Ruth Whitaker

Ruth Ann Barrett Botham Whitaker, 89, of Fort Worth, TX, died peacefully in her sleep at her apartment Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025.

She was born on Aug. 11, 1936, to Richard and Irene Barrett, and spent her early years in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Ruth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1958 from Michigan State University. She went on to earn her master’s in chemistry from The University of Dayton, Ohio.

Ruth was married to David Botham and they welcomed a daughter, Deborah, and son, Richard. Ruth’s career included work for the National Cash Register Company, Monsanto Corporation, and Mound Laboratories. After retiring, she moved with her second husband, Gene Whitaker, to Southern Pines, NC.

Ruth enjoyed playing golf, traveling, attending the symphony and reading. While living in Southern Pines, she volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and the Moore County Historical Society, where she worked as a docent at the Shaw House. She especially enjoyed her golf days with the “Niner Diners.”

Ruth was an accomplished amateur photographer with several of her photographs winning prizes in local competitions. 

Ruth was an active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines. Once moving to Fort Worth, she enjoyed attending St. Anne’s Church.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Irene Barrett; her husband, Gene Whitaker; and her step-daughter, Tammy Cox. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie; son, Rick and his wife, Karen; her step-son Gene Whitaker and his wife, Jennifer; her grandchildren: David Botham, Raylee Whitaker, Kelsie Whitaker, Andrew Cox, Tyler Cox and Richard Cox.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, at St. Anne’s Church, 6055 Azle Ave., Fort Worth, TX. Internment will be in Cynthiana, KY, on Dec. 30, 2025.