In Memory of Tom's Mom who passed April 9, 2026

This has been a very challenging and sad 8 months for us. Tom's Mom, Ruth, passed April 9, 2026 at home. Although she was on hospice, it happened quickly, and Tom was able to be by her side with his sister Lisa who was her caretaker (she lived in another state). Her passing follows the passings of all three of our senior dogs, Cody, Dash and Tyler, we have endured a lot of loss recently. She left behind a lifetime of good memories.   As a tribute, Tom wrote today's blog is about her life.

(Photo: Tom's mom, Ruth and Tom at our wedding reception in 2009)

Mom, Ruth was born September 16, 1938, to Thomas and Grace Frank on a farm in the small rural tidewater community of Index, VA. She graduated from King George High School in 1956, and immediately moved to Washington, DC for better employment opportunities when she was just 18 years old.

(Mom holding Tom) 

(Photo: Mom at 18 years old with her suitcase ready to move to Washington, DC) 

Mom began what would be her lifelong career as a secretary working for the U.S. Coast Guard. Her manager, Karen, encouraged her to get out more and meet people. At an Arthur Murray dance studio, Mom met our Dad, Seth Williams. They were married on Mom’s birthday in 1960, at Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church.

In 1965, the couple moved to Prince George's County, MD and attended Riverdale Baptist Church for many years where Mom managed the church's bookstore and also worked for the church's day school. In 1974, Mom went to work in the Health Unit at Goddard Space Flight Center where she worked for the next 27 years.

(Photo: Mom and her father eating watermelon on the farm in Virginia where she grew up.) 

After Dad passed away in 1992, Mom began dating Robert "Bob" Elmendorf; they were married in June, 2001. Residing in the retirement community of Heritage Harbor in Annapolis, MD Mom and Bob were active in many of the community's activities and organizations, most notably the Heritage Harbor Choir. During this time, Mom worked part-time for the Capital Gazette until she fully retired at age 70.

(Photo: Bob and Ruth after singing in a choir performance in Annapolis, Maryland. This was one of mom's favorite pictures. Credit: R.G.) 

In 2021, Mom and Bob moved to South Carolina where they lived for the remainder of their lives. After Bob passed away in April 2023, from COVID complications, Mom moved in with my sister, Lisa, who became her primary caregiver.

(Photo: Sept 2025, playing a game at home: Rob, Greg, Lisa and Mom)

Mom enjoyed having company, playing Bingo on Fridays at the Mauldin Community Center, and playing cards and board games with family and friends. Her favorite card game was Kings-in-the-Corner.

Complying with her request, Mom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind a son, Thomas and husband, Rob; a daughter, Lisa, and husband, Greg.

She will be forever in our hearts.