Ruth Ann (Cody) Tillett

The arms of Our Lord embraced his faithful servant, Ruth Ann Tillett, as she peacefully departed this world on Sunday, January 16th, 2022, just 2 days before her 94th birthday. Her 3 children and all of her 7 grandchildren were able to say their goodbyes, and express their love for her, either in person or via phone.

Ruth Ann was born on January 18th, 1928 in Akron, Ohio to Glenn Edward Cody and Lula Mae (Wood) Cody – their only child. She was named after two of her mother’s favorite sisters.

During the Depression, they moved from Akron to her father’s family home in Robbinsville, NC. It was during these couple of years in NC that she contracted double pneumonia. The treatment in those days was to open all the windows even in the dead of winter while bundled in your bed. It would either cure or kill you. She survived but had a bad cough for years as a child. They moved back to Akron when the economy started to improve and Glenn got his job back at B.F. Goodrich. Ruth Ann attended Crouse Elementary (Grades 1-8) and graduated from Buchtel High School in 1946. She was so proud of her 8th grade year, as due to her pneumonia, this was the 1st year she had perfect attendance. She was a quiet, religious girl, brought up Southern Baptist and attended First Baptist Church of Akron. Her longtime boyfriend, Sam Tillett, was a football, basketball, and baseball standout, and was voted “Most Liked” in his class. She was voted “Best Looking” and was May Queen one year. He was President of the class of 1946 and she was Treasurer. They were a popular couple, and had such great memories of that time in their lives.

They both attended University of Akron. She took secretarial classes for 2 years and was a member of the Women’s League (Sophomore Rep) and V.P. of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. In 1948 she went to work full time for Parnell Lumber Co.

Ruth Ann and Sam got married in the Episcopal Church in Akron on June 26, 1949. Sam worked in sales/finance/accounting area of several rubber companies, but found his permanent job with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. He was a “Company Man” so when the company asked him to relocate, he did. They moved about every 2 years with their growing family of 3 children. They always came back to Akron, but they lived internationally in Sydney, Australia and Ghana and Liberia, West Africa, before Sam took an early retirement at 55. They followed their best friends, Roger & Glenneth King, to Mesa, AZ. Sam was an asthmatic so the dry heat suited him better.

Ruth Ann was also employed by Lawsons and Marsh McLennan Insurance Co. before going to Africa. She loved being a homemaker and learned to adapt to new situations. She was the base that allowed her family to flourish. Ruth Ann always had good friends wherever she lived because she was empathetic and a good listener.

She and Sam created Tillett Property Management Company which kept them busy for many years. Their relationship was so special and unique, as they had an intuitive understanding of each other. They complimented each other’s abilities and made that rare couple that we all wished to emulate. On their 50th wedding anniversary they celebrated with a bucket list trip to Maui, Hawaii. They spent their last years together, doing annual road trips across the country visiting all of their relatives. Family was their focus and they really enjoyed those many years before Sam was unable to travel due to his health.

Sam was her rock and her soulmate, so when he passed on October 18, 2010, she was without him for the first time since she was ten years old. It was difficult for her, but with the help of family, friends, and her faith she worked through it, learning how to live without him. She was remarkable and stronger than she ever imagined. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, keep her house spotless, antique shop, shop, attend the grandkids sporting events and just being with her family. She became a member of the DAR Saguaro Chapter of AZ with her daughter and really enjoyed going to the monthly meetings. She lived at Fountain of the Sun for 32 years; moved in with Becki and Reggie for a couple of years in San Tan Valley; Fellowship Square for 4 years; Brookdale Springs for a very short time before she declined sharply and needed round-the-clock care. She had dementia and the last 7 months of her life were very difficult. The family would like to thank Lakeview Assisted Living for the wonderful care they provided to Ruth Ann in the last two months of her life and to Hospice of the Valley that guided the family and cared for Ruth Ann for the last 3 months.

Knowing that her suffering is gone, and she is reunited with Sam, her soulmate forever, gives her family great comfort.

Ruth Ann leaves behind 3 children: Samuel Raymond Tillett Jr. (Rosie) of Prague, Czech Republic, Rebecca Brooks (Reggie) of Mesa, AZ and Patrick Tillett (Beth) of Myrtle Beach, SC.

Seven Grandchildren: Sam Tillett (Fiance Michelle) of Chicago, IL, Matt Brooks (Gretchen) of Mesa, AZ, Lindsey McKelvey (Ben) of Mebane, NC, Thomas Tillett (Girlfriend Amanda) of Chicago, IL, Lola Hill (Mark) Raleigh, NC, Ryan Brooks (Betsy) Tulsa, OK, and Jeremy Tillett (Megan) of Burlington, NC.

Eight Great-Grandchildren: Mattie, Cole, Jackson, Landin, Ellie, Theo, Ben & Shep.

In addition, Ruth Ann leaves behind one sister-in-law, Jean Tillett of Louisville, KY as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held on February 12th, 2022 at Mariposa Gardens, Mesa, AZ.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley (AZ), The Alzheimer’s Association, or your favorite charity.