Ruth Juanita Swinney Haith of 2003 East 14th Street made the transition from Labor to Reward on Sunday, February 18, 2007. She was born in Winston-Salem, NC on March 20, 1922 to Thomas L. and Claudia Gainey Swinney.

Ruth's educational experiences were cultivated at Columbia Heights Elementary, Atkins High, Winston-Salem Teachers College from which she received the BS Degree in Education, and A&T State University from which she was awarded the MS Degree also in Education.

For more than forty years, Ruth taught in the WS/FC School System. During her accrued years of service, she created a child centered, invigorating environment demonstrative of the premise that all students could and should learn. Her retirement from Brunson Elementary School in 1978 concluded a most rewarding teaching career.

Ruth attended Lloyd Presbyterian Church during her youth and young adulthood, but was converted to Catholicism on December 15, 1975. Since her conversion, through the time of her passing, she affiliated with St. Benedict The Moor Catholic Church where she contributed significantly to the missions and ministries.

Post retirement involvement, other than spending quality time with her beloved daughter, Deborah and her family, included frequent interaction with friends, members of the Couples Club, The Non-Pareils Pinochle Club, and "The It's A Secret Tripoly Club."

Ruth was a vibrant personality who wore many hats, both literally and figuratively. For forty-one years, she was the loving and devoted spouse to the Hampton D. Haith. She was a creative teacher, dedicated church worker, loyal friend, consummate hostess, dedicated church worker, culinary gourmet, holiday house decorator, decoupage artist, and trend shopper. Her loving spirit will be sorely missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her parents; and her brothers, Thomas D. and Claude L. Swinney.

Those left behind to reflect upon and share in treasured memories include a beloved daughter, Deborah (Dr. Phillip) Caple; two grandsons, Philip M. Caple, Jr. and Damon J. Caple; one granddaughter, Alondra Nicole Caple; a great-granddaughter, Nautica A. Caple-Worthy all of Nashville, TN; ten God children; devoted cousins, Lunette (Floyd) and Courtney Taylor; lifelong friends, Irma Gadson and Wilhelmena Lash; family-like neighbors and caregivers, Barbara, Claudius, and Byron Harris all of the city; extended family, neighbors, and many friends.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 12 NOON from the St. Benedict The Moor Catholic Church with Father Lawrence W. Heiney officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 12 NOON on Saturday at the Church.

The family wishes to express their heart felt gratitude to Dr. Richard Stephenson and the staff at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care Center for the compassionate and expert care rendered to Ruth J. Swinney Haith and her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Center, in memory of Ruth J. Swinney Haith, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.