Ruth McNeal was born Ruta Leaitu, the daughter of the Matai (Chief) of Fasito'outa in Western Samoa. She was born on May 12, 1946 to the late Matai Leaitu Sofaea and Fa'alagi Sofaea and was the tenth of 11 children. Born into Samoan nobility and responsibility, Ruth was taught about Love, Respect and Family from a young age, something which she tried to uphold throughout her life. On December 23, 2021, Ruth was called home to live forever with her Lord and Savior.
Schooled in the art of traditional Samoan dance, Ruth was considered to be one of the best Siva dancers in Samoa. As a constant entertainer, she danced and sang at many nursing homes such as the McCurdy and the Little Sisters of the Poor, and even found herself featured on the local news for her dancing. One of her greatest joys was to share her culture and bring happiness to those around her.
As a little girl, Ruth helped her mother take care of the sick in their village. This would hold her in great stead when she would later become a Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA), which she worked as for most of her working life. Ruth loved taking care of the elderly and for her, her vocation was more than just a "job," it was a calling.
Faith is another pillar of Samoan culture and is something that Ruth carried with her all her life. Ruth loved reading her Bible and was known to be a great prayer warrior and witness for Jesus, never hesitating to ask anyone if they knew Jesus or to tell them about Him.
At the heart of Fa'a Samoa, "The Samoan Way," is "Aiga" or Family. This includes one's wider family group, such as extended family and community. This is by far Ruth's greatest achievement as her loving legacy and memory will live on in the hearts of her husband, Ruben McNeal; her four children: Collis Reeckmann (Dawn), Ildico Chukwueneka (Kamau), Kuinivia Vever (Jacques), and Samandar Reeckmann (Tina); her grandchildren: Mooque, Tony, Nicholas, Samantha, Christian, and Juliette; her sister, Olita Hayes (Danny); her stepchildren: Joy Brinson, Ruben McNeal, Yvette Mactee, Zebulon McNeal, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
Visitation will be Thurs., Dec. 30th 10 to 11 am with the funeral to follow at 11:00 am at Osborne Funeral Home. Osborne has final care.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth Mcneal, please visit our flower store.
Schooled in the art of traditional Samoan dance, Ruth was considered to be one of the best Siva dancers in Samoa. As a constant entertainer, she danced and sang at many nursing homes such as the McCurdy and the Little Sisters of the Poor, and even found herself featured on the local news for her dancing. One of her greatest joys was to share her culture and bring happiness to those around her.
As a little girl, Ruth helped her mother take care of the sick in their village. This would hold her in great stead when she would later become a Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA), which she worked as for most of her working life. Ruth loved taking care of the elderly and for her, her vocation was more than just a "job," it was a calling.
Faith is another pillar of Samoan culture and is something that Ruth carried with her all her life. Ruth loved reading her Bible and was known to be a great prayer warrior and witness for Jesus, never hesitating to ask anyone if they knew Jesus or to tell them about Him.
At the heart of Fa'a Samoa, "The Samoan Way," is "Aiga" or Family. This includes one's wider family group, such as extended family and community. This is by far Ruth's greatest achievement as her loving legacy and memory will live on in the hearts of her husband, Ruben McNeal; her four children: Collis Reeckmann (Dawn), Ildico Chukwueneka (Kamau), Kuinivia Vever (Jacques), and Samandar Reeckmann (Tina); her grandchildren: Mooque, Tony, Nicholas, Samantha, Christian, and Juliette; her sister, Olita Hayes (Danny); her stepchildren: Joy Brinson, Ruben McNeal, Yvette Mactee, Zebulon McNeal, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
Visitation will be Thurs., Dec. 30th 10 to 11 am with the funeral to follow at 11:00 am at Osborne Funeral Home. Osborne has final care.
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