Ruth Elaine Wingfield

Only one life; 'twill soon be past.
Only what's done for Christ, will last.

Obituary

With great joy we celebrate that Ruth Wingfield has her long promised home in heaven! She breathed her last breath on earth on September 16, 2026. Her life story, by God's grace is remarkable. She was born September 6, 1940 as the third of four children, to parents Dennis & Almaree Davis, with three brothers Dennis Jr., David, and Wayne Davis. Home would include Washington, North Carolina where her father was a preacher and her hero. The family would suffer a great loss with his death, when Ruth was 12 years of age, and they would move to be near family in Maryville, Tennessee. Ruth would make her confession of faith in Jesus as her Lord and was baptized in the French Broad River near Johnson Bible College. She often spoke of how the families at First Christian Church in Maryville surrounded them with support including rides to services Sunday mornings, evenings, and Wednesday nights. Also, her preacher from the church, Floyd Clark, provided a scholarship for her to attend Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, TN. During that freshman year she would meet and soon marry Charles Douglas Wingfield, and they would serve in ministry for a lifetime. Ministries would include: Main Street Church of Christ in McConnelsville Ohio; First Christian Church in Newport, TN; and 40 years of service at First Christian Church in Florissant, MO (now Christ First). They would be richly blessed with six children: Douglas, Steven, Melody (Sutherland), Timothy, Melinda (Sams), and Paul. Ruth is “Granny” to 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. While Charles served in preaching and leadership roles, Ruth enjoyed ministry through children's worship, Vacation Bible School, and large children's choir productions. They would maintain a strong connection with Johnson University where Charles served as a trustee. There they would receive the Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 2011, and Charles would be recognized with an honorary doctorate. Charles would pass away in 2012 at the age of 74. Ruth continued to serve, and at the age of 83, she was celebrated for 50+ years of ministry as she was leading her last choir program with more than 70 children involved. For her last two years, Ruth's health was a challenge as she gradually lost her independence, but she was served by her children as she held tightly to her faith and her confident hope of future rewards and a heavenly reunion. Well done, good and faithful servant!
Celebration of Life will be at Christ First 2890 Patterson Road Florissant, MO 63031
Visitation is Friday, Oct 9   4PM to 6PM   Service is 6PM
Graveside service will be at Johnson University, Knoxville TN on Monday, Oct 12 4PM 

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October 9, 2026

I started attending FCCF in the late 80's. My son Dominic, after attending VBS no longer liked going to our nearby church. We lived 3 blocks from the Church, and Dominic was so excited to be able to just walk to church. I worked the library at one point, served in the Children's ministry, coached boy's basketball, brought othe neighborhood youth to FCCF. Over the years it was such an awesome place to be. I met folks there they have become fixtures in my life. I remember mist how Charles and Ruth were there for my Family when my Dominic passed away from a blood clot. Ruth made sure we had the main auditorium, which the entire lower level was filled to capacity....close to 500 people total. Dominic was 29. Charles abd the Ministry staff helped me through this difficult process, in Jan of 2012. Then Charles passed in Dec of 2012. I Thought now Dominic has the opportunity to hear Charles forever-he was a powerful speaker. Ruth and the Women's ministry made sure there was food, hospitality, ministry, etc., for all those attending. I'd see Ruth from time to time when I would return to Florissant, and attend service. Still the epitome of grace, beauty and toughness. I am grateful to have known and experienced them both. My condolences to the Family.

Zhetta Thomas

October 9, 2026

I met the Wingfield family in 1975 when I started attending First Christian Church of Florissant on Lindsay Lane. I remember being part of The Basic Singers, and had so much fun. Charles went on to marry John and I in March of 1986. Your entire family has been an inspiration, especially Ruth. She was always so welcoming and genuine! She was a very dear friend to my Aunt Sis. She will be dearly missed.

Cheri Presson Stillwell

October 9, 2026

Goodness. Where do I begin. Ms. Ruth and Charles both were there for me during college and my time at FCCF. Charles took my student membership and always seemed to know when I wasn’t there. And Ruth, wow she loved me like her own. She had such an influence on me in children’s ministry. I worked with her in children’s choir and she taught me so much but also was there as a friend for a listening ear and godly wisdom. She welcomed me in her home several times and took me to eat. She became another mentor to me and I’ll never forget that relationship. She was a prayer partner and always pointed me back to God. Even in her busy, busy life, she took time to be there.

