Early April 30, 2025, God's Heavenly Angels appeared, and our beloved Mother peacefully slipped into her eternal resting place with the Lord.

Rutha Pearl was born August 9, 1938, in Sylvester, Georgia to the Late Mrs. (Ma) Polly Anderson and Mr. Nesby Cosby. She was affectionally know as Pearl. She received her education at Zion Grove Baptist Church, Shady Grove Baptist Church Worth County and Hazard, Dougherty County.

At an early age, she found her greatest joy in Christ. She was baptized at Zion Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Simpson. She served under the leadership of Pastor Roderick Fowler whom she loved dearly.

Rutha Pearl married Willie J. Rush, December 1953. This union was blessed with five children Willie J. Rush Jr, Charles Rush, David Bernard Rush, Nellene Rush and Maxine Rush. She later married Otis Barlow in December 1968, from this union they were blessed
with one son Michael A. Barlow.

She was employed by East Gargano's Italian Restaurant for 33 years until retirement.

Rutha was raised by two strong women, her mother Polly Anderson and Grandmother Rena Howard. Rutha Pearl was the matriarch and spiritual elder of the family. She was a true pillar of strength and compassion. She provided jobs, nourishment, and care for many,
embodying the spirit of generosity in every season of her life. A devoted servant at heart, she continued to serve others even when she herself was in need. Rutha led many to Christ, believing deeply in the power of prayer. She was always standing in the gap, interceding
physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially for those she loved and even for those she had never met. Her faith was unwavering, her love boundless. She held on with quiet strength until her body could hold on no more. She was truly the last of the Mohicans.

She was preceded in heavenly departure by her beloved mother and father, her devoted husband Otis, her sons Willie J. and Charles, her cherished granddaughter Michelle Rush, and her son-in-love Azil Reynolds. She also joins her siblings in eternal rest: Author Lee Giddens (affectionately known as Bull), Willie B. Gant, Boo Fowler, Jessie Lee Dykes, Coreen, Annie Pearl, and Johnnie Mae Smith.

Rutha Pearl leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by her sons David Rush (Gloria) and Michael Barlow; her daughters Nellene Lake and Maxine Reynolds; and her son-in-love Foster Lake, Sr. She is also lovingly remembered by her twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

A special thank-you is extended to those who cared for her daily with devotion and love: daughter-in-love Gloria Rush, Nettie Fowler, Sherry Smith, Georgia Smith, Willie J. Smith, Othel Dawson, and Margie Giddens.

Her memory will also live on in the hearts of a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her boundless heart, unwavering faith, and enduring kindness.