COMMISSIONER RUTH OSBORNE, Order of the Founder
Commissioner Ruth Osborne, Order of the Founder and retired United States President of Women’s Organizations for The Salvation Army was, as Salvationists say, Promoted to Glory at 12:30 AM on Thursday, March 2, 2017 from Suncoast Hospice where she had been fighting a malignant growth on her pancreas.
Ruth’s parents were Salvation Army Officers, Major John and Anna Campbell. She was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania on October 23, 1921.Following attending the University of Baltimore she worked at the Federal Communications Department in Washington, DC, attending George Washington University. It was during this time she met her future husband, James Osborne.
She was trained as a Salvation Army Officer at the Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta, Georgia and commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer on June 2, 1947. She served as an active Officer for 46 years by the side of her husband in a variety of local, regional and national appointments. They were honorably retired in July 1993. They both continued service on many occasions even in retirement years. She being a very vital part of their shared ministry and service through nearly 70 years.
Possessing an unquenchable love for people she endeared herself to thousands over the years who now rise up to call her blessed. She was a program planner without peer and a talented speaker. Her outstanding service was recognized by her being awarded the Order of the Founder by General Andre Cox on June 1, 2014. This is the highest award given to Salvationists.
She was the wife of Commissioner James Osborne for 71 plus years, Mother of Connie (Don) Canning and foster daughter Minnie Orsburn, Grandmother to Philip (Elaine) Canning and Stephanie (Victor) Rutledge and six (6) great grandchildren, Abigail and Jackson Canning, Caroline, Taylor, Allison and Levi Rutledge, who miss her beyond words ability to express.
Her Celebration of Life Service will be at The Salvation Army, 1625 North Belcher Road at 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. The family will receive visitors on Monday evening, March 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Sylvan Abby United Methodist Church, 2817 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL (next door to Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home) and for 30 minutes before the Tuesday Service at The Salvation Army. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Salvation Army.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home.
March 11, 2017
Ashley Hagen
My thoughts are with you and your entire family, blood as well as Army. It was my pleasure to have provided care for Ruth in her final days. The amount of love that surrounded her in the hospital room proves that the world is a wonderful place. I have been truly honored to have been able to get to know the entire Osborne family.
March 7, 2017
Jane Moulton
Dear Commissioner, Connie and Minnie.
Ray and I were so sad when we received the news about your wife and mother. Mrs. "O" has impacted thousands of lives. I know, because she has made an impact on me. I just loved hearing her voice on Sunday morning. e.g. Goodmorning honey, I loved her
Spirituality and I loved the way she cared for people. I also loved her upbeat personality. We shall all miss her terribly, and without her, the Army will never be the same. Commissioner, Connie and
Minnie, please be assured of our prayers for you and your family.
May God enfold you in His everlasting arms of love and hold you close as you grieve right now. One day we will be reunited with our
Loved ones again, and what a day of rejoicing that will be!
Much love from us to you.
March 6, 2017
Tami James
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.Ruth was a wonderful person to know.I have enjoyed cleaning for your family in the past.I will miss her huge smile and her love towards me.She was a blessing to me .My prayers are with you .Tami James
March 6, 2017
Linda Skyles
Captain and Ms O will never know the love, nor the appreciation, that I have for them for the love, training and influence they have had on my life. Much love to Commissioner, Connie and Minnie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Hurt Skyles, Chattanooga, TN
March 4, 2017
Seketha
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.
March 4, 2017
Jackie Dooley
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of Ms. Ruth. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Jackie & Jerry Dooley, Bldg. 85, unit 18
March 3, 2017
Pat Duncan Gordy
The Osborne family is so very special to me...they completely changed my life with the seeds of the Gospel they planted. Mrs. O. will have many stars in her crown in Glory! I send my love to the family, but especially to Commissioner Osborne, Minnie, and Connie. I knew them in Chattanooga, TN.
March 3, 2017
Barbara Clary
This great lady and iideal Officer in our great Salvation Army endeared herself to the Clary family many, many years ago. We will forever remember her love especially for our children.
I look forward to seeing her in heaven when i am called home.
Blessings to her dear husband Commisdiner Jim and all who loved her.
Major Barbara Clary
March 3, 2017
Leona Eliasen
Just received this sad news. Eric and I are thinking of you today and remembering "Mrs. O." with love. Praying for strength and comfort that only our Heavenly Father can give. We send our love to you all.
March 2, 2017
Garry Yancey
The Yancey family of Chattanooga remembers Mrs. O & Capt. very warmly, we are so sorry for your loss. God bless.
March 2, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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