Mildred ‘Ruth’ Thomas Gross, 79, from Arab, Alabama, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born in Alabama City, Alabama on April 28, 1942, to Lonnie and Inez Thomas. She married James ‘Jim’ Gross in 1978.
Being an avid gardener, she received the “Yard of the Month” certificate from the Arab Beautification Board and more recently started planting raised beds to grow vegetables. Ruth was very creative and had a wide range of interests that included painting, fishing, woodworking, photography and of course, being a die-hard University of Alabama football fan. Her love of life and playfulness was incorporated into all she did, laughter was always a part of your time spent with her. She loved sharing her knowledge with anyone who was willing to learn, but most important to her was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and wanting those she loved to know Him as their Lord and Savior.
Ruth had a deep love for all of her family and made sure that if there was a need she did what she could to meet it. She is survived by two sisters and was considered a surrogate mother by many nieces, nephews, stepchildren/grandchildren, great-nieces/nephews who loved her in return. Many of them spent time in her home, benefitting from her tireless kindness, generosity and love of life.
There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony on April 23, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Berlin Cemetery at Mount Carmel United Methodist Church in Cullman, Alabama. Pastor Keith Hodges of Liberty Church will be officiating. Following the graveside service, family and friends will be gathering for food and fellowship at Liberty Church (120 Kenyon Road, Arab, AL).
Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Ruth’s memory.
A special Thank You from the family to Mary Joyce Twisdale and her son, Ben, for the special care they have given Ruth over the past three years.
