Ruth Branch Little McCormick went home to be with the Lord on October 14, 2016, she was 83. Daughter of C.F. and Cora Mae (Branch) Little, she was born on October 29, 1932, in Winterville, NC. A longtime resident of Black Forest, Ruth’s early years were spent on the family farm in Winterville. She graduated from high school there and went on to East Carolina University where she majored in vocal music and graduated with a B.A. in 1954. Marrying Jim McCormick, she embarked on an Air Force life and traveled the country and abroad for the 28 years he was in the service retiring as a Lt. Colonel in Colorado Springs. Jim died in 1992 and Ruth continued to live in Black Forest.
Ruth had three children: Marva Bigler (Randy and children Meredith, James, Rebecca, and Sean) of Littleton, CO, Melanie Tidman (Bud and children Erin and Bryson), of Albuquerque, NM, and Jim II (Lori and children Amanda and Jake), of Golden, CO.
Ruth started singing when she was 5 years old and traveled all over Pitt County, NC, singing in various churches, organizations and weddings. Wherever she found herself in her travels she could be found in her local church directing church choirs and playing and teaching piano. After Jim’s retirement in 1980, they were active in First Southern Baptist Church, Black Forest Baptist Church, and First Presbyterian where later Ruth sang in the choir, became a Stephen Minster, led many Bible studies, participated in renewal retreats, and was a deacon. Due to physical demands Ruth retired and enjoyed the wildlife of Black Forest especially the Abert squirrels and many species of birds. Her hobbies included feeding the birds, reading, and enjoying being a member of Black Forest Homemakers. She was a grandmother to 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A viewing for the family and friends who loved her will take place on Sunday, October 23rd from 2-4 p.m. at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Funeral services will occur at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 24th, at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Interment will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery alongside her beloved Jim in Denver, Colorado on Monday, October 24th at 2 p.m. Contributions can be made in Ruth’s name to CRU in the name of Floyd and Lynne Sebald, missionaries to Mongolia, (0409036) PO Box 628222, Orlando, FL 32862-8222.
May God bless each and every one: friends and family and those who loved and cared for her—especially her many caregivers at Goodlife.