Welcoming Spirit

The words that come to mind when I think of you are "selfless obedience." Time after time since I've known you, I've seen you make choices that put your wants and needs aside in order to care for someone else. This extended to people outside your family and friend circle and even to our community and our state. The first example of this was when you bought that large house with a large basement in order for you to be able to offer housing to people who needed it for a time. I remember you telling me at that time that if you had just picked a house for your wants it would have been a different house in a different location. You have mastered the greatest life skill - from John 10:27: you have listened to Jesus' voice above all others and have done what he asked you to do. How much better our world would be if all of us who love Christ would do that.

Oh... The pink door!!!!! Ruth, we were new neighbors and friends - we were in late 20's- I didn't know you well yet, but you so excitedly came back and forth to my house to get my opinion on what color you should paint your front door. I was expecting beige- or black - or forest green. But oh no - it was PINK - and some other very nontraditional color. Being the conservative never try anything daring person I am, I was at a loss for words trying to pick between the pink and whatever that other color was! I was thinking you were plumb crazy, and that it would look terrible, but you said you wanted your house to be fun - but more importantly, welcoming! Ok whatever I thought somehow I fuddled through the choices you gave me, as I didn't want to offend my new friend - and you ended up going with the pink. (This was in the day when nobody used pastels or bright colors.) Guess what? It looked BEAUTIFUL! I remember you being so happy about that door!!! And your house was indeed always welcoming to all.

Your beauty, your wit, your charm, your intellect, your undying devotion to your husband, your love for our Lord and your magical Mary Poppins ability to pack a bag for the amazing adventures we have shared with you, Ken, Bobby & David...are a few of my favorite Ruth Samuelson memories! You have touched our hearts with gladness and we keep you close forever.

Ruth, you were the first person I met at Uptown! I doubt very much you remember it, but I came alone that Sunday in 2012 as Cody was working - and it was very encouraging to me to be greeted by such a warm and friendly face.

When I think of you, the first thing that inevitably pops into my head is your voice. Your voice, and the thoughtful, challenging, Godly and often funny words, that it projected is my best thought of you. At so many church events and Sunday School classes, silence often emerges as the congregation gathers its thoughts. Out of this silence comes a voice, a familiar voice, a voice that is confident, yet respectful, a voice that commands attention, presses a point, provokes a thought and so often elicits laughter. That voice and the loving, Godly woman to whom it belongs is my picture of a Christ-like woman. Thank you for being a model to so many Christian women of how to beautifully serve your family, the church and the Lord with grace and wisdom.

I learned that hospitality was so much more than having someone over for dinner. You let us into your home for 10 months! And right after we moved out, someone else was moving in. Your home was a constant rotation of people. We needed a home and you took us in.

When our family was new to Charlotte, you and Ken graciously opened your home for us to live there during our house search. I often look back on that time and am so grateful for God orchestrating that. It was a sweet gift from Him to have the privilege of seeing a family live out their faith in such a vibrant way. I am thankful as well, Ruth, for the blessing and inspiration you have been especially to our Lauren as in recent years your paths crossed again at Uptown. I truly have never known a woman who has lived out her faith with such zeal and purpose in so many arenas of life.

Ruth you warmly welcomed my wife and I into your home without knowing us beyond that we were friends with your sons, some missionaries coming back home from London. Your kindness to us and thoughtfulness in conversation was immediately evident but not surprising given the amazing way these qualities have been passed on to David and Bobby.

You once told me that you like to bring people together. I believe I recall you saying that you "connect the dots". Well, imagine if each of those "dots" were placed on a single canvas. I believe all of those dots would collectively make a beautiful portrait of a life well lived. Take comfort in knowing you have lived a full life, and in its course, have done so much for others.

You were appropriately named for Ruth for she spent her life helping others and was committed to this because of her love of God.

Then there were those months living in your basement. You gave us a home in our first months of marriage. So many memories there. I even have sweet memories of visiting Melissa Kruger there...another recipient of your generosity. I have always been so struck and challenged by your faithfulness to follow God in terms of generosity. I remember your decisions to take scripture seriously and to "give to all who ask" even if you didn't give what they ask. This has been so inspiring to me, and it has come to mind so many times.