Obituary of Ruth Bates Duncan

Ruth Ellen Bates Duncan 54, passed away on January 16th, 2023. Ruth was born on July 25th, 1968 in St Petersburg, FL and grew up in Treasure Island, FL. She graduated from Boca Ciega High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from USF. As an adult, she lived both in Virginia and North Carolina before returning to Florida to be near her family. She worked as a Nanny, a teacher, and at several medical facilities, most recently at Tampa Bay Surgery Center.

Ruth was loved and adored by everyone who knew her. She had a quick wit and a kind heart. She was the glue that held folks together. She had a strong work ethic with a kind, yet honest heart. Ruth was an amazing musician with the voice of an angel. She sang on her first solo on TV at age 4 and continued singing throughout her life in churches, choirs and ensembles.

Ruth is survived by her father Donald R Bates (Faye), mother Laura E Goldfoot (Arnold), sister Linda Bates Bayless (Randy), brother Donald A Bates (Jill), stepsister Jill McPherson, nephews, Brandon Bayless, Jonathan Bates, and Ian McPherson, and a niece, Emily Bates.

Our hearts are truly broken. Ruth will be desperately missed by everyone who had the true blessing of knowing her. We rest in the knowledge that she is at peace with God she truly loved.

Memorial Service: Saturday, January 21st 2023 at 2 PM at First Baptist Church of St Petersburg 1900 Gandy Blvd.