Ruth Louise "Nana" Kirksey

Ruth Louise "Nana" Kirksey, 91, of Portsmouth, was promoted to Glory on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the SOMC Hospice Center. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, November 26, 1919 to the late Walter and Lela Louise Ross Bowen. Nana was a homemaker, a former foster grandparent for West End Ministries, Avon saleslady, and a part-time elevator operator at the National Bank Building. She was a member of Living Faith Temple for 40 years where she was a Deaconess and a member of the Mothers Board. Ruth attended the former Washington School, graduated from PHS in 1937 and then attended the University of Cincinnati for one year.


Her husband, Excel Kirksey, whom she married in Greenup, KY on April 6, 1938, preceded her in death Feb.14, 1988. She was also preceded in death by her son, Edward Marcellus Kirksey; and her grandson, Scott Kirksey.


Surviving Nana are her grandson, Marc Kirksey of Portsmouth; granddaughters, Shellie Thomas and Danielle Adair of Columbus, Kelly Taylor and Ruth Marie Kirksey-Burke of Laurel, MD, Melissa Booth of Centerville, GA and Lorie Corke and Amy Lisath of Portsmouth; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; and her former daughter-in-law Susan Hutchinson of Portsmouth.


Funeral services will be held at 11 am Friday at Living Faith Temple with Elder Vincent Kennedy officiating and interment following in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family receive friends at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth Thursday from 6 to 8 pm, and at the church Friday from 10 to 11 am.


Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662

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