Born to the given name of Ruth E. Golden to Gertrude (Cannon) Dortch and James Golden on August 19,

1931, in New Albany, Mississippi.

Our mother, your grandmother, sister, niece, cousin, auntie and friend transcended from these earthly

duties to her spiritual home on June 7 th , 2023, with her eldest grandson at her side.

Ruth and her mother were of the many people of the great migration to find their final relocation in

Racine, Wisconsin.

Ruth came to Racine from St Louis as a child. Her formal education was through Racine Unified School

District where she attended Howell Elementary, Franklin Jr. High and Washington Park High graduating

in 1949. Ruth continued her education at Dominican College in Racine, Wisconsin.

Ruth's last employment was at American Motors aka Chrysler Motors where she retired after 19 years

of service in 1989. Ruth worked throughout all her years while raising her family.

Ruth previously worked various other jobs including a Teacher Aide with Janes School, Western

Publishing and as an entrepreneur being self-employed selling Celebrity Jewelry.

Ruth leaves her precious memories to her 5 children; Patricia Ellis, Theresa Ellis, Tamara Ellis, Regina

(Joey) Riley all of Racine, WI and her son Colen aka Butch Ellis who resides in Mesa, AZ to cherish.

Her 10 grandchildren; Adrian (Jill) Ellis of Waukegan, IL, Michael (Christina) Ellis, Leonte' Ellis, and

ShaKyra Ellis, Lateasha Nicole, Kasandra Gates, Antony (Sheneka) Gates of Racine WI, Kwame Ellis of

Atlanta, GA, Jalen Riley of Houston, TX, Rhea Riley of Milwaukee, WI and Joey Jr. of Racine WI.

16 Great Grandchildren; Alexsis Kempin-Ellis, Jordan Ellis, Gabe and Seyairra Kosterman, Leonje' Ellis,

LonTesha Ellis, Leonte' Jr. Ellis, Lide' Ellis, Shania Ellis, Kwame Jr. Ellis, Antony Gates Jr., Alayna Gates,

Kailynn Cosey, Shawn Thompson, Tiairy Shannon, ShaKyla Shannon.

2 Great-Great Grandchildren; Tiani and Leonte' III.

Ruth's brother Robert Milton McClain and Uncle Quincy (Mildred) Cannon. Ruth's Sister-in-Law Merinda

Sue Jackson of Warren, AK and Brother-in-Law Alfred Ellis of Arlington, TX, a special cousin Alnita

Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ruth loved bowling, fishing, sewing, crocheting, knitting, community service, having rummage sales and

going to rummage sales.

Ruth was an active member of Mid-Town Church of Christ where she was a Sunday School teacher for

many years and a true Fisher of Men.

Ruth also served on the church board for their outreach program, helped pilot the food pantry and

clothing give away.

After retirement Ruth served on the board of directors for the George Bray Center and taught many

adults how to read through the Racine Literacy Council where she volunteered for 23 years.

Ruth departed this life on June 7, 2023 after the blessing of a healthy 91 years. Ruth dedicated her life

to her family and her love and service to the Lord. Ruth has joined her loved ones in the spirit; her

Mother Gertrude Dortch and Father James Golden, her stepfather John Dortch, her grandfather who

taught her so much Lawrence Cannon, her husband of 24 years Olen Ellis and many special friends only

to name a few Liz Smith and Ms. Betty. Ruth had many bonus children including Ivan Jones and George

Rocket.

Ruth's wish was always for her family to take care of themselves so they could be sure to take care of

each other.

Service Details

Services will be held at Second Missionary Baptist Church, 1250 Lathrop Avenue, Racine on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be in the church beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of service.