Ms. Annie Ruth Hill

Celebrating The Life Of Annie Ruth Hill: Annie Ruth Hill was born to Lula Mae Sparks and Eddie Boswell on June 8, 1937, in Madison, Georgia. She was the ninth of fourteen children from that extended union. Her siblings; one brother, Eddie Boswell, Jr.; five sisters, Jeanie Maude Collier, Fannie Mae Gunter, Estelle Person, Lillie Johnson, and Irene Gordon proceeded her in death. At a young age, the family moved north to the City of Detroit where Ruth attended Detroit public schools. At the age of ten, Ruth and her sisters returned to Madison, GA for a year to spend time with their older siblings. It was in her hometown that she learned great skills such as sewing, cooking and challenging friends in many athletic games. Yes, she was certainly a tomboy. She could out run, out climb and had no problem standing up for herself. Ruth was also a preacher’s kid. With a spiritual upbringing, she excepted Christ at an early age and learn to pray for everything and about anything. At the age of sixteen, she met and married Walter Frank Hill. From this union they had eight children. In Ruth’s early years as a mother, she used her sewing skills to create her children’s school wardrobes. She enjoyed sewing and became an excellent seamstress. However, in the fall of 1970 Ruth retired her sewing machine and turned it in for her first parttime job at Arkins Toy Distributor. Of course, that job didn’t last long. It was located on the corner from her home which made it easy for her children to visit her job, to say hello, and to ask for toys. Ruth was inspired by that employment experience. She was now ready to work full time, evolve and join the class of working women. In addition to minor employment positions, Ruth worked for the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company; Spector’s Auto Parts; Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Beaumont Hospital as a senior caregiver. Her employment proved to be a blessing. In 1977 she purchased a home on Rosemont street in Detroit for her and her children and was a resident there for over 40 years. During her employment years, her other skills were not hidden. There was no way to cover up her extreme talent in the kitchen. She could cook or bake anything to perfection. She loved cooking and having dinners in her home. As her family grew, she happily provided Sunday dinners and holiday meals to all her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, family friends and loved ones. Ruth spent many years as a single mother and at times needed support. One blessed day in 1979 her sister introduced her to the church family of Greater Grace Temple (GGT). Within weeks, Ruth was baptized and filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit. She became a member of GGT under the leadership of Bishop David Lee Ellis, Sr. and then under the leadership of Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III. Rededicating her life to Christ provided Ruth more love and support than she could have ever imagined. Ruth had a true born again experience that changed her life forever. Soon after, Ruth became a soul winner for Christ encouraging everyone in her home to go to church and give their life to the Lord. She went to church often taking her children and their friends. They all packed inside of a small yellow car where the door would fly open when they turn street corners. She needed to get to the house of the Lord and was unstoppable. In all her efforts, her passion to bring her loved ones to Christ was not in vain. Onebyone, her children and their friends would surrender to Christ. That small yellow car soon surrendered its life and Ruth was blessed with a brand new car and several after that. She had faith, joy and peace. She became active in the church serving as an usherboard member and a member of the Cathedral Choir for many years. In 2011 Ruth’s mental health began to decline. She was loved and very well taken care of by her children. In 2015 Ruth was officially diagnosed with severe dementia and her mental health took a turn for the worst. On July 19, 2016 Ruth made her transition from glory to reward.

Ms. Annie Ruth Hill

June 8, 1937 - July 19, 2016