Ruby Viola Fitchett, 82

PHILADELPHIA - Ruby Viola Fitchett, of Philadelphia, as she lived she made her transition to eternal rest peacefully and calmly after a lengthy illness, Monday, June 23, 2008, at University of Pennsylvania Hospital. She was 82.

Daughter of the late Horace and Viola Fisher, she was born Dec. 27, 1925, in Philadelphia.

At the age of 3, Ruby and her siblings moved to Easton, Md. She received her education in the public schools of Easton.

Ruby's Christian experience came at an early age when she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was endowed with the Holy Ghost.

Although she was very young she was extremely active in the church as was quite involved in kingdom building. Her work was unceasing and devoted to Christ.

In the church Ruby served on many auxiliaries. Her greatest joy was serving as president of the pastor's aide committee.

She was deeply concerned with the well being of God's shepherds.

Ruby served faithfully and diligently as president of the pastor's aide committee under the leadership of the late Elder Bessie Washington, Bishop Rose Thomas, Elder Marion Nelson, Bishop Nathan and Pearl Moore.

She was the epitome of unrelenting determination. Even after her health began to fail she continued to serve as president of the pastor's aide of St. James Pentecostal Church.

Many called her mother and she took this role seriously. She was always willing to lend a helping hand.

On Aug. 27, 1950, Ruby Viola Fisher was united in holy matrimony to Harry Fitchett. This union was blessed with six children, Harry Jr., Ida, Carlos, Robert, Cynthia and Alexander.

Ruby also cared for and helped to raise several of her nieces and nephews.

Not only has Ruby portrayed her gifts of love throughout the church, but she was a devoted, loving and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, sister aunt and friend whose first priority was the welfare and happiness of her family.

Ruby was very family oriented and always cherished family gatherings and the opportunity to spend time with her loved ones and friends. Many lives were touched by her kindness and hospitality.

Ruby leaves to lovingly cherish their memories, her loving devoted husband of 58 years, Harry M. Fitchet; two daughters, Ida M. Fitchett of Georgetown, Del. and Cynthia Fitchett- Nelson of Philadelphia; four sons, Harry M. Fitchett Jr., Carlos J. Fitchett (Barbara), Robert E. Fitchett and Alexander P. Fitchett (Pinkie) of Philadelphia; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Henry Smith of Philadelphia; one sister, Laura Robicshaw of Philadelphia; two sisters-in-law, Marie McNeal of Milton, Del., Johnna Mae Smith of Philadelphia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

Funeral services will be 6 p.m. Sunday in St. James Pentecostal Church, 41st and Ludlow streets, Philadelphia, where friends may call two hour prior.

Professional services by Francis Funeral Home Inc.