Ruth "Tootie" Everett (80) of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020. She was the daughter of Vivian and George Scales, both lifelong members and officers of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas.
Ruth Ann worked at the Topeka State Hospital for 27 years before retiring and becoming active in various social organizations, including the Topeka Links Chapter, Bridge Clubs, and Jack and Jill of America (Topeka). As a parent, Ruth Ann was known for being a very loving mother and provider for her family.
There were many days when she would throw her kids in the backseat of the orange and black convertible Volkswagen and ride around town with the top down. Her son, Darl Jr. remembers one of those fun-filled days fondly. They were having so much fun, that they didn't realize the engine caught fire as they we went down the street. Ruth Ann always ensured her children attended all activities, including sports, school, and church events throughout the years.
Ruth Ann was widely known for being one of the original children denied access to enroll in fourth grade at Parkdale Elementary School in Topeka, which was only two blocks from her childhood home. Her request to enroll in Parkdale Elementary School was denied, based on her race and school segregation laws in place prior to 1954. Ruth Ann was forced to attend segregated elementary schools (Washington and Monroe), which were located far from her home and created a burden on her mother and father to safely get her to school. In 1954, Ruth Ann's mother, Vivian Scales, was one of the original seventeen plaintiffs in the Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case, Brown versus Topeka School Board of Education that ruled segregated educational facilities were unconstitutional. In May 2004, she participated in the 50th Anniversary of Brown versus the Board of Education Commemoration at the National Historic site in Topeka, Kansas.
Prior to her death, Ruth Ann expressed appreciation and heartfelt thanks for thoughts and prayers expressed during her extended illness.
Ruth Ann Everett is survived by her husband Darl Everett Sr., Darl Everett Jr. (LuSundra) of Virginia; and grandchildren, Ashley, Candace, Darl III, Donavyn and Aterrion. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Terilyn.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Mount Hope Cemetery inside the mausoleum, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, Kansas. The family will receive family and friends at the Golden Corral, 1601 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66604, following the graveside service.
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