Ruth Ann Brodie

Ruth Brodie nee Ruth Ann Powell was born to Leroy John Anthony Powell and Gwendolyn Llewelyn Powell in a hospital in Brooklyn, New York on September 10th 1952. Ruth was called home on June 25th, 2020, passing away in a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital following a terminal illness.

Ruth attended PS 44 Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY from Kindergarten to the fourth grade and transferred to the newly built P.S. 305, also in Brooklyn. From there she proceeded to Macon J.H.S. 258 and then went on to graduate from John Jay High School in 1970. Ruth aspired to higher learning and attended Nursing School some years later.

Raised to believe in God and immersed in the study of Scripture, Ruth attended St. Peter Clavers Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY and later on Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Upon her completion of the required biblical studies Ruth received both her ‘communion’ and was ‘Confirmed’ in Christ and the Catholic Church at a very young age. She carried her foundation in Christ and the knowledge of Him forward into her adult years and upon her move to Las Vegas.

Even as an adolescent Ruth exhibited a keen understanding of the fundamentals of money as well as the importance of maintaining a good work ethic. She believed that there was no job to menial, indeed no task to small; and for this quality she was greatly admired. The humility she exhibited while performing these tasks convinced her siblings of the reality that no one really had to go without; if only they were just willing to work for it. She also taught them that there was dignity in all work.

Summarily, having to cook for a large household at a young age benefited Ruth and she proved to be quite the cook. Her cakes and bread puddings could rival some of the best bakers in the business and she became adept at teaching others these culinary skills; generously sharing her secret recipes. Also being a natural born artist, Ruth could draw just about anything and again, possessing the ability to teach, passed the gift of artistry on to her children and grandchildren.

On April 26th, 1975 Ruth went on to marry her childhood sweetheart, Neil Leggard Sr. and their union brought forth six children and 19 grandchildren. As a Mom, Ruth was fully supportive of any idea or endeavor that her children would take on with absolutely no exceptions. She never judged and no matter the issue she always had a way of making you feel like it would be okay. She would explore and exercise with them all measures and possibilities; ensuring that everything would be okay. She would attend every recital, performance, game, award ceremony and graduation. She was their biggest fan and cheerleader. Always in the front row and ready to encourage them on to their next levels and challenges. As life would sometimes happen and for a myriad of reasons Ruth and Neil’s union was tested and they eventually parted ways.

Ruth determined to re-invent herself and secured employment as a security guard in New York City and worked in that capacity for many years. It was during this period that she met and fell in love with the man she would eventually spend the rest of her life with. Ruth married Mr. Kenneth Brodie on April 23rd 2005 in Las Vegas Nevada. They loved Las Vegas so much that they decided to take up residence there; enjoying both their retirement and the Vegas lifestyle.

Ruth was known to be compassionate, loyal, and one who loved unconditionally.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Leroy John Anthony and Gwendolyn Llewelyn Powell, her siblings Rodney, Philip, and Lucille, and her Granddaughter Aailiyah. She leaves behind to mourn her Husband Kenneth, her children Neil Jr., Lamar Sr., Eric, Gwendolyn, Seantel and Philip, 19 Grandchildren, her siblings Leroy Jr., Adrienne, Patrice, and Maria, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.