Daily Walking, Working, and Winning by God's Word by Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr.

Delegate Ruth M. Kirk was definitely old school. She believed that an elected politician was a community servant and member. She has made her transition to God's heavenly kingdom. While she was here, her presence was felt and her passion was known. She took on the mantle of a community mother; a person who nurtured its people to become their best selves. She was a highly intelligent person. Her ability to remember names, faces, dates, legislation and situations was outstanding. I can recount many instances when she challenged the bureaucracy and threaten political leaders on behalf of the needs and interests of her constituency. You could find her on any Sunday visiting a local church during and outside of the election cycle. Everyone knew her and had a personal story about moments they shared with her. I serve at Union Baptist Church and for the past 43 years we have managed a Head Start program. Through her efforts and that of Delegate Pete Rawlings, the State of Maryland provided the major funding for a single purpose building that currently serves over 214 children per year. That's the tangible results of bringing the bacon to your home district. On Friday, June 24, 2011 her family and community will take her to her final rest. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on within the Franklin Square Community in a very tangible way.