Rutha was born on December 10, 1935 in Albany, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Julia Asberry Barnes; Siblings: Doretha Barnes Whitlock, William Barnes Jr., Robert L. Barnes, Mary Barnes Minter, and Rosa Barnes Heard. She attended Primary Elementary School and graduated from Monroe High in 1954. Rutha graduated from Albany State College in 1958 and received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. After teaching for two years she married Walter Thompson, whom she met during her Freshman year at Albany State College. Walter and Rutha was blessed with one child, Renwick D. Thompson. In her quest to further her education she did additional study at Atlanta University, earning 17 hours towards a Master’s Degree. Rutha teaching career began at Calhoun Consolidated High School in Irvinton, Georgia. After teaching 2nd grade for four years, she was hired in Walton County at Good Hope Peters Elementary School, Good Hope, Georgia. During integration of schools in 1968 she was assigned to teach at Monroe Elementary School in Monroe, Georgia. WHEOM as District Superintendentfor thirteen years. Rutha served the community through many facets, she was a member of the Monroe Walton County Library for seven years. She served as Church Representative for FISH (Faith in Serving Humanity).
Rutha served on the Board of Directors and Advisory Council for Senior Citizens. She served faithfully as a member of the Walton County Retired Teachers Association. Rutha was a member of Zebulon Chapter #166 Order of Eastern Star (O.E.S.); American Legion Auxiliary; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and One on One. On October 12, 2024 the angels came to release Rutha Barnes Thompson from her earthly bonds and transported her spirit to heaven. There, she now dwells in perfected form in the presence of God the father, the son Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all the saints and loved ones who have gone before.Left to cherish and remember her legacy of love are: Her loving son Renwick (Jackie) Thompson, Riverdale, Ga.; Sister Bertha Harrell Albany, Ga.; Brother Ernest (Sarah) Barnes Augusta, Ga.; Sister Mary G. Longstreet, Orlando, Fla.; Evelyn Buchanon, Nashville, Tenn.; Agatha Thompson Buford, Ga.; Sister-in-Law Cousins: Bonnie Asberry, Dover, Fla.; Kaye Frances Thompson, Grace Asberry, Kelsey, Perry, Fla.; Gloria Barnes, College Park, Ga.; Grandchildren: Laketha (George) Harris Monroe, Ga.; Torzell Thompson, Lithia, Fla.; Prestian Frazier, Riverdale, Ga;Great Grands: Lakendra, Dementric, Jaylen, Zaria and Kalayla; Great Great Grands: Noah and Knowledge, Nieces and Nephews: Wanda F. Hill, Andrea (Michael Todd) Isler, Candance Donoghue, Cassandra Barnes, Tyler Barnes, Christopher Barnes Sr,. Christopher Barnes Jr., Tim Barnes, Andres Barnes, Michael Kittles, Dymytrk Kittles, Malcom Whitlock, Fredrick Whitlock, Cassandra Buchannon, Reginald (Ashley) Hill Sr., Reginae Hill, Riley Hill, Reginald Hill Jr. William Tommy (Carla) Harrell, Makayla Harrell, Gregory (Daphne) Turner, Allen Turner, Amelia Turner, Alex Thompson, Ansley Thompson, Ashley Thompson, Melanie Lewis, Joy Lewis, and Marva Lewis; God children: Kendra Shaw and girls, Sharde and son, and a host of caring family and friends.
