Ruth Bridges Carswell, 84, transitioned to glory on Friday, October 21, 2016, in a room filled with laughter, family and friends. Born to Joe & Sweetie Mae Bridges on January 20, 1932, she attended Akron public schools and was a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio. Ruth was a devoted mother and grandmother. She cared deeply for her family and was affectionately known as "Mommy" to those she helped rear and raise. Ruth had a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed sharing laugh with her family and friends. God was always an important part of Ruth's life. Ruth was an original member of Bethel Temple, in Akron, Ohio.  She often spoke of the wonderful time they had at the church on Hart street.  Ruth gave her life to Christ over 30 years ago and was a dedicated member of Akron Apostolic Temple where she served as Trustee.

Proceeded in death by mother, Sweetie Mae Bridges, father, Joe Bridges, sister Pauline Bridges, brother Willie N. Bridges Jr., sister Elizabeth Mull, granddaughter Devona Lynn Jerels, son Norman Allan Carswell, cousins Paul Dunn, Carol Wimley, Isabell Parker, and Georgia Lee Mosby.

Ruth leaves to cherish her loving memory daughters Kathryn Tapley Johnson, Andrea (James) Wilkinson, Ruth (Laiston) Jerels, daughter in law Paulette Carswell, sister in law Lucinda Bridges, special niece Renetta Mull Otis, and God daughters Rosalyn Parker and Erika Yarborough, and special grandson Darell Tapley Carswell and great grandson De'Vaun Jerels, and special granddaughter and care giver Charvette Jerels, and beloved pet Sweetie Pie, 13 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren, and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.