Ruth C. Dredden

Ruth C. Dredden, 93, of Frederick, Md., passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Born on February 24 1930, she was the daughter of the late Funston Vanyu Collins and Clarabelle Ann Nichols Collins. She was the loving wife of the late George E. Dredden Jr., and beloved mother of George E. Dredden III and wife Marguerite Smith, Angela Dredden, and Patrick Dredden and wife Debra, devoted grandmother to George III’s daughters Alexis Dredden and Mikaela Dredden. Ruth is also survived by her sister Betty Culbreath; brothers John Collins and Col. (Ret.) Robert Collins, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born into humble beginnings, Ruth and her siblings found joy in the simplest of things. The oldest of four, she had the nurturing qualities of a mother and protector at a young age. A fierce protector of all whom she loved, this mama bear stood up with courage and focus to the tasks that lay before her, no matter how difficult. Ruth was a champion for those who could not, and a tireless opponent against those who would not do what was right.

A true Fredericktonian, Ruth attended West Seventh Street School, Lincoln Elementary School, and Lincoln High School. Ruth was a believer in education. She earned a B.A. in Education from Morgan State College (now Morgan State University), a Master’s in Education from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), and received a Professional Certification from the University of Maryland.

Ruth’s career in education was extensive. She served as a teacher at the North Street School in Hagerstown, Md., Lincoln High School, Walkersville Middle School, West Frederick Junior High School as a teacher and guidance counselor; and finally at the Frederick Board of Education as a Pupil Personnel Worker.

Deeply spiritual and devoted to her Catholic faith, Ruth was a tireless worker and lay minister at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. Ruth served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lay Reader, Arimathean Society Member, a Church Cooperator, Cemetery Committee Board Member, Catholic Daughters of America - Court of Elizabeth Ann Seton Regent (2004 to 2006; 2014 to 2016). Ruth shared her strong organizational skills and desire for doing the very best with her beloved church.

Ruth was not one to seek the spotlight, and in fact shunned it whenever possible. However, it found her anyway as she received numerous awards and public recognitions for her service. Ruth received a Papal Recognition – the “Pro Ecclesiastes” Medal-bestowed by Pope John Paul II for her service to the Faith, Church, and Pope. She was very proud of this extraordinary recognition of her church service. She was also the inaugural recipient of the St. John the Evangelist Volunteer Award bestowed by the parish for her outstanding volunteerism & ministry to the church.

Ruth’s community involvement was extensive as well. She served as Board Chair and member of the Community Foundation of Frederick County – she was the 1 ^st African American to serve as Chair; received the 2007 Wertheimer Fellow for Volunteerism Award; and received a $10,000 endowment gift which was used to establish the George and Ruth Dredden Scholarship Fund to assist those students seeking to pursue post-secondary education.

Ruth also served on the Board of Directors of Frederick Memorial Hospital (now Frederick Health Hospital) from 1978-1986; was the 1 ^st African American to serve on the board; and a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.

Ruth was involved with the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., where she served as a Charter Member, Committee Chair and as Club President. Ruth was a member of the Frederick County Retired Teachers Association, and on the Board of Managers for the Record Street Home.

Ruth was inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2004.

A doting grandmother, Ruth had extremely close relationships with Alexis and Mikaela, always ending their conversations with a secret code language known only to them.

Mother, teacher, wife, comedian, disciplinarian, protector, healer, and friend are all descriptors of Ruth Dredden. Ruth would give the shirt off her back while at the same time lecturing you on the improper use of a fork and knife. Ruth lived her life as an example of what a spirit-filled life of service to God and her community looked like.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, techs, and caregivers who provided such excellent and compassionate care to her.

A visitation will be held from 4 PM-7 PM on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, Md. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 PM on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 East Second Street, Frederick, Md. Celebrant will be Fr. John Williamson. Interment will follow in the St. John’s Cemetery, Frederick, Md., a short walk from the church.

Those wishing to honor Ruth’s spirit of service and community may do so by contributing to the George E. and Ruth C. Dredden Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Frederick County, https://www.frederickcountygives.org/funds/george-and-ruth-dredden-scholarship-fund/ , or the St. John’s Cemetery Fund https://www.stjohnscemetery-md.org/history .