Ruth E. Bristow died on July 16, 2010, at Southern Maryland Hospital Center, after enduring many years of renal failure complicated by diabetes.

She was a devoted wife of 52 years to the late Wier Manley Bristow, Jr., of La Plata, Maryland. She resided in La Plata for 54 years.

She was born on September 26, 1934, in Apache, Oklahoma to the late Mary Louise and John Evans Stricker.

She is proceeded in death by a son, James Patrick Bristow and her twin siblings Robert Stricker and Gladys S. Jenkins, and brother-in-law Louis P. Jenkins.

She was a devoted mother of seven children and is survived by Theresa Rose Garner, John Anthony Bristow, Mary Catherine and Steven Cooksey, Christine Ann and Greg Markomanolakis, Cynthia Ruth and Stephen Langer, Joseph Paul and Lisa Bristow, and Elizabeth Anne Bristow and her life partner Brenda Hurst. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and their spouses, John Garner, Jr., James Garner, Pamela and Damian West, Clara and Tom Willey, Stacy and Scott Lenhart, Amy and Daniel Deavers, Joshua Bristow, Jesse Bristow, Maria and Brian Miller, Nicholas Markomanolakis, Christopher Markomanolakis, Jason and Jennifer Markomanolakis, Sophia Conway, David and Tara Langer, Katherine Langer, Chad Bristow, and Chasity Sweeney. She also leaves behind 21 Great-Grandchildren, Tommy and Emily Willey, Kayla, Katlyn, Sara and Amanda West, Drew, Wyatt and Grady Lenhart, Kyle, Ashley, Mallory and Dylan Deavers, Elana Markomanolakis, Elizabeth and Scarlett Langer, Ashley, Christine and Jason, Jr. Markomanolakis, Skye Conway, and Ava Messick.

In 1969 with her youngest child being six, Ruth began her career in Law Enforcement with the Maryland State Police in Waldorf, working her way up to Administrative Assistant to the Major. She retired in 1996. The Waldorf Barrack was truly her second home, the staff, the Troopers, and the Major were among her dearest friends. She was proceeded, in death, by many of Maryland's Finest Officers.

She was not ready for retirement, and wished to utilize her skills that she gained during her tenure with the State Police. In 1997, she began her second career in Law Enforcement with the Charles County Sheriff's Department in La Plata. She updated and modernized computer forms that the Deputies use on a daily basis. She leaves behind many dear friends from the Charles County Sheriff's Department. She retired in 2006 at the age of 70.

She served for years as the President of the Maryland Employee Association and was a member of the Maryland State Troopers Association.

Ruth loved her dogs (Max, Corky and Mila). Christmas morning breakfast was a favorite at the Bristow home with a house full of family, friends and oodles of children. There was wrapping paper, toys, and food everywhere. After retirement she kept busy by crocheting uncountable baby hats and donated them to our local hospitals and to many other charitable organizations, including Mount Carmel Monastery.

Ruth was a Secular Carmelite of Mount Carmel Monastery and leaves behind many wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Carmel Monastery, Carmel of Port Tobacco, 5678 Mount Carmel Road, La Plata, MD 20646-3625.

Arrangements are as follows: visitation is at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home in La Plata on Wednesday, July 21, from 2-4 and 6-8, with prayers at 7:00 p.m. Funeral mass is at St. Ignatius Chapel Point Church on Thursday July 22, at 10:00 a.m., followed by internment at Mount Carmel Monastery.

Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.