Ruth Ann Flester

On June 27, 2026, Ruth Ann Flester passed from this life. Ruth, a lifelong resident of Laurel, Maryland, attended Laurel High School, and Bard-Avon Secretarial / Finishing School in Baltimore, MD. She loved the LORD and was a member of Berwyn Baptist Church, South Columbia Baptist Church, and First United Methodist Church of Laurel. She took great pride in being the fourth generation of Flesters living in Laurel.

Ruth worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ARS, in Beltsville, MD, and retired after 40 years of service in 2008. During that time, she received numerous awards, including recognition as Secretary of the Year in 2008. Besides her employment in Beltsville, she also worked at home: typing, caning chairs, and sewing. She typed and edited books written by the late Dr. T. C. Tso, including Physiology of the Tobacco Plant, and his autobiography, and Dr. James Duke of Herbal Vineyard, who wrote Medicinal Plants of the Bible. Ruth also typed for two pastors in the area (Charles A Chilton, who wrote Planting the House Church, and Walter Agnor’s daily radio program).

After retirement, Ruth took classes in quilting, then making and gifting quilts to her friends and family. Additionally, she loved crocheting, gardening, camping, fishing, a hot air balloon ride and helicopter ride, and her family. On sunny days in the summer or fall, she was often found on the deck at home enjoying a crab feast with Byron, Vernon, and Mark.

Ruth is preceded in death by her father, John F., Jr., and mother, Ruth Mae Rettaliata Flester. Survivors include her beloved partner, friend, and caregiver of more than 30 years, Byron Noel Newton; her daughter Carey Roberta Wilkerson (Michael); two amazing grandchildren, Violet Mae Wilkerson and Andrew Ray Wilkerson; and two loving brothers: John F. (Geri) of Laurel and Andrew E. (Joan) of Carthage, N.C. She treasured her friends and co-workers at the USDA and regarded them as family.