On August 14, 1933, our mother Ruth Ellen (Wortman) Butterfield 91 of Pineville, Kentucky, was born in Flora, Illinois, to Reverend Henry and Mary (Adams) Wortman. Ruth passed away August 1, 2025. As a pastor’s child in the Evangelical United Brethren Church circuit, she lived in several rural towns in Southern and Central Illinois throughout her childhood. She graduated from East Richland High School in Olney, Illinois in 1952.

Mom received her Registered Nursing license from the Graham School of Nursing in 1960. Her nursing career encompassed 42 years of caring for others in hospitals, nursing homes, as a church camp nurse, and as an EMT for the Red Bird Ambulance Service. Red Bird Mission Home Health culminated her professional career. The challenges of carrying her medical bag across swinging bridges, driving steep mountain roads, and fending off barking dogs did not keep her from her beloved patients. In the final year of her life- as a patient herself- she was eager to offer tips to her caregivers, which they graciously received.

Our mother was a talented folk artist. She painted nature and homestead scenes on creek rocks, gourds, and weathered boards. She also had the unique skill of carving three-dimensional figures from bars of Ivory Soap.

We three daughters, her sons-in-law, and her grandchildren were wrapped in Mom’s love, and will continue to be, every day of our lives. We seek to honor her life-long service to the Lord by also serving Him. Well done, Momma, well done.

In addition to her siblings, Mom dearly loved her sisters-in-law, Violet, Norma, and Mary, and bonus sister, Sara. She also cherished special friends from her Nursing School days, Sumner, Red Bird Mission, and the Pineville area.

With heartfelt gratitude, our family would like to thank the Mountain View Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for the skilled care and love she received while there for over a year. The staff, residents, and Pastor George will forever be a part of our extended family.

Quote from Mom’s near-death experience a year ago:

“Jesus is on the shore of Heaven smiling at me.” Yes, and now you are in His arms. Momma, enjoy looking at the moon from your new viewpoint. We will keep watch on this side until we join you.

“Just one more story…

just one more Jelly Belly candy…”

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Deborah Butterfield, Rebecca and Mark Smallwood, and Rachel and Michael Neal; grandchildren, Nathaniel and Akela Smallwood and Leah Smallwood; brother, Reverend Bill Wortman; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lou Cole and brothers, John Wortman and David Wortman.

Private services will be held at the family cemetery in Illinois.

Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Pineville KY