Kenosha – Ruth I. (nee: McDonald) White, age 70; affectionately called "Mom" by family, and in our community as "Mrs. Rib", passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of her family, on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, following a courageous 3-year battle with breast cancer.

Ruth was born in Freeport, IL on February 17, 1951 to the late Lee and Irene (nee: Cook) McDonald, the youngest of 12 children. She was a graduate of William Horlick High School in Racine. On June 10, 1978 after a legendary #blacklove romance, Ruth married Perry "Mr. Rib" White in Kenosha. Together they stood shoulder to shoulder tirelessly serving the Kenosha community through their community service work, foster care, catering and restaurant enterprise for many years. She supported and loved her husband with everything she had.

Ruth welcomed all who entered her life and home with love and kindness. Every friend quickly became family. She offered a gentle listening ear, never judgmental but rather a nurturing soul that recognized a person's missing piece…love.   Ruth enjoyed both reading and writing poetry. In earlier years, she was given the opportunity to read her original pieces at local schools. She was passionate about Black Studies, humbly recalling her local involvement in the riots and sit ins of the 60s. Ruth loved her annual trips with her sisters, whether in Wisconsin, Illinois or Florida, that often included them watching "This Christmas" no matter the time of year. Among her interests, she enjoyed decorating, shopping, had quite an extensive shoe collection and absolutely loved spoiling her children and grandchildren. Family was her everything.

Ruth was the epitome of style and grace.

Surviving are her loving husband, Perry "Mr. Rib"; children, Jeané Keys, Carla (Gene) Williams, Marquis (Jabar) Akbar, Lesley (Sergio) Sandoval, Nekeba Edwards, Jeremiah Armstead-White and Chris LaVelle-White; grandchildren, Ashley, Michael, Anika, Gilbert, Malcolm, Sakishia (Harry), Gene Jr, Marcus, Keauzsae, Terrance, Tashawna (Andrew), Preston, Chandler, Gavin, Nya, Layla, Sergio, Jr. and Savion; 21 great grandchildren; sisters, Manerva Wooden, Mary Bennett and Miriam (Stanley) White; sisters-in-law, Jimmie, Frances & Eddie Mae McDonald; Millie Tolliver, Ravetta White, Cathy Byrd & Christine Byrd; brothers-in-law, Rodney (Elnora), Stanley (Miriam), Mark (Wilielna), Leroy (Renee) White, Rony (Patricia) and Kevin White; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her great-granddaughter Zariah, siblings, James, Paul and Shirley McDonald, Rosa Caster, George McDonald, Ernestine Brumfield, Robert McDonald, Leon McDonald, Vernon McDonald, Nellie Daniels and Leon McDonald; brother-in-law, Alan Caster, Ulysses Wooden; and by Perry's parents, Reese & Viola White, Mildreana Edmon, and Ralph & Soloma White.

Homegoing Services celebrating Ruth's life will be held at Second Baptist Church, 3925 32 ^nd Avenue in Kenosha, on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 12:00 pm with Rev. Demetrius Crum & Rev. D. Darrell Griffin officiating. Viewing will take place at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. All are invited and encouraged to wear something red to Ruth's services. In memory of Ruth, offer a kind deed to someone in need.