Ruth Spruiel

Ruth Spruiel

Ruth Stanford Spruiel, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and devout woman of faith, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the age of 87.
She was born in Lamar County, Ala., on Dec. 1, 1937, to Lester L. and Vernie (Clifton) Stanford. Ruth lived a life full of grace, devotion and loving service to others.
Ruth married the love of her life, Eldred, and celebrated 64 years together. They were inseparable, totally committed to the Lord and each other. She supported him in the first years of their marriage as he worked in the family business, Spruiel Lumber Co. She was beside him as he served in the U.S. Army in Columbia, S.C.; Columbus, Geo.; and San Antonio, Texas. She was fully committed to his dream of building a family farm and stood faithfully by his side every step of the way.
One of Ruth’s greatest passions was her family.  Being a stay-at-home mother to her three children was one of the greatest joys of her life.  Later, when her children were older, Ruth worked as a banker at First State Bank of the South.  Her dedication and gentle presence touched coworkers and community.  Upon her retirement from the bank in 2002, she loved taking care of her grandchildren and cheering them on at school and sporting events.  She was an avid reader and loved teaching and helping others in their quest for knowledge.
A loyal member of Detroit First Baptist Church for over 50 years, Ruth’s faith was her foundation. Over the years, she sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School and served as director and in many roles with Vacation Bible School each summer. She lovingly shared her love of cooking with family and friends.
Ruth was a dedicated member of the Woman’s Missionary Union with the goal of fulfilling the Great Commission.  Her favorite verses were, John 14:1-2 – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions”—were a guiding light in her life.
Ruth had a delicate spirit and a perceptive eye—she found peace in order, beauty in simplicity, beautiful flowers and joy in making things just right for those she loved. Holidays and special occasions held a special place in her heart, for the opportunity to gather her family close.
She instilled an amazing work ethic in her family, to keep God at the center of our lives and to find purpose in serving others. Her absence leaves a space no one else can fill, but her love and legacy will continue to guide us.
Ruth Stanford Spruiel lived a beautiful life—one of quiet strength, faithful service and unconditional love — a true Proverbs 31 woman of virtue.  Our Matriarch will be forever missed and remembered always.
She is survived by two children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, each of whom continues her beautiful legacy—one built on faith, kindness and steadfast love. Ruth’s life was a testament to selfless devotion. She believed in her family and poured herself into every detail of their lives, expressing her love daily through quiet, graceful acts of care, and providing encouragement with her gentle words and prayers.
Her survivors include her daughter, Myra (Spruiel) and her husband Barry L. Roberts; a son, Tommy E. and his wife Amy (Hawkins) Spruiel; and her daughter-in-law, Joann (Spruiel) Irvin; her six grandchildren, Leah (Spruiel) and her husband Shawn Ownby, Clay S. Spruiel, Ashley (Roberts) and her husband Eric C. Platte, Tyler B. Roberts and his wife Mary Scott (Shelton), Lawson T. Spruiel, and JohnWil K. Spruiel; and her seven great-grandchildren, Bryce C. Ownby and his wife (Meghan), Wesley S. Ownby, Lila R. Ownby, Mason L. Platte, Olivia C. Platte, Stella F. Roberts and Cade S. Roberts; and her sisters, Shirley (Stanford) and her husband James D. Nolen, and Dorothy (Stanford) and her husband Herman D. Taylor.
She is preceded in death by her cherished husband, Kenneth Eldred Spruiel; her beloved son, Stephen L. Spruiel; her parents, Lester L. and Vernie (Clifton) Stanford; and her sister, Faye S. Blaylock. Though she endured deep loss during the later years of her life, she carried her faith and her family through every season with courage and unwavering love.
Funeral services were held on July 2, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Detroit, with graveside burial following at Carter Cemetery. Pastor Glenn Boman officiated.
Memorial gifts in Mrs. Spruiel’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church, Detroit; Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; or Parkinson’s Foundation.
Otts Funeral Home
4255 Highway 278 West
Sulligent, AL  35586
205-698-8668