Ruth Ash

Ruth Ash, 89, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, entered the loving arms of Jesus on September 6th, 2026. She was known for her bubbly personality, her expert cooking, and the warm compassion she showed to her family, friends, and the world around her.

Ruth was born on November 24th, 1936, to parents Perkins H. and Mearle Kennard Atkinson. She was born, grew up, and passed away all within 100 yards of one another, off Amite Church Road in Denham Springs, Louisiana. She attended Denham Springs High School, graduating in 1955. She was a lifelong member of Amite Baptist Church, where she served as a member of the Building Committee, as the Director of Juniors (children in grades 1-3), and she unofficially opened her home to many youth groups, large and small, for socials on Sundays, and hosted and lodged many traveling choirs passing through the area.

She was a member of the African Violet Society with her mother where they enjoyed showing their African Violets and collecting their ribbons.

Her brightest days were a lively game of UNO or dominoes with the grandkids. The grandkids knew she would always be the champ.

She considered her greatest calling to be that of a wife for 70 years and a mother of three. On August 27th, 1956, she married her loving husband, Robert "Bob" Ameal Ash, and together they had three boys: Kerry, Chris, and Kurt Ash.

She worked as a cosmetologist at Bob for Beauty Hair Salon for 16 years, the family business, and then served as Director of Procurement at Greenwell Springs Hospital for 24 years until her retirement in October 1996.

Ruth made a lasting impact in so many ways. She was known as the essence of a Southern Lady and a Godly woman, well respected and greatly loved. Ruth's faith was the foundation of her life and a guiding light through every joy and challenges she faced. Her trust in God was unwavering, evident in the love and compassion she showed to everyone she crossed paths with.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Perkins H. and Mearle Kennard Atkinson; her sister, Clarice Ballard; her brother, Charles Atkinson; and great-grandson Joel Ash.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Bob Ash; her 3 sons, Kerry Ash (Kellie, Chris Ash (Debbie), Kurt Ash (Channon); 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Amite Baptist Church in Denham Springs on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with her Celebration of Life Service beginning at 2:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Kerry Ash. Interment will follow in the Amite Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers are grandsons Kasey Ash, Kody Ash, Luke Ash, Ben Ash and grandsons-in-law Adam Rittell and Byron Hebert.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and sitters for the compassionate and professional care they showed our family, especially our mom and dad, during this tough road we have traveled.

Flowers and plants can be sent directly to Amite Baptist Church 7100 Amite Church Rd, Denham Springs, LA 70706