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Rutha Dickerson

rutha dickerson

September 22, 1935 ~ December 7, 2023

Born in: LaGrange, Texas
Resided in: San Antonio, Texas

Rutha, born on September 22, 1935, in La Grange, Texas, Fayette County, was the youngest of 13 children born to Isaac and Rebeka Dickerson. She moved to San Antonio, Texas, during her early years. In 1955, Rutha was baptized into Christ by the late C.F Richardson of the Coliseum Park Church of Christ, now known as Dellcrest Church of Christ. She remained a faithful member until her health declined. Later, she married Lloyd B.E. Dees of Hallettsville, Texas, and together they had three children: Brenda, Michael, and Tracy.

While raising her children, Rutha attended St. Phillips College to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). After earning her CNA certification, she worked at the San Antonio State Chest Hospital of Infectious Disease. Rutha continued her education and obtained a nursing degree from St. Phillips College. She then became a Psychiatric Intensive Care Nurse at the Forensic Care Unit in the San Antonio State Hospital. Rutha was highly respected for her dedication and exceptional care, and she retired after 25 years of service, including 4 months of sick leave, showcasing her unwavering commitment.

Even after retirement, Rutha’s passion for mental health care persisted. She worked at the Josephine Street Crisis Center for 12 years before her complete retirement. Rutha was an active member of the David Scott YMCA for two decades, attending Senior Citizen Water Aerobics classes. Known for her infectious smile, she was adored by many. Rutha was always ready to assist others, especially in matters related to healthcare, demonstrating her expertise and concern for others’ well-being. Affectionately called “Grammy,” she deeply impacted numerous lives and will be profoundly missed.

Rutha is survived by her three devoted children: Brenda Jones (Doug) of Nashville, TN, Michael Dees of San Antonio, and Tracy Smallwood (Robert) of San Antonio, Texas. She is also remembered by her sister, Doris Anderson of California, three grandchildren: Rudie McGowen (Johnathan) of Nashville, TN, Stacy Williams of Houston, Texas, and Ziion Michael Navarro-Dees of San Antonio. Additionally, she is survived by two great-grandchildren, Jonas McGowen and Jaelynn McGowen of Nashville, TN, as well as “Bonus” grandchildren, Shawn Milton and Welsyn Milton of San Antonio and Genesis Navarro of San Antonio. Rutha’s memory will be cherished by a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Services

Visitation: December 14, 2023 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Dellcrest Church of Christ
1550 S. W.W. White Rd.
San Antonio, TX United States

78220

Funeral Service: December 14, 2023 12:00 pm

Dellcrest Church of Christ
1550 S. W.W. White Rd.
San Antonio, TX United States

78220

Cemetery: December 14, 2023 2:00 pm

MeadowLawn Memorial Park
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX United States

78220
www.meadowlawnmemorialpark.com

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  1. CandleImageGrammy loo, we are missing your smile sweet lady! It was good hanging out with you in April! I know you aren’t hurting anymore and that is a blessing. I know you’ll be wearing a crown. And that’s tremendous blessing. Sending love, prayers, and hugs to your legacy and all those you have touched. With love,

  2. CandleImageSend my condolences to the family
    And sending an extra hugs, prayers to my sissy Brenda. Love you ✝️❤️✝️

  3. CandleImageMama
    There seems to be no words only tears. Im grateful for having you as my mother for 57 years of my life. The void is big but the pain is bigger. Mama I am blessed to live on to carry on your legacy. I knew you were going to get your rest and no matter how hard I tried to prepare myself for the moment I knew my life would never be the same . Thank you for being a good Mother to me. Thank you Mama for providing, sacrificing, and dedicating your life to us putting us first . Than you for showering your children with love, caring, patience, long suffering, discipline, and all of the fruit of the spirit that you exhibited and instilled in us. Thank you for being a woman of God with such integrity and wisdom. Mama, you were so smart and knowledgeable in so many areas of life, you constantly fed your mind with knowledge by reading books and researching information. I now have the responsibility of keeping your legacy alive and it is one of the greatest honors. Your smile will be missed your calming quiet spirit will be remembered. Mama I love you I miss you terribly learning to live in this world without you will be a task difficult to do but I know the lord will see me through . Your baby girl “Tracy Lynn” as you lovingly called me.

  4. CandleImageMomma Rutha you made it! A long joyful full life doing God’s Will and now on to rest! You infectious smile and spirit will truly missed! But we will never forget how you made us all feel—the love you showed and shared! Rest well momma Ruth, much love!

  5. CandleImageKeeping you all in my warmest thoughts as you navigate through this difficult time. Your mother’s legacy of kindness, love and her smile will continue to inspire us all. Sending prayers and comforting hugs. Love you Brenda, Tracy & Michael.

  6. Ruthie is part of my past the will always be cherished. The friendship Ruthie and my mother had was exceedingly special! Ruthie and Brenda and Michael and Tracy are part of my love circle that encompasses my family! Ruthie will be missed! My prayers and condolences are with y’all!

