Ruth Human's Obituary
Ruth Ann Human entered into the presence of the Lord on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, at 6:30 in the morning in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her daughter Cathy recalled that “Mom always set her alarm for 6:30 on Sunday mornings for church.” This time, she rose to a beautiful sunrise and worship in heaven. She was just 32 days away from celebrating her 91st birthday.
Ruth was born on September 26th, 1934, in Eureka, Kansas, to Rev. Everett Elrod and Sophia Elrod (née Sauder). She met Russell, the love of her life, at Bethany Nazarene College (now Southern Nazarene University) in 1953, and they married on August 5th, 1955.
As a young mother and pastor’s wife with a four-year-old daughter, Cindy, Ruth left behind the comforts of home, family, and friends to serve as a missionary in Africa with her beloved husband, Dr. Russell Human. While on the mission field, they welcomed their second daughter, Cathy. The stories Ruth and Russell shared about their adventures in Africa were always cherished by those who heard them.
After two terms abroad, Ruth and Russell returned to the United States, where they pastored churches in Kansas City, Riverside, California, and later at Tulsa Central Church of the Nazarene. When Russell became a district superintendent, Ruth faithfully partnered with him in equipping and mentoring pastors and their spouses.
Throughout her life, Ruth served in many roles within local churches—from song leader and pianist to Sunday school teacher and church secretary. She also gave her time and leadership to the Nazarene denomination at the district and general levels. Yet, her most significant role was as Russell’s partner, a calling she fulfilled with excellence.
Ruth possessed unique gifts and abilities that God used to draw others to faith in Jesus. Her decades of ministry left a profound impact, evident in the lives of believers literally around the world. She was a model pastor’s wife: Dad preached them in, Mom loved them in, and together they prayed them in. To her family, she was mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the heartbeat of the family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Dr. Russell Human; daughter Cindy Bryant; brothers Harvey Elrod, Howard Elrod, Glen Elrod; and sisters Vera Elrod, Erma Misemer, Velma Goodrum, and Helen Bailey. Ruth is survived by her devoted daughter, Cathy Jennings, and son-in-law Chris Jennings; grandchildren Emily Pearson (Gavin), Caroline Jennings, William Jennings (Priscilla), Sophie Jennings; great-grandchildren William Pearson and Isabel Pearson; sisters Betty Runion and Rachel Elrod; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Ruth’s life was marked by love and service, as she consistently demonstrated God’s love to everyone she met.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13th, at 1:00 p.m. at Tulsa Central Church of the Nazarene, 7291 E 81st St, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Southern Africa Nazarene University Student Scholarships at the following link:
https://give.nazarene.org/donate/southern-africa-nazarene-university-student-scholarships
After donating, please contact Donor Services to let them know your donation is in memory of Ruth Ann Human. Their phone is 866-624-3092, or by email, https://[email protected].
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