Ruth (Bettis) Leshore, 90 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at The Christopher House.

Ruth was born in Selma, Alabama, a daughter of the late Richard Richardson and Emma Bettis and where she graduated from high school. She worked for various companies as a housekeeper most of her life. Ruth was a faithfully member of Belmont A.M.E Zion Church for many years where she served as a church usher. She loved bingo, traveling, cruises, dancing and to cook soul food for her family especially her sons.

Ruth was better known as Miss Ruth, Momma, My Momma, Ma, Mom, Grandma, Granny and Granny Gumdrops. She was the epitome of a matriarch in the family. Her cooking was homemade and delicious. She had a big heart and loved all her family. When family was around her no one ever felt left out. Everyone in the family had a special place with her. Whether it was playing softball in her younger years, playing cards with her kids, playing her favorite game, bingo with family and friends, caring for her grandkids, great grandkids and her great great grandkids when their parents were away, being the best dancer…clearing the floor at family celebrations or just entertaining the family when we were together. She loved life and shared that love with her family. Ruth was a jewel that can never be replaced. Her wisdom and advice are unforgettable. Our family is truly blessed to have had her in our lives. She will be missed dearly but will forever be in our hearts.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Willie James Leshore of Selma, AL; four sons, Columbus Steele of Worcester, Jerry Leshore of Boston, Tony Leshore of Andover and Ricky Leshore of Wakefield; two daughters, Emma Brown and Robin Leshore both of Worcester; two brothers, Albert Richardson of Brooklyn, NY, Napoleon Richardson of Florida; three sisters, Willie Mae Roger, Nancy Brown, and Caroline Richardson all of Alabama; 25 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. She is predeceased by a son, Jimmy Leshore; a daughter, Gail Moses; a son-in-law, Earl L. Brown; two grandsons, Jackie L. Brown and Tyrone Aites; eight brothers, Matthew George Venson, Henderson Hill, Genetle Hill, Clemon Hill, Hale Hill, and Artis Hill, Richard Richardson, Jr., and Charles Hardy; seven sisters, Mary and Martha Bettis, Roberta Steele, Charlene Reese, Rosetta William, Susia L. Thomas, and Georgia Minniefield.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Monday, October 24, 2022 from 11 am to 12 noon with her funeral service to begin at 12 noon in Belmont A.M.E Zion Church, 55 Illinois St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions in her name can be made to: Belmont A.M.E Zion Church, 55 Illinois St., Worcester, MA. 01610