It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Eiland Kelley.  Ruth was born in Washington, DC on August 28, 1937, to Odus and Marie Eiland.  She passed away on January 6, 2025, under the care of North Okaloosa Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice.  She was a resident of Woodmoore Assisted Living in Opp, Alabama.

Ruth grew up in Opp, Alabama graduating from Opp High School in 1958.  She was held back a year in the second grade due to her size.  She was tiny!  Ruth had two children, Tammie and Steve.  They were the light of her life!

Ruth was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom while her kids were young, although she took on the occasional part time job working at the ceramic studio and sewing custom outfits for her family and others. She volunteered in the concession stand for the Little League, participated as a den mother and scout leader and a band parent.  As the years went by she took on more responsibility working in the family grocery store, becoming a town councilwoman for Cinco Bayou, Florida, managing a shoe store, and volunteering at the hospital.  Later in life she worked at a credit union and eventually purchased "The Stitchery House" and made it flourish for several years!  She made lifelong friends with each adventure.

Ruth loved her family and was a huge part of setting up family reunions every year.  She typed up family histories and had them published for members of the family.  She loved to camp, create ceramic and needlepoint pieces of art, refinish antique furniture just like her parents did, and she loved her pets along the way.  But the real joy she found was when her two granddaughters were born!  Being a Samma was the best thing ever for her!

Ruth always had a smile on her face right up to the end.  Even if she just passed you on the street, she smiled at you.

Ruth is preceded by her parents and all of her aunts and uncles and a few cousins.  She is survived by her daughter, Tammie, her husband Randy, his two sons, and their families. She is survived by her son, Steve, his wife Ginny, Steve's two daughters, Maddie and Erin, and Ginny's three sons.  She is also survived by her sister, Charlotte Eiland and her daughters and her brother, Harry Eiland and his wife, Maryann and his sons.   She also leaves many close cousins and other close family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 13th, 2025 at 11:00 am at Wyatt Funeral Home, 1018 Florala Highway, Opp, Alabama with Pastor Brian Smith officiating.  Visitation will start at 10:00 am.  In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in mom's name to First Baptist Church of Opp Alabama, 110 E Hart Avenue, Opp, Alabama, 36467.