Ruth Lampkin

Ruth M. Lampkin-It pleased the Lord to call into eternal rest, Ruth Mae Benson-Lampkin, 80, of Youngstown, OH, Sunday, November 27th at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Ruth was born March 20, 1936, in Warren, OH, the daughter of the late Hessie and Ruth (Conway) Benson.  She was educated in the Warren City School District. Ruth married Johnny Lee Lampkin Sr., on March 19, 1954.  They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union were born 11 children.  She joined McGuffey Church of Christ in 1980, where she continued as a member, pressing her way until Sunday morning when she joined the ultimate service, being absent from the body and present with the Lord!  It is noteworthy by Pastor Barnes that “she was a tremendous support and the wind beneath my wings!”

She was an avid gardener, enjoying planting all species of flowers.  Ruth’s passion was baking and cooking which she mastered as a Proverbs 31 wife and mother.

Ruth’s name from Hebrew origin means friend, companion, and vision of beauty.  Her smile radiated the friendship that was in her heart for all she met.  Reflected in 62 years of marriage is a testimony that she fulfilled the creed of her name, “Companion.”  Finally, “Vision of Beauty,” her husband declares he had to win her heart over 100 men who were vying for her attention and hand in marriage.  From her Choctaw Indian roots, high cheek bones and flowing hair, God gave her beauty of the heart, soul, spirit and body that now belongs to her Saviour Jesus Christ forever more.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Johnny Lee Lampkin, Sr.; Ruth’s beautiful children, four sons, Johnny Lee, Jr., Donnie, Jeffrey and Anthony Lampkin; five daughters, Valencia (Lovell) Brady, Victoria Lampkin, Deborah (Leon) Taylor, Candy (Donald Sr.) Campbell, Adrian Lampkin; her beloved and only brother, Earnest Benson of Warren, OH, Bertha (Rodney) Daus of Leavittsburg, OH, Helen Benson of Cincinnati, OH; 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  The legacy continues!

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two children, Dorothy and Eugene Scott Lampkin and four sisters, Frances Benson, Alice Benson-Patterson, Ruby Benson-Young, and Ellen Benson-Randall.