Mary Ruth Tate

On February 8, 2023, Mary Ruth Tate succumbed to her illness and fell asleep in death. She was 93 years old.

Mary Ruth Tate (Latham) was born April 26, 1929 in Logan, West Virginia to the late Raymond and Ida Mae Latham. She was the second born of thirteen children. Mom received an Associate degree from Franklin University and worked as a Youth Coordinator for Juvenile Diagnostic Center helping countless families in the community until she retired.

She married the late Robert P. Tate Sr. in 1952 and as a part of that union, they had five children, Robert P.Tate Jr. (Christine), Thomas E. Tate (Deceased), William A. Tate (Lorraine, Deceased) Betty R. Jones and Terri L.White (Robert White, Jr.)

Siblings preceded in death are James E. Latham (Bill), Raymond V. Latham "Bo", Francis A. Abbott, Latha Mae Clark, Joe L. Latham, Norma A. Latham (Muguru), Alvin T. Latham, Jerry L. Latham. She is survived by sisters Syvonia E. Green (Lady), Margaret Y. Nesbitt (Girlie), brothers Howard C. Latham(Pat), Michael A. Latham (Shelley), grandchildren Dante (Margie) Tate, Collin (Tina) Tate, Teron (Dawn) Jones, Jontae Jones, Jevon (Shamicka) White, Jason White, Jeremy (Nicole) White, Nedra House (George), 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

On December 3, 1960 our loving mother dedicated her life and became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was fondly referred to as "Ma Tate", "Nanny" and Grandma because of the loving relationship she had with countless friends that became her spiritual children and grandchildren. Mom had a genuine love for people and it was reflected in her ministry. Anyone that she met was going to receive a witness and walk away with some Bible literature. Her favorite scriptures were Ps. 37:9-11 and Revelation 21:3,4 as she shared with everyone the hope of living forever on a paradise new earth.

She also was an avid sports fan and not just any sports fan…she loved to watch The Ohio State Buckeyes football and basketball games, and was an avid Dawg Pound fan of the Cleveland Browns football team. Her love for sewing was legendary. She could alter any piece of clothing for herself or anyone else. If she wasn't sewing something then she was cooking up a pot of greens. Her love for cooking motivated her to invite many friends over for a home cooked meal. Our Mom will be greatly missed but we our comforted knowing that she is in Jehovah's memory.

At this time, on behalf of the Tate, Latham, Jones and White families I would like to express our sincere thanks, love and appreciation for all the prayers, thoughts, love and kindness you've shown our families because of our dear mother, sister, aunt, nanny, grandmother and great grandmother Mary Ruth Tate (Latham).
The Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023, 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1555 College Ave, Columbus, OH 43209.