Obituary of Ruth E. Pender

Ruth Elizabeth Pender dearly beloved daughter was born to the late Lottie Lavada Echols & Emanuel George Echols on June 11, 1943 in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Ruth departed from this life to eternal rest on September 11, 2023 at her home in Willingboro, New Jersey. Upon relocating to Brooklyn, New York as a teen to pursue her own endeavors, she attended Clara Barton H.S. and then later obtained her GED. Ruth was gainfully employed with European American Ban1c, ADP which she retired from, then later a Caregiver for the Crossroads Program, opening her home to individuals with disabilities, and for that work she received the Caregiver Advocate Award in 2007. Affectionately called "Ruthie" by those who loved and cared for her, she enjoyed family outings, BBQs, card games, traveling, and her trips to Atlantic City. She loved music with some favorite artists like Bob Marley & Michael Jackson. Basketball & Michael Jordan went hand in hand for her sport's favorites, including handball, softball, and was an avid bowler with the team, Swinging Mets. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Charles Earl Pender in November of 1961 and to this union 3 children were born. Ruth was preceded in death by her eldest brother Emanuel Echols. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her dearly. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: Earl Pender of the home; Raanee El-Shabazz (nee Carol Pender) of Brooklyn, NY; and Stephen Pender of Willingboro, NJ; 8 grandchildren, Stephen Nashaun Pender, Jahrod Pender, 1-Jasiah (Pender) Auguste, Ayesha Turner, Ife El-Shabazz, Azaziah Yehanan, Qadeer El-Shabazz, Marcus Dawson; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 sister Virginia Pender of Mt. Holly, NC, 1 brother Stephen Echols of Gastonia, NC; her nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many other relatives and friends who loved her.