Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of Ruth F. Ross, 1935-2019.
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WHEREAS, Ruth was born on August 6, 1935 to Estelle and Curtis Forte in Aliceville, Alabama; and
WHEREAS, Ruth was awarded a full academic scholarship to Stillman College while, at Stillman she met her husband Charles O. Ross. Upon graduation Ruth relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and worked as a law clerk. Ruth and Charles were married in 1958 and relocated to Gary, Indiana; and
WHEREAS, Ruth and her family relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1970. Ruth received a full academic scholarship to Capital University Law School. Upon graduation and successful passage of the Ohio Bar exam Ruth began her legal career with the Legal Aid Society; and
WHEREAS, Ruth continued her legal career as a solo general practitioner representing individuals throughout Columbus, Central Ohio and the Columbus Metropolitan community handling consumer and fair housing landlord tenant matters. Throughout her career she was an advocate for the civil liberties of underrepresented groups and on issues of racial and social justice; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her professional accomplishments Ruth was actively involved in community service, civic and charitable endeavors. In her spare time she enjoyed spending time with family and traveling; and
WHEREAS, Ruth is survived by her sons, Charles and Marcus Ross; brothers Willie Forte and Booker T. Forte; daughter in law, Valeria Ross; grandchildren, Courtney and Tonell; great granddaughter McKinleigh Grace Harwell and a host of other relatives and friends now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Ruth F. Ross.