Kim Hoover

September 28, 2026

As one of the longest and oldest black families attending Christ First Church Ruth Wingfield was one of the first people I met when I did my investigation of the facility. The Saturday I stopped by there was a guy outside gardening and asked him about the church service times. He said there was someone in the office who would be happy to answer all of my questions. After meeting this office worker she gave me a tour of the building and answered all of my questions. She didn’t identify herself until the very end. She said I’m Ruth the pastors wife. What she said next I never forgot and neither did she. Ruth said to me “why can’t we all worship together .” I knew what she meant. She was suggesting that blacks and whites serve the same God. So we should be able to worship that God together. Well, over the year the church grew and diversified just like Ruth said it should.

Stanley DuBose

September 24, 2026

I met Miss Ruth in 2016, the day after my mom passed. I went with my siblings to Christ First and my brother (who is a member) saw Miss Ruth and introduced us. She walked over and hugged me and said she was so sorry for my loss and said, " it's all going to be ok". I never forgot those words. Anytime I helped at Jam Choir, I'd see Miss Ruth there, running around and wrangling in all the children. She was such an amazing woman, and she will be missed greatly. Prayers and much love to the entire Wingfield family. Miss Ruth has definitely earned her wings and was an amazing example of a wonderful Christian woman.
Peace to you Miss Ruth!

Tiffany Massey

September 23, 2026

I’ll miss you, Granny. Give Grandaddy a big hug for me.❤️‍🩹

Bri Bauer

September 23, 2026

After attending Christ First and joining, I was looking for a place to serve. I asked someone who I should speak to and of course they sent me to Ruth! I started serving as a greeter and met so many wonderful people. She is a cherished sister in the Lord and a great example of servant leadership for so many. I miss seeing her enthusiasm and smile! Truly a beautiful soul and blessing we all enjoyed. ❤️

Gayle Wilkinson

September 22, 2026

The very first worship stage I ever stood on was led by Ms. Ruth. Long before I understood what it meant to lead worship, she was helping plant that love for worship in my heart through her children’s programs.

Years later, life brought it full circle. I went from being that little boy singing under her leadership, to being a father watching my own children stand in her choir and experience some of those same moments that meant so much to me.

There’s something incredibly special about watching your children become part of the memories that helped shape you. You really can’t ask for better memories than the ones that span generations.

Ms. Ruth, thank you for your years of faithfulness, for the love you poured into me as a child, and as an adult serving along side you. For loving my children and our family so well. Thank you for the countless other children and families whose lives are a little richer because you chose to invest in them.

What you’ve given us is so much more than music. It’s a legacy, and I’m incredibly grateful that my children and I get to share a piece of it. ❤️

Mike Redenbeaux

September 22, 2026

When my son passed away, Mrs. Ruth made it a point to come to our home, pray with us, and check on our family. Even while facing health challenges of her own, she found a way to be there for us. I will never forget her kindness, her prayers, or the love she showed us during one of the hardest times of our lives.

Madeline Boykins

September 22, 2026

Thank you Ms Ruth for all the young lives you touched. I am grateful for your presence in my daughters' lives many years ago. Rest in peace Ms Ruth. Love, Amy, Shawn, Taylor, and Allison Schwartz

Amy Schwartz

September 22, 2026

I loved Ruth and Charles so much. When John and I moved to Florissant many years ago we had 3 young daughters and had one more before we moved. I remember not being at the old church not very long before Ruth had me working organizing in nursery and playing piano and John teaching. I missed the church when we left more than any other we served in over our 49 years together. I know Ruth will be missed. I am praying for their children and grandchildren because I know they will all miss her. Praying for them and the church. 🙏

Bonnie Holley

Family tree

Dennis Wrighter Davis

Almaree Ramona Eldridge

Charles Douglas Wingfield

Dennis Davis Jr

David Davis

Charles Douglas Wingfield II (& Lisa)

Children

Rebekah
Amy
Danielle
David

Steven Trent Wingfield (& Beth)

Children

Joshua Lauren Brianna Stephanie

Melody Ruth Sutherland (& Scott)

Children

Natasha
Kelsey
Parker
Courtney
Justin

Timothy Wayne Wingfield (& Joy)

Children

Carly
Trent

Melinda Elaine Sams (& Marcelle) 

Children

Austin
Miranda

Wayne Davis

Paul Harvey Wingfield (& Julia)

Children

Grayson
Avery

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Dennis Davis Jr

David Davis

Wayne Davis

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Charles Douglas Wingfield

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Charles Douglas Wingfield II (& Lisa)

Rebekah
Amy
Danielle
David

Steven Trent Wingfield (& Beth)

Joshua Lauren Brianna Stephanie

Melody Ruth Sutherland (& Scott)

Natasha
Kelsey
Parker
Courtney
Justin

Timothy Wayne Wingfield (& Joy)

Carly
Trent

Melinda Elaine Sams (& Marcelle) 

Austin
Miranda

Paul Harvey Wingfield (& Julia)

Grayson
Avery

Ruth Wingfield

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