Ruth Timmons, a “hidden figure” in plain sight, deceased at 90
Ruth Marie Timmons died peacefully in her Edgewater home in Chicago, early morning on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.
The cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
Born Ruth Marie Cecilia Smith on April 27, 1930 in New Orleans, Ruth was the first generation in her family to attend college. There she began dating her husband William Edward (Bill) Timmons, whom she met in high school. Ruth graduated Dillard University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at a time when few women entered scientific fields.
As part of the Great Migration, she would join trail-blazing African American women who participated in some of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the twentieth century.
Ruth became a biochemist at the University of Chicago, where she was a member of the research team that discovered DNA.
She performed biochemistry research at Michael Reese Hospital, Northwestern University, and Loyola University.
In 2018, she retired after more than thirty years as a biochemist at the City of Chicago Jardine Water Purification Plant.
Between 1955 and 1970, Ruth and Bill had four children (Anne, Bruce, Craig, and Dawn) and divorced in 1977. In 1980, she met Chester Bera, another scientist at Jardine. He would become her partner until his death in 1998.
During the 1970s Ruth served as a board member of the Community Fund of Chicago which later became part of United Way charities. Over the past 25 years she was a parishioner at St Gertrude East Catholic Church.
Ruth combined her chemistry and culinary skills in the kitchen as a master baker and pastry chef. During the 1970s her pastries earned a popular eatery in Chicago’s Hyde Park, Kafenio, top reviews from both the Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune.
Ruth enjoyed blues, jazz, and fashion. She combined her “just so” sense of style with sewing expertise to design and make the red couture dress her youngest daughter proudly wore to her prom at the Latin School.
Ruth is survived by two sisters, Alma V. Smith-Young of Chicago and Betty Mae Smith-Etianne of New Orleans; her four children, Anne Renee Timmons-Harris, Bruce Everett Timmons, Craig Anthony Timmons, and Dawn Olivia Timmons, as well of her sense of humor (she named her four children alphabetically by age with the resulting initials: ART, BET, CAT, and DOT).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital for Children or PBS – WTTW Channel 11.
Michelle Lombardi
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After reading this tribute to a remarkable woman, one thing was missed. While I only had the pleasure of meeting and working with one of her children – Dawn – one of her great accomplishments was raising such an awesome person.
Tony Padilla
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Ms Timmons gave kindness and elegance a whole new definition.
I will miss my neighbor, but know the heavens just became a little more classy.
Sermara Murphy
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My Prayers and condolences are with Mrs. Ruth entire family. My name is Sermara and I work at Nordstrom on Michinue. I met her over 15 years ago while she was shopping at the store. Before I could even see her over the fixtures I could feel her sweet spirit all in my department and it was a kinship developing from that moment. She never forgot about me whenever she would stop by the store she would bring her favorites in the store a candy bar. Her sense of style was always impressive to me. She have even brought me a few pair of her heels she couldn’t wear any more and some of them was to high for me ?. She was a beautiful woman and I’m blessed to be able to say I meet her and loved her dearly in my lifetime ♥ Her memories will never die with me with that said she’ll live forever in my heart. Peace remains blessed. Our Queen Mrs. Ruth is not suffering any more. Thanks for sharing ??
Angela Young
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Aunt Ruth. I love you. RIH
AaronYoung
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RIH Aunt Ruth
Mary Anne Bryning
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Ruth was a good friend for many years. She helped me get through the unexpected death of my husband in 1998. We shared many happy times at concerts and lunches with friends. She was a generous and kind person and I miss her very much.
Andie D.
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Love and condolences to the family. We celebrate an extraordinary life well lived.
Alvin Smith
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Love all of you
Michael Thom
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Ruth is clearly a renaissance woman, who lived an incredibly impactful and inspiring life. This is the most beautiful memorial and she lived life and impacted lives.
Nikki Preister
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Ruth came riding on a bicycle into our lives in 1999 as she was passing our salon and stopped to get a hair consultation. She became a client of my mother’s from that day and a great friend and it was an absolute pleasure to have known her. To know her is to love her.
Camille
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To my dearest Aunt, I am missing you everyday. I am so proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to call you my aunt. I will love you always.
Your little fashionista, Camille!
Marvin Stodolsky
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Ruth well participated in my genetics research team at the University of Chicago, from about 1968-73. Her cleverness and kindliness was well appreciated. Her descendants are welcome to contact me, now retired in Germantown, MD. Marvin.Stodolsky@gmail.com