Ruthie McGhee of Kansas City, Kansas passed away at home on May 22, 2021. She was 93 years old. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Chapel Hill Butler FH, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, KS 66112. A Homegoing Celebration will be on Saturday, May 29, 2021 starting at 9:00 am at Greater New Bethel AME Church, 1820 N 55th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102. Graveside to follow back at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Ruthie was born in Forest City, Arkansas on March 25, 1928 to Samuel Holland and Mamie Henshaw. She also attended Primary and Secondary in Forest City. Ruthie served as a stay-at-home wife and mother before being hired as a Domestic Engineer for a family for several years. Ruthie also served her Church and the community and did the Lord’s work until she was unable due to her health.
She was married to Jimmie Childress and four children were born to this union; Delores, Joe, Jimmie, and Calvin. Later, she was married to George E. McGhee Jr. and five children were born to this union; John, George E. McGhee, Anthony, Patricia and Gayle.
She was a member of the Church of the Living God Temple #56 and here she served as First lady of the Church for number of years, as well as Sunday School Superintendent, 7th district Historian, Secretary of the Women’s Work department. Ruthie also assisted with the Youth department and was the YPPU sponsor, assisted with organizing church programs and performances all while making time to visit with the Sick and Shut in. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend who never turned anyone away who needed her. She was a true testament to how to “Love they neighbor as thy self.”
Ruthie was preceded in death by her spouse; George E. McGhee Jr., 2 Children: George E. McGhee III and Patricia McGhee, Siblings: 2 brothers- Henry and Charles Holland, 7 Sisters- Early Mae Bailey, Daisy Holcomb, Mattie Reaves, Elizabeth Donahue, Della Mae Keys, Lula Mae Solomon, and Maggie Clark.
Left to cherish her memories is her children; Delores Watson (Bobby), Joe Childress, Jimmy Childress, Calvin Childress (Carol), all of Kansas City, KS; John W. McGhee (Susan) of North Kansas City, MO; Anthony McGhee (Patricia) of Skippers VA, Steven McGhee, and Gale McGhee of Kansas City, KS, a stepdaughter, Shirley Ann Bass of Oxford, MS. Along with a host of nieces, nephews and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
