Ruth Beatrice (Love) Watkins

Life Reflections

Ruth Beatrice Love Boyd Watkins, 90, passed away on October 5, 2020 at Ascension Living St. Joseph’s Place in Overland Park, Kansas.

Ruth was born on January 18, 1930 in Kansas City, Kansas to Vincent and Oterah (Loftin) Love. Ruth grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1949.  After high school she dreamed of traveling to Paris to develop her artistic talents in painting and drawing. Instead she took a job as one of the first black inkers at Hallmark cards.  Later with her mother, Oterah’s help she was able to attend the University of Kansas’ Licensed Practical Nurse Program, where she achieved her certification.  She worked at Menorah Medical Center in that capacity, in the recovery room, for 45 years.

Ruth was united in marriage to Robert E. Boyd in 1952 and to that union a son, Steven E. was born. Robert and Ruth later divorced. Ruth delighted in motherhood and in 1954 gave birth to her second son, Reginald Jordan (father- Hartzell Jordan White). In the late 1950’s Ruth married Dale Watkins. That marriage ended.

As a single mother, Ruth poured all her love and energy into her two sons. Both were musically inclined, and she encouraged and supported them at very young ages in their endeavors. Reggie was considered a prodigy at an early age and was an Organist and Pianist known locally and nationally.  Steven became a businessman, black community activist and musical artist/actor.  She took great pride in them both.

Ruth also loved her spiritual life.  Grounded in her upbringing at Eighth Street Baptist Church, where her grandparents, Clifford and Pearl Love were very early members.  She later became a faithful member of Peace and Fellowship Community Church.

In her later years Ruth became what some might consider a fitness enthusiast. Taking classes in Zumba and Yoga well into her 80’s.  Her younger classmates found her to be a joy and inspiration to them.

Proceeding her in death, her precious youngest son, Reginald passed away earlier this year (3-30-20).

She leaves to cherish her memory: her oldest son, Steven Edward (Jacqueline) Boyd; grandson, Steven Jamaal (Sharonna) Boyd; and step-daughter, Dianne Boyd Griggs, all of Cleveland , Ohio; three great-granddaughters, Nia Norelle Boyd; Kai JaeLynn Boyd; and Zoe Iman Boyd; paternal siblings, Vincent Love; Alvin Love; Nathaniel Love; Jerry Love; Jewel Love; and Sharon Love; 1st cousins, Rita Love; Herman Love; Saundra Love- Powell (George); Gloria Grandberry (Sidney); and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

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