After many weeks battling infection in her body, Ruth Prince slipped into the presence of Jesus amid the soft singing of Hebrew choruses around 8pm Jerusalem time on Tuesday, 29 December 1998.
Family and friends met Thursday morning, 31 December, at Christ Church in the Old City of Jerusalem to say their last farewells to Ruth and to comfort Derek. Reflecting on the impact of Ruth's life, Derek gave a touching eulogy. He was at peace with the Lord's timing of her home going and gave thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness and for the love that had been poured out through all the saints.
While those who gathered came to lift up and support Derek, it was he who supported all those present through his strong and mature faith. After the service, Ruth was buried in Jerusalem.
Memorial services were held in London, England, on 6 February and in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, on 13 February 1999.
During their 20 years of marriage, Ruth faithfully served Derek in every way she could. She once said, "I'm doing what I was created to do. God made woman to be man's helper. I count it a tremendous privilege to be able to help my husband to fulfil his calling in God." Ruth's prayers and input into the ministry will be missed.
