Alice Ruth Hernandez

Alice was known as Ruth by those who loved her. She was born in Hemingway, South Carolina to Nathan and Mellie Kelly on January 2, 1933. Later the family moved to Miami, Fl where she attended school. She married John C. Hernandez on July 15,1950 in Charlton County, GA. She and John spent the majority of their adult lives in South Florida. The couple moved to Lutz, FL in 2002 when Ruth’s health began to decline.

Being self taught, she worked as an accountant for over 40 years. Being employed by a few different companies during that time, she became a highly valued employee. Her employers would describe her as a woman of great character, integrity, and a work ethic second to none. No matter what the job demanded, she would teach her self what was necessary. She was the employee that always went the extra mile, always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done.

Ruth attended and served at the First Baptist Church of West Hollywood for approximately 40 years. This involvement was life changing for her and she greatly loved her church.

Even though she received several honors and awards during her working career, she was very modest about them. She would tell you that there was no greater honor than being called “Mom” by her children, Donna and Johnny. Being a wife and Mom was her highest calling. She poured every ounce of her life and heart into her beloved children and husband every day. She was the Mom that many kids dreamed of having. Her children were so blessed to be able to say “That’s MY MOM.” Words that would accurately describe her mothering style would be selfless, gracious, giving, self sacrificing, kind, firm, always teaching, perfectionist, forgiving, and always LOVING. She met the needs of her little tribe before they even knew they had a need.

If she could share one thing with all she knew, it would be about her relationship with Jesus Christ. He was not only her Savior, He was her Lord and Master. That relationship, over the years molded her into everything she was and sustained her through all of life’s rough spots. It taught her about being forgiven and how to forgive, it taught her perserverance, goodness, mercy, longsuffering, contentment, peace, hope through life’s worse circumstances, and assurance of where she would spend eternity. Throughout the years of bad health, she never gave up, quit trying, and was always “Mom”. She knew, as her family knew, that there will some day be a wonderful REUNION! “What a day, glorious day, that will be!” The Bible promises, ..”that no eye hath seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love them.” That promise she and those who love her cling to.

Ruth is preceded in death by:

Her husband, John C. Hernandez

Her parents, Nathan and Mellie Kelly

Her daughter, Deborah Hernandez

Her sisters, Betty Roberts, Nell Byrd

Her brother, Nathan Kelly

Ruth is survived by:

Her children, Donna Gordon (Dale)

John Hernandez, Jr.

Grandchildren: Dennis Gordon (Mariana)

Deborah Rairigh

Allison Ammirati (Jimmy)

Ashley Jimeno (Andres)

Great Grandchildren: Kayla Kentnor (Dustin)

Kassidy Gordon

Turner Gordon

Colton Rairigh

Joscelyn Rairigh

Jay Carter

J.D. Ammirati

Mady Ammirati

Annabella Jimeno

Eva Jimeno

Mia Jimeno

Great, Great Grandchildren: Kali Kentnor

Kamila Kentnor

Yaveah Carter

Her Sister, Pat Ferdarko

Many nieces and nephews.

Private, family graveside services will be held at 3:00pm, December 21, 2020 at Garden of Memories, Tampa, FL, with Steve Hicks of Idlewild Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Blount and Curry of Carrollwood.

Memorials may be given to Christians for Worldwide Evangelism, 4301 W. South Ave., Tampa, FL 33614.

Ruth’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Lifepath Hospice and the many family members and friends that have walked this long journey with them over the past several years. There is no way they can ever repay you. In sharing their deepest gratitude, they would like to leave you with the greatest gift they could share, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life.” John 3;:16