Life Reflections of Ruth Adlean Neal

Our loving mom, Ruth Adlean Neal (88) went to be with the Lord on September 20, 2020 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City Kansas.  Ruth was the beloved only child of Clara and Charles Flewellen.  Mother Ruth was born in Shreveport Louisiana in 1932.  Ruth grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Sumner High School.  She married her childhood sweetheart Cleveland Leodis Neal.  God blessed this union with forty-nine years of marriage.  From this union God gave them a full quiver of Ten children! Ruth encouraged her children to put God first, seek an education, and be the best at whatever God led them to be.  As a young adult, she was involved in many organizations involving the teaching of children, including Hawthorn Elementary School, Peppermint Nursery, and Northwest Middle school.  Ruth served as a Blue Bird leader for many years and her home was always the hang out for the neighborhood children.  She was a wonderful seamstress and kept her six girls in fancy fashionable dresses on a limited budget.  Ruth would also sew for others and taught her craft to those eager to learn, allowing them to make their own clothes. Cooking and baking were passions, which made her in high demand to her family, friends, and church members. 

Mother Ruth was a long-standing member of Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas, with over fifty years of faithful service.  Salem was blessed to have her serve as Youth Director, Mission Department member, Kitchen committee, Usher and Deaconess. As a worker in the Kaw Valley local, and state conventions, she received many awards and accolades, including becoming a member of the State Hall Of Fame.  Mother Ruth was a proud member of a group of three senior citizens called the “Golden Girls” who traveled together.  Wilma Ellsberry, Jessie Marshall, and Mom were the original “Golden Girls.”  Upon the death of Jessie Marshall, Mrs. Maggie Adams stepped in to continue the legacy.  They always dressed fashionably and wore fancy hats. A loyal fur-baby, ‘Puff’ kept her company until his passing at an old age.

Mother Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Leodis, her parents, her stepfather, General Fritz, two grandchildren, Shanique and David Neal, and daughter in law, Rita Neal.

Mother Ruth is lovingly missed by all ten of her children; June (Marcus) Banks, Don Neal, Clara (Charles) Graham, Cherie Bledsoe-Boykin, Cleveland (Sharon) Neal, Debbie (Arder) Wilkins, Tony (Sheryl) Neal, Linda Berry, Gregory (Natasha) Neal, and Michelle (Alan) Brown, thirty-one grandchildren, a host of great-grands and one great-great grandchild. Her exceptional legacy extends to many relatives, close friends, and the Salem family.

Life well lived, Mother. Your race is finished, time to receive your crown!  Rest in the loving hands of our Lord until we meet again.