Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Ruth Atkins Obituary
RUTH KNIGHTON ATKINS
September 13, 1936 January 17, 2019
SHREVEPORT, LA - Ruth Knighton Atkins passed away at Willis-Knighton hospital in Shreveport on January 17, 2019 after a brief struggle with pneumonia. She hosted family and friends in her hospital room for several days until her illness weakened her to a level that she could no longer entertain guests.
Ruth was born to Dr. James Edward and Louis Powell Knighton on September 13, 1936 in the Tri-State Hospital, now known as Willis-Knighton Health System. Dr. Knighton served as a Medical Officer in the United States Army during World War II, and the family moved often during the war years. A young Ruth learned that if she wanted to have friends in each new community, she had to make them quickly, as her family would likely be moving again soon. Thus, Ruth became an extroverted child and remained an outgoing soul for the remainder of her life. After the war, the family returned to Shreveport, where Ruth attended South Highlands Elementary and C. E. Byrd High School. While at Byrd, Ruth engaged in numerous social activities and played varsity tennis. She was successful in both ventures, winning the Women's State Doubles Championship in tennis while earning the moniker "Smiling Ruth" for her outgoing personality. Ruth capped off her high school achievements by being elected the Ideal Girl at Camp Waldemar and the Governor of Girls State in Baton Rouge.
Ruth attended Sophie Newcomb College at Tulane University on a Legislative Scholarship. While at Tulane, Ruth was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Woman and studied English. It was not Ruth's love for literature which prompted her to Major in English, but rather the fact that English was one of the few majors that did not hold Saturday morning classes!
While at Tulane, Ruth met William J. (Bill) Atkins, and after a couple of years of courtship, the two were married at the First Baptist Church in Shreveport on November 15, 1958. The couple resided briefly in Whidbey Island, Washington, where Bill served out the remainder of his commitment to the United States Air Force as a Navigator/Weapons Officer in the F-89 Scorpion. Afterwards, the couple returned to Shreveport, where they would live for the rest of their lives.
Ruth balanced the tasks of raising four children with an active sporting and social life. She quickly gave up tennis because she "did not like to sweat" and instead focused on golf and trap shooting. Her excellent coordination, competitive spirit and grace under pressure allowed her to excel in both ventures. She was a Ladies State Trap Shooting Champion two years in a row, and later was the Ladies Golf Champion at the Shreveport Country Club. Ruth enjoyed traveling around the country competing in golf and shooting competitions for many years, and she met many lifelong friends through these pursuits.
Over the years, Ruth also enjoyed her service to or involvement with the Junior League, the Cotillion Club, the Demoiselle Club, The Shreveport Club, The Shreveport Gun Club, The Shreveport Country Club, Southern Trace Country Club and East Ridge Country Club. She had a love for animals, and being in the company of her four-legged friends.
Ruth is preceded in death by her brother, Ed Knighton, and her husband of over 50 years, Bill.
Ruth is survived by her four children: Alison Atkins Crowther of Miami, FL, Susanna Atkins McCarthy of Baton Rouge, LA, William James Atkins, Jr. of Shreveport, LA and John Edward Atkins and wife Lindsay, also of Shreveport, LA. In addition, Ruth loved her grandchildren, Juliette Louise Crowther of New York City, NY and William John McCarthy of Baton Rouge, LA, as well as her only nephew Charlie Knighton and his wife, Amy, from Jackson, MS. Lastly, Ruth will miss traveling to see her many dear friends from across the United States and the world.
The family would like to thank the excellent doctors and nurses of Willis-Knighton Pierremont who did so much to help make Ruth comfortable during her stay at the hospital. In addition, the family would like to thank Ruth's long-time aides and companions Lynette McMillan and Mia Chandler, and her faithful home care attendants Florida Green, Toya Kyles and Carolyn Rambo. Oscar Player has provided invaluable support to the household over the years, and finally, a special thank you is extended to Joe "C. J." Hutson for providing many years of reliable transportation and support to Ruth and her gang!
A visitation for friends and family was held Monday, January 21, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home at 1815 Marshall Street, and funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. Mark's Cathedral on Fairfield Avenue. Officiating was Dean Alston Johnson and the staff of the Cathedral. A private burial was held.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Robinson's Rescue at 2515 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA, 71104 (robinsonsrescue.org) or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Atkins
Donne and Sandie Pitman
December 29, 2024
Colorado is just not the same without our Ruth! She was a bright light on a foggy night. She was a gracious hostess and we will miss her tomato sandwiches. She played a mean game of golf and could keep up with the best of the conversations. So miss this darling woman still today.
February 2, 2019
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear mother. May the memories of her active life fill you with joy and happiness, reflecting fondly on these memories to help you endure the difficult time ahead.
