Ruth Ratliff Davis

Mrs. Ruth Davis, 89, of Americus, passed away at her home on January 19, 2010. Ruth was born to Alma Lee Knape and Henry Orville Ratliff in Sterling City, Texas, on January 31, 1920. She was the youngest of four siblings who preceded her in death. At a young age, her family moved to Bowie, Arizona, where she grew up and later attended high school in Safford, Arizona. Ruth married Julius Charles Davis on January 2, 1938. They were married for 63 years prior to his death on March 25, 2001. They had one daughter, Barbara Colleen (now deceased) and one son, Dr. Charles W. Davis of Americus. In addition to being an excellent homemaker and cook, she worked for many years in retail sales with the J. C. Penny Company and Brown’s Turquoise Jewelry from which she retired in 1998 to move to Americus, Georgia. Mrs. Davis was a member of the Mt. Graham Medical Auxiliary and the First United Methodist Church in Safford, Arizona. While residing in Americus, she attended the First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Davis will always be remembered by family and friends for her spirited determination in all her endeavors. She loved family and friends unconditionally. Her home was always a welcoming oasis to everyone. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Charles W. Davis and Mary Davis of Americus; 8 grandchildren, including grandson Brad Davis of Americus; 20 great grandchildren, including Cloie Davis of Americus and Joshua Ridge Davis of Vienna, GA; and 9 great-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Jim Smith officiating. A second memorial service, with interment, will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010, in Gila Valley Memorial Gardens in Safford, Arizona. The family will receive friends at the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Davis on Lakeshore Drive. Memorial contributions may be made to the League of the Good Samaritan, 2001 South Lee Street, Americus, GA 31709, or to the First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1092, Americus, GA 31709. Hancock Funeral Home, 427 South Lee St. is in charge of arrangements.