Ruth Marie Austin

Ruth Marie Austin born April 14, 1930 to Alvin and Rosa Austin in Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended Indiana public schools and was a graduate of Crispus Attucks High School, participating in choirs, ensembles, arts, and theatre. She confessed a love for God at an early age, becoming a member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church along with her mother. She kept the faith and has been an integral part of kingdom building by participating in choirs, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and many other capacities. She joined New Baptist Church in 1978 after serving many years as Executive Secretary for Simpson Church and Bethel A.M.E. Church. She later became the Executive Legal Secretary for Indiana Department of Revenue Inheritance Tax Division, retiring after many years of service.

James Buchanan and Ruth Austin married on January 19, 1950 after dating many years during high school. As a result of this union four children were born (Alicia, Victoria, James, and Richard). She later gave birth to her baby girl, Sara, in 1968. She believed in the power of prayer and said that God gave her instruction to forgive James, and that’s what she did! She relocated to Ohio to reunite with James and remained until his end of life in 2022. During this time, she was blessed to have many caregivers who checked on her and her husband as their health continued to decline. Our family would like to personally thank Nicole, Jazmine, Cara, and Ladre; as well as, any others who participated in efforts to keep this happy couple living independently.

She never met a stranger and showed kindness and the love of God to everyone she encountered. She fed the homeless and shared the good news regularly. She is best remembered for intercessory prayer and her wonderful rendition of “In The Garden”. Mom loved good music and sang in the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, The Gaddettes, and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. She also participated in the Indianapolis theatre community as an actress and singer in such shows as Porgy and Bess, Oklahoma, and the Sound of Music. She was always willing to sing a solo when prompted. She also served the local community as precinct committee man and inspector.

Today, we celebrate her moving from this earthly house into THE building not made by man’s’ hands. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Alicia Buchanan, Victoria Buchanan-Johnson, Richard (Mary) Buchanan, James Buchanan, Sara (David) Highbaugh-McBride, her grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.