Ruth Francis

On Monday, April 18, 2022, Ruth Francis entered into rest, peacefully, surrounded by her family at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. 

Ruth Francis was born in Columbus, Georgia on March 18, 1942, to the late Mary and Eddie* Gardner.

As a child, Ruth grew up in Georgia with her adopted father Gus Holden but would later move to what would become her lifelong home of New Jersey at the age of 11. Ruth, the oldest daughter of 13 children, was a force in the life of her family. She held her family and friends close to her heart. 

Ruth treasured time spent with loved ones, talking on the phone, enjoying a visit and sending or receiving greeting cards. She was intentional about expressing her love and never left you wondering about how she felt. That love was tastefully displayed in her famous pound cake, fried chicken, and macaroni and cheese. Ruth took great pride in the cleanliness of her home, was always pristinely dressed and insured her children and grandchildren were, too.

As an adult, Ruth worked for the City of Middle Sex County and Interforum in New Brunswick for years and was a longtime devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church. She was also a member of Sunbeam Temple #154 (Door Keeper & GateKeeper).

She leaves behind her sister, Bessie Gardner, and brothers Jessie (Mary) Gardner, Clifford Gardner, and Robert (Carol) Holden. Loving memories of Ruth will continue to be cherished by her sons, Daryl (Desiree) Francis and Wallace (Carla) Francis, her grandchildren Ahmad (Jessica) Francis, Joshua Francis, Keijhon Francis, Daryl Francis II, Jaylen Francis, Joycelene (James) Pryor, Yanick Robertson, and Magdalene Robertson, Patricia Robertson, and Shaneka Robertson, great-grandchildren Ahmad Francis Jr. Ahmir Francis, Faith Francis, James Pryor Jr., and Jordyn Pryor, and finally her good longtime friend of over 30 years, Mr. Bill. 

Ruth joins her loved ones in heaven James Francis, Kelly Gardner, Mac-Arthur, Harry Gardner, Bruce Gardner, Gloria Ann Smith, Isabella Gardner, Celestine Gardner, and Samuel Stephens. 

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