Ruth (Crose) Workman

Ruth Crose Workman lived an amazing 98 years 7 months and 25 days life on earth.  She passed at her home in Clearfield to join the Lord on Saturday, December 7, 2019.  Ruth was a wonderful woman who will be missed, cherished and continually loved by all who knew her.

Ruth was born April 13, 1921, to the late Henry and Belle Alfrey Crose and was loved dearly by her step-mother, Estie Dehart Crose. Ruth was raised by her loving paternal grandparents, the late Abraham (Abe) and Martha Anne Pettit Crose, after her mother passed when Ruth was just three years old.

Ruth lived a remarkable and fulfilling life that we’re sure she is telling all the angels about today. They will hear of her precious family first and then she will speak of her constant companion, her “fur-ever” friend that has been by her side for many years, her cat Amber.

Ruth was the devoted wife of Robert Workman, whom she married on June 6, 1936.  After 71 years of sharing friendship, love, marriage, family and a life together here on earth, Robert left Ruth’s side on July 27, 2007, to await her arrival in heaven.  Together Ruth and Robert had seven precious children whom they raised leaving them no doubt how much they were loved. Three of her seven children, Lionel Workman, Daniel Workman and Shurlene Workman, met Ruth at heaven’s gate.  Also preceding her in death were her grandchildren, Manual Lowe, Randall Lowe, Deborah Baldridge and Steven Workman. Ruth also lost her son-in-law, Wilburn Baldridge; daughter-in-law, Sue Workman; and grandson-in-law, Kenney Nickell.

Ruth was the oldest of eleven children. She was preceded in death by six brothers, Rossie, Teddy, Chester, Calbert, Leathieat and Vernon Crose, as well as two sisters, Velva Crose Hoberty and Louise Crose King. 

Surviving Ruth are one daughter, Pauline Baldridge of Clearfield, KY; three sons, Denzil Workman (Mary Fyffe) of West Liberty KY, Clyde Wilburn (Garlene) Workman of Pikeville, KY and Omar Mike (Drotha) Workman of Pikeville, KY; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving Ruth are one brother Carl Crose and one sister Linnie Crose Perkins and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

A special appreciation to her granddaughter Ruth Annette Nickell Fannin and great-granddaughter Kenna Anne Nickell Waddell who were her constant caretakers during injury and illness in the last few years of her life. A special niece, Loreda Hall, who without fail came to visit weekly bringing a token of affection for Ruth during each visit.

Ruth has left behind a hole in the hearts of the many friends that she has accumulated throughout the years. Wonderful neighbors and friends who would call to check on Ruth or just stop in for a friendly cup of coffee and a visit that ended in a hug and an invitation to come back again the next day, or just stay the night. She had an open-door policy in her home. Ruth was there to feed an empty stomach, to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and sound advice. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”—Proverbs 31:26

During Ruth’s battle with cancer, she told the doctor the day she found out, “Do whatever needs to be done so that I will live. I’m not done yet, I have a family to take care of.”  She said, “Either the chemo would take me or the cancer will but I’m not giving up. It’s in the hands of the Lord.” Ruth was 92 years old when she was diagnosed and knew there were things left undone that she would see through. During and after her battle with cancer, Ruth would often make dinners and take them to the nurses in the oncology unit where she had treatment. She appreciated them all, including Dr. Lim and Mary Caric, her primary physician who would often make house calls to Ruth in her final months. “The Lord is my strength and my shield.”—Psalm 28:7

Ruth was known for her devotion to the Lord, whom she put first in her life.  She attended Slab Camp Christian Church until she was physically unable.  Ruth was also known for her determination and hard work that she portrayed with her many talents. “She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.”—Proverbs 31:17

Ruth was most known for her cooking skills. She was a lifelong vegetarian saying, “I have never eaten anything with a face on it.” Ruth cooked large meals for her family and friends that included all types of food and despite never having eaten meat herself, was able to cook it every time with mouthwatering perfection. Fried apple pies were a favorite at many church functions and brought high dollar when they were raffled. Ruth often said, “You don’t have to be blood to be family,” as she never turned anyone away from her table. Her home was one of love and everyone felt that love when they joined her family for a meal. Through the years, Ruth fed as many friends as family also saying, “If you left hungry, that was your fault.”  “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”—Hebrews 13:2

Quilting was a passion for Ruth, priding herself on the vibrant colors and difficult patterns that she lovingly sewed into every stitch. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren have received many quilts from her throughout the years. How many has she made?  She said, “Only the Lord knows.”  If you were fortunate enough to be gifted a quilt from Ruth, you have a work of art made from the heart to be cherished for many generations to come, just as she would have wanted. “Let all that you do be done in love.”—1 Corinthians 16:14

Her Christmas light display brought people from all around. She often had Dry Creek backed up for miles from people coming to see the glorious tribute to baby Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. The Workman home was featured in The Morehead News for the beautiful lights, nativity scenes and Santa décor. Ruth made sure that her display was in honor of Jesus and he was the centerpiece of any decoration that adorned her home. Her faith in the Lord was what pushed her through every hard moment in her life and she gave all the glory to him, not just during Christmas but every day of her beautiful 98 years. Ruth and Robert decorated their home themselves until age and health prevented them from doing this. Ruth was 87 years old when she finally stopped climbing on the roof of their home to hang her lights and her glorious Christmas star. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”—Matthew 1:21

Ruth’s vigilant watch over her family and friends won’t end with her life. She will always be there, in the back of our minds or at the forefront of our actions. She raised a strong family that will feel her effects for generations to come. Her friends will tell of Ruth and what she did throughout the years to help them. The community will not soon forget this icon that stamped a little place in the hearts of all who knew her. No, Ruth will never be forgotten. She will forever be loved, missed and cherished. Do not mourn the passing of this beautiful life. As her favorite Bible scripture reads, “This is the day that the Lord hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”—Psalm 118:24

A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Rev. Carlos Bowman, Rev. Charles Moore, Brother Herbert D. Lewis, and Pastor Greg Bowman officiating.   Ruth will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in Clearfield Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Mike Workman, Allen Workman, Robbie Workman, Barry Lowe, Wendell Purnell, Curtis Fannin, Tommy Woodrow, James Lewis, Zachary Waddell, Nelson Hatton

Honorary Pallbearers: Marion Lewis, Wayne Black, Brandon Hatton, Richard Phillips, Herman Mabry, David Lewis, grandsons, great-grandsons, great-great grandsons

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2019, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351. 

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