February 1, 2019
Dearest Susanna What a shock to hear about your darling mother. All of her friends in Texas and Colorado will miss her cherry face and delightful visits. It will not be the same with out her joy and fun times. Please know an old friend shares your sorrow.
Much love,
Libba Barnes
Linda Campbell
January 29, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth was a fabulous, talented,entertaining and extremely generous woman - definitely one of a kind! I met Ruth first at Lyford Cay in the Invitational Golf Tournament and I was lucky enough to be included in several of her Jamaica golf trips! I will always have wonderful memories of those fabulous times in Jamaica with Ruth. May she rest in peace.
Sincerely, Linda Campbell, Toronto, Canada
January 26, 2019
My sincere condolences go to the family. Memories of special conversations, lessons, and moments shared can all be sources of comfort during times of grief. May you keep such memories of your dear loved one close.
(Deuteronomy 32:7)
January 25, 2019
Dearest Ruth, You will be much missed by us & all your friends in Monte Carlo, Monaco. You will be remembered for all the fun times & parties you gave while there. Our love goes out to you and your family from Godfrey & Gita
January 23, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you the strength to endure. During this sad time in your life. Again I'm so sorry for your loss. BH
January 22, 2019
May you take comfort in the fact that god will make you firm and he will make you strong in your time of sorrow
January 21, 2019
So many share you grief for the loss of your beloved Ruth. May beautiful memories bring you peace each time you think of her. May God provide the needed comfort and support from family and friends during your time of bereavement and beyond.
Grace Beauchamp and family
January 21, 2019
May the depth of your faith and the love of those who share your loss comfort you at this time of sadness.
With Sympathy and Prayers
January 21, 2019
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear love one may God give you strength to endure this most difficult time of your life please read John 6:40
Elaine Berg
January 21, 2019
John and I were so deeply saddened to learn to Ruth's passing. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. With deeply sympathies, John and Elaine Berg, Evergreen, Colorado
Claudia Hammerich
January 21, 2019
Dear Will and John, Alison and Susan, and your families,
We do want to express our warmest condolences because of Ruth's decease.
Ruth was a lovely person. She had such a joy of living, and she shared her joy with all of us very generously. She cared about everyone in a most kind-hearted way. We have rarely met a person so devoted to others as Ruth.
The first time we met was in Florida with Princess Christina for a fund-raising event, in the beginning of the 80's. We won fancy for each other, and a life-long friendship was established between us and between our families, a friendship that moved from Tomta and Hammersta in Sweden to Paris and to Shreveport in Louisiana, among other places. What a journey we have enjoyed together, a journey so full of fun and pleasant memories.
We are all profoundly fond of Ruth and we will miss her tremendously. With the decease of Ruth it is as a close family member has passed away.
Yours very affectionately,
Kai and Loredana, Claudia and Andreas
Kai Hammerich
January 21, 2019
Dear Will and John, Alison and Susan, and your families,
We do want to express our warmest condolences because of Ruth's decease.
Ruth was a lovely person. She had such a joy of living, and she shared her joy with all of us very generously. She cared about everyone in a most kind-hearted way. We have rarely met a person so devoted to others as Ruth.
The first time we met was in Florida with Princess Christina for a fund-raising event, in the beginning of the 80's. We won fancy for each other, and a life-long friendship was established between us and between our families, a friendship that moved from Tomta and Hammersta in Sweden to Paris and to Shreveport in Louisiana, among other places. What a journey we have enjoyed together, a journey so full of fun and pleasant memories.
We are all profoundly fond of Ruth and we will miss her tremendously. With the decease of Ruth it is as a close family member has passed away.
Yours very affectionately,
Kai and Loredana, Claudia and Andreas
January 20, 2019
May you find comfort from God
Wirt Yerger
January 20, 2019
Ruth was a special person who always made a difference wherever she was . She brightened many lives with her friendly nature and generosity. We were honored to know such a delightful lady. Linda
and I send our deepest sympathies to you in your loss.
Wirt Yerger
Rose Buford
January 20, 2019
My deep sympathy to the family of Ruth May fond memories fill your heart to ease the pain, until (John 6:40) is fulfilled what a happy reunion that will be.
Bob & JoAnna Robinson
January 19, 2019
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of this wonderful lady. Ruth epitomized the graciousness of Southern hospitality. She leaves a void that will be hard to fill. God blessed us all with Ruth, especially those in wonderful family.
January 19, 2019
To the family, please accept my condolences for your loss. May all find strength from the God of all comfort during this time.
Ellen
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Ruth Atkins's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Ruth Atkins
Jan
21
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Shreveport1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
Funeral services provided by:
Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Shreveport1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Atkins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
