Ruth Naomi Robinson Allen Manuel

Ruth Naomi Robinson Allen Manuel of Columbus, Ohio transitioned from this physical world on March 16, 2020 where she now enjoys the "true" embrace of Christ.
Ruth was born on February 27 to parents Benjamin "Floyd" Robinson and Luella Carey. Ruth spent her childhood living on the west side of Columbus, The Hilltop, and graduated from West High School.
In her early adult years, Ruth married her high school classmate, James William Allen, II. They became parents to Christine Denise, James William, III and Austin Keith. In her maturing years, Ruth met her husband, James E. Manuel Jr. and their friendship and marriage lasted for forty-six years. During the years, Ruth and James enjoyed traveling with family and friends.
Ruth has always worked hard in life. Her first job was at F & R Lazarus is where she developed her admirable work ethic and impeccable discipline managing the company's kitchen. It was her next employer, The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), that gave her the platform to grow. Ruth worked solely within the human resources department where she began as clerical staff. Ruth was successful in the areas of hiring, benefits, payroll. She enjoyed working with state employees and coaching them to be their best self. Ruth continued working within human resources and retired as Chief of Personnel 30 years later. Shortly after retirement, Ruth went back to ODH and filled in a few months for her dear friend, Cathy Lewis and did some work at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services with Didi Anekwe.
In retirement, Ruth put her time and energy into all the things that brought her joy and peace. She loved spending time with her family and friends, gardening, quilting, and studying the bible. Ruth found pleasure in hosting during the holidays. Ruth would call and invite friends over that had little or no family in the city. Once at Ruth's home and put your feet under her table, you became family.
As soon as the weather permitted, you would find Ruth outside tending her gardens and helping neighbors with theirs either by assisting with weeding or digging and relocating plants. Ruth learned to sew at an early age and put her skills to use by make quilts with her friends at Gillie's Senior Recreation Center where her slave quilt was displayed.
Ruth participated in different church projects and requests that involved her giving and caring spirit by making blankets for the homeless, volunteering with preschoolers at Mt. Hermann Baptist Church childcare, New Salem Baptist Church and the Vineyard clothing and pantry drives.
Ruth's dedication to read, study and share her knowledge of the bible led her to a more intimate relationship with God through Christ. She participated in several diverse bible study groups: Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), Community Bible Study (CBS), Mt. Hermann bible study group, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church (Agape Group 1), Friday Night Couples Bible Study and Vineyard Couples Study Group. Her participation included administrative, teacher and host.
Even though the last year of Ruth's life was challenging physically, she continued to exhibit loyalty by calling and checking on friends who were sick, provide rides to appointments and encourage all with her amazing smile and hugs.
Ruth is survived by her husband James Manuel Jr.; children Christine Denise Allen, James (Carroll) William Allen III, and Austin (Phyllis) Keith Allen; daughter in love Lisa Maria Allen Bautista; grandchildren Bradley (Chivon) Toles, Whitney (Everett) West, Jordan Allen, Victoria Allen, and John Ndive; great-grandchildren Cayden Toles, Kingston and Christoria West, sisters-in-law Earnestine Rodgers Robinson, Rita Manuel; brother in law Glenn (Linda) Manuel, Ralph Kevin Brown; nieces and nephews Todd (Ashley) Robinson, Cheryle Robinson Jackson, Craig Robinson, Michelle (John) McKissack, Gaius (Maria) Robinson, Jeffrey Carey, Joseph Williams Jr., Marvin Williams, Linda (Ronald) Nelson, Michael Williams, Phyllis (Neil) Strawder, and Sirithia "Precious" Williams; great nieces and nephews Alexandria Robinson, John McKissack Jr., Victoria Robinson, Isaiah Robinson, James McKissack, Peter McKissack, Bliss McKissack, Marisa Robinson, Gabrielle Robinson, and Morgan Strawder. Her lifetime friend Theresa Tidwell, and dear friends Connie Burk, Valerie Lee, Collette (John) Stevens, and Roberta Orr.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Floyd Robinson and Luella Robinson Skelton; siblings Bernice and Charles E. Robinson; cousins/brothers Phillip E. Williams and Joseph (Pat) Williams and dear friend Dr. Karen Evans.
In lieu of internment, the family has dedicated a memorial rose garden at the Columbus Park of Roses located at 3901 N. High Street.
Ruth's family would like to express our most sincere appreciation for the calls, prayers, and visits. During this health crisis, the journey would have been more difficult without your help and support.