  7. CandleImageDearest Mrs. Dickerson, we counted you as a great matriarch, and a dear lady. Your demeanor welcomed confidence. Your love ❤️ was even wider than family and friends. Your expressive smile we hold onto forever. Thank you for sharing your love with us all.
    …Effie and Mike Boothe & Family

  8. CandleImageGrammy was a special lady. She was so precious and dear to us. Her smile and laughter brought so much joy to our hearts over the years. The encouragement, love and support she gave by sharing her experiences as a nurse meant the world to us when we needed it most. Grammy will forever be treasured by our family. “Always remembered, but never forgotten.”
    We will be praying for the entire family that God provides you comfort and peace.

    The Kennedy Family

    Jeff, Lynette, Adrienne and Andrew

  9. Our sincerest prayers are with Brenda, Doug, Rudie and the rest of the family. Grammy was such a special part of our lives and we thank you for sharing her with us. We are here for you now and in the days to come.

    Love,
    Chris, Sandra and Alex Trice

  10. Tracy you and your family have my Prayers and condolences on the passing of your beautiful Mother/Angel. i know you all have beautiful memories to keep in your hearts forever. May you Mother, your Queen and your Angel rest with God.

    Doris Garry Singleton

  11. CandleImageDear Ms Rutha, you will be missed, sometimes I would come to work with a heavy heart and just felt not seeing patients that day. But when I would enter your room. Seeing that beautiful smile and always asking how are you doing? When I knew you were not feeling good yourself. But you always cared about others. You just made me forget my problems. I thank you for allowing me to take care of you. I’ve never seen so much sacrificing love in a family than what your family have shown. Your kindness and loving spirit is still seen in your beautiful children. May you rest in peace until we see that beautiful smile again. Love you, your Nurse Angela.

  12. CandleImageMama,
    Today is Saturday I’m usually preparing to come visit you so we can watch family feud or college football. I have had a tough morning the tears still flowing but I know it will become easier. Mama my life has a void there is a hole in my heart that God will fill with strength. Thank you Mama .
    Tracy Lynn your baby girl

  13. CandleImageGood Morning mama,
    Today is my first day back to work and I am pushing through. I am wearing your perfume today and it gives me peace it keeps me close to you. Christmas will be in a few days and Oh how I will miss you in the flesh but your spirit will be with me. My tears are still flowing as they will continue to do for awhile how I miss your smile. I love you mama until we meet again…… Your baby.

  14. CandleImageGood morning Mama ,
    I made it through Christmas Day. There wasn’t one moment that you were not in my thoughts. Just last year you were in my home with your own special Christmas tree upstairs in the loft because you no no longer could come down stairs and so we fixed up the loft area for you like your own lil apartment. :) I tell you the void in my heart is deep, I am trying to move on and push through as you would want me to but I miss you mama its hard mama. I miss your smile, I miss your laugh, I miss your high pitched voice, I miss you teasing me asking my why am I a Houston Texans Fan when they continue to lose lol I miss watching football with you when Dallas Cowboys would play . I miss everything about you. Mama you are still to me a one in a million woman and I will forever live your legacy and live out the morals you instilled in me. I love you mama and I will see you again. Your baby girl Tray

  15. Mama,
    Its a New Year one I will face without you. I missed you calling me at midnight wishing me a Happy New Year and me asking you “what you still doing up” and you laughing. I miss you mama but I know you are smiling with God and rejoicing with he angels. You are with me in my spirit in my soul but more importantly you are in my heart. Your smile is my smile and my love is yours. Your baby girl Tray

  16. Mama today a bit difficult for me. I miss you so much. I wish I could hear your voice again and se your pretty smile. I know you wouldn’t want me sad but living with out you is very hard on us. I will continue to be the daughter you want me to be and I will always live out the lessons you taught me. I love you mama

  17. CandleImageMama! Hi mama it’s been 4months now and I still miss you as if it was yesterday. I grieved myself sick and I had to realize that I had to get myself together. Mama I’m back in school persuing my degree wanting to make you proud. I’m learning to channel my grief to honor you in special ways. Mama you were so strong and so smart and I’m digging deep inside of me to use the tools you gave me to push through. I miss you mama and I will continue to use your words of wisdom , your laughter and your smile will be with me always your baby girl “ Tracy Lynn”

  18. Hello Mama its been 6 months now and I am missing you just as much as I did when you first gained your wings. I miss you so much mama I miss your laugh and your beautiful smile. Your smile would light up every room. I want you to know that we are doing ok., some days are good some days are not so good. The grief pops up when I least expect it tears just flow. I just wanted to stop by to tell you I love you and to thank you for being a good mother to us and for sacrificing for us. You taught me strength and endurance, we share so many similarities but most of all we share Jesus. I Love you mama and I’m proud to be your legacy.


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