Facing Cancer

On June 8, 2016, a former colleague announced on the floor of the state House that Ruth had been diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. That day, she told a newspaper reporter: “My husband Ken said, ‘You know, your 1,000-year and million-year plans have not changed. It’s just the next few years that will change’...


“God’s got me in his hands, regardless of how this turns out.”


Throughout the next seven months she fought cancer -- as well as the anger and bitterness that could have come with it -- wearing the Full Armor of God.


How did a 57-year-old wife, mother and grandmother -- full of life, talent and promise -- face death with such grace?

Facing Cancer

In June 2016, Ruth was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Hear her friends and family talk about the extraordinary ways that she truly lived her Christian faith as she dealt with this devastating diagnosis.

Memorial Service

More than 1,400 people attended Ruth’s memorial service on Jan. 27, 2017. She had planned every detail of the service herself.

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Speeches

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"I want people to know that God is my good friend."

Ruth Samuelson

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"I believe God's got me in his hands, regardless of how this turns out."

Ruth Samuelson

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"Pack Light. Reflect Christ."

Ruth Samuelson

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"Pack Light. Reflect Christ."

Ruth Samuelson

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CaringBridge Quotes

During Ruth’s struggle with cancer, hundreds of people shared messages of hope and support with Ruth & Ken on their CaringBridge site. Here are a few.

I'm sorry I did not have the opportunity to visit with you during my trip to Charlotte last month. One of the things Ken told me during our visit is that, you've made this easy on him. What an extraordinary statement of selfless love that you have for Ken.

Dan Bishop

I'm reminded of what Paul said to Timothy: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day." This is true of you too, and it is evident for all to see. You have finished well!

Jason Sykes

Thank you to both of you for living transparently, even in these difficult days. You show us that your hope is secure and the difference that makes in suffering.

Michael Luethy

You have sustained us here in Prague through your prayers and encouragement, and we are incredibly grateful. And as I prepare to preach on Philippians 1:19-30 this Sunday, I have no better personal example than you, to use as an illustration of Paul's perspective of life and death, and fighting the good fight. We love you dearly.

Phil and Shanna Davis
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