Ruth Marie Bills

Ruth Marie Bills

January 4, 1937 – June 28, 2025

Ruth Marie Bills’ desire was granted in the early morning hours of June 28, 2025, when she was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. Ruth was born January 4, 1937, to Thomas Jefferson and Lydia Lowery Fortunas in Milton, Florida. Ruth was very close to her father who was also a pastor, and her grandmother – Mama Lowery. Ruth lived most of her life in the Fort Walton and Crestview areas, where she developed special bonds with her friends Rhonda Hiser – Manager of Brookmeade Villa Apartments; neighbors and caretakers - Richard and Jackie; Dr. Abdul Mir & Nurse Betty; and her faithful nursing friend – Brandy, and her beautiful children. In February 2024, Ruth moved to White City to live with her friends - Buddy and Mary Lou Cumbie and Marlene Sewell. After unexpected health issues required skilled medical care, Ruth became a resident of Shores Rehab & Nursing Facility in Port St. Joe.

Ruth led an interesting life that included quite a bit of traveling, working with various governmental and law enforcement agencies; many of those miles she made with friends Jim Cook and Mike. They remained best friends until Jim’s passing several years ago. Ruth adored Jim’s children as if they were her own, and never tired talking about them. They considered each other family. Just prior to Ruth’s decision to move to White City, Jim’s daughter - Terry Curtis and her family gave Ruth the option of living with them.She loved talking to people about the Lord, whether friends or strangers. Some of her dearest friends during those years were James and Glenda Kennedy. James helped take care of Ruth’s business affairs, and Glenda accompanied Ruth on many of her speaking engagements at various churches. Some of their most treasured ministry opportunities were on the Indian Reservations, which Ruth deeply loved. Glenda was always by her side to encourage her and drive her wherever she felt the Lord was leading her. Other friends Ruth spoke of often include Dan and Kathy Alderman, David & Caroline Griffin, Felix & Felicia, Bill & Annette Berry, Keith Lennon, Nancy, Pat Johnson, Donnie Brown and Tommy Brown, Sedrick, and General Mike Miller. She also had a special connection with her Port St. Joe friends - Pastors Tim and Wanda Bailey (Lighthouse Pentecostal Ministries), Susan, Elaine, Liam, and Mason. Her friend - Rachel Blair was a bright spot for Ruth when she visited her at the facility.

Ruth’s prayer and goal was to make one final trip to Israel, but the Lord did not see fit for that to materialize. We can rest assured that God always does what is right.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her brother – Cleve, her husband – Samuel C. Bills, her daughter – Lillian Davis, grandson – Max Ray "Weige" Davis, and granddaughter - Amanda.

She is survived by her three sons,James Earl Barfield, Jack Barfield, and Vaughn Barfield and one granddaughter – Ruth Ann.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lighthouse Pentecostal Ministries (5454 Highway 71, Port St. Joe, FL 32456) in Ruth’s Memory. Ruth had long believed that God was going to do a great work through Lighthouse.

Special thanks to the staff at Shores Nursing Facility, and Emerald Coast Hospice.

All arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff at Comforter Funeral Home.

A visitation will be held in the chapel at Comforter Funeral Home on Thursday, July 3, 2025 beginning at 4:30 P.M. Eastern Time. The funeral will begin at 5:30 P.M. Eastern Time . Private interment will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola at a later date.