister Sharon Burns; long-time friends Eliza Bell, Fannie Jefferson, Geraldine Shackleford, and Mary Sherman.

A Visitation was held at Seven Star Missionary Baptist Church 2329 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis IN 46205 at 10:00:00 AM on 12/9/2017.

A Celebration of Life was held at Seven Star Missionary Baptist Church 2329 N. New Jersey St. Indianapolis IN 46205 at 12:00:00 PM on 12/9/2017.