Ruth Irene (McIlwain) Brooks, 93, of New Britain, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 surrounded by family. She was born August 2, 1928 in Fletcher, NC to the late Florence (Robinson) Blanton and the late Walter Blanton. Ruth was raised in Asheville, NC until the age of 16 and then travelled north with her family and settled in Portland, Maine. She joined Green Memorial AME Zion Church and became an active member over the next 30 years. Ruth worked at Pineland Hospital, Jewish Home for the Aged and General Electric until meeting the love of her life Alton Forrest Brooks while attending a church convention. This ultimately resulted in her relocation to New Britain, Connecticut where the two married October 16, 1982. Ruth continued her church work locally as a member of Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church and also on the District and Conference levels travelling to many conventions as the delegate. In addition to her beloved Spiritual Lights Choir that she cherished for over 30 years, Ruth was involved with the Missionaries, the Lay Council, the Stewardess Board, Home Missions, Sunday School and various Choirs. But Ruth did not stop there! In the community she was involved with the Mary McLeod Bethune Club, the Every Women’s Club, the Eastern Stars, the White Rose Courts of Calanthe and the New Britain Chorale. Ruth loved people and was a social butterfly. She made an impression on everyone she came in contact with however her greatest love was children. If there was a baby within earshot, she had him/her on her lap within minutes! Ruth enjoyed sewing, singing, traveling and especially visiting her family in Maine. Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 39 years Alton, who will miss her beyond words, two daughters Rev. Dannita Stewart Lofton, Durham, ME and Yvonne McIlwain, New Britain, Conn., five sons Albert McIlwain, III (Louise), St. Hubert, Canada, W. Daryl McIlwain, Portland, ME, Rev. Jeff McIlwain (Kim), Saco, ME, Scott McIlwain (Karen), Portland, ME and Mark McIlwain, Portland, ME., one stepdaughter Maxine Harris, Pasadena, Calif., nineteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and inherited family who called her Mama Ruth. Besides her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her sisters Esther Haynes and Gertrude Brown her brother James Blanton, her son Calvin McIlwain, Sr., two stepsons Ronald Brooks and Alvin Brooks and one stepdaughter Diane Guiles. Ruth will be remembered as an inspiration to all who came to know her. She will be sorely missed!