Katie Ruth McCants, (affectionately know as Sweet Cakes) was born in Gradyville, Georgia on December 2, 1922, to the late Allen and Mary Jane Rivers. Her mother passed when she was a young child. After the untimely death (of her mother), shen went to stay with her maternal grandfather, the late Isiah Sellers. Shortly after, she went to live with her aunt and uncle the late Rev. James Simmons and Irene Simmons. They took her in and raised her as if she was their daughter. There was never a conversation with the children that Katie Ruth was not their sister. This was learned as the grew older.
While in McKees Rocks she went to a host of schools in the area such as Wilson, Hamilton and McKees Rocks High. Her first job was working for the railroads as a laborer in McKees Rocks.
Se met and fell in love with Felix Ramos. They gave birth to a son, the late Curtis Leroy Ramos and a daughter Muriel Bliss Ramos Tate. Their relationship ended and she met and fell in love with the late Rev. Edward McCants, Sr. They were married on December 31, 965, Through this blended union brought together five children, the late Curtis Ramos, late Edward McCants, Jr., late Carlos McCants, Muriel Tate and Sharri Fultz.
Further in life she worked and retired from Federal Enamel and Board of Education as a cook. Her final career peak was working at the Unemployment Offices of Pennsylvania as a claims examiner. She retired in her mid-70's. After retiring she worked part time at an in home daycare center. She loved children and children loved being around her. She was known to have a piece of fruit or candy in her purse all the time.
Katie Ruth was a very active member of her church. She was a part of the mime ministry, served on the usher board, Sunday School teacher and served as a Mother of the Church. She was a prayer warrior and a faithful servant of the church.
Katie Ruth was well loved, compassionate and very dependable. Growing up she went to her uncle's church, the Late Rev. James Simmons. Entering adulthood, she became a member at Elder Thomas Church in Pittsburgh, she then moved onto Miracle C.O.G.I.C. under Elder Davis. Later the Church in the Round under Pastor Melvin Clark. She found her forever church home at Institutional C.O.G.I.C. under the late Eugene M. Thorpe, Pastor Lola Thorpe, and Assistant Pastor Helen Pugh.
Katie Ruth loved her western tv shows and her favorite movie was, "A Family Thing". Her favorite pets were her dog, Tempie and her cats, Cailey and Tiger. She had a love for fashion and a flair for style and everyone who knew her, knew it. She did not discriminate on where she would find beautiful things. She could easily find something at the finest department stores or a thrift store. Katie's impeccable decorum also showed in her home and she took the utmost in pride in keeping it that way. Lots of us got our best lessons in household cleanliness from her.
Her life was a living example of the Bible verse - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32) Whenever there was a disagreement or disturbance, she would always say, "Keep the peace!" This was yet another way she showed honor to God, abiding in His word as He said - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9) Katie Ruth enjoyed spending time with her family and was a doting grandmother to all grandchildren. She would tell us, as kids, to climb into her lap,and she would bounce us up and down while she sang to us. She always made her grandchildren feel as if they were her favorite, although she did not have a favorite. She poured everything she had into her kids and grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters; Muriel and Sharri, her six grandchildren and their spouses; Darnell, Jr. (Shanika), Dorrien (Shellie), DaMura (Dalynn), DaiLynn (Nate), Nina and Paisley, 19 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, her beloved son in law, Darnell, Sr., her sisters; Gladys, Juanita, Joan, Jean (Louis), Audrey (Rev. Alfred Brown) and a host of relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her late husband, Edward McCants, Sr. her sons; Curtis, Edward, Carlos and Felix Ramos, her parents; Allen and Mary Rivers, Aunt Rene and Uncle Simmons, and her brothers; JL, John B., Moses, Daniel, Calvin and Russell and most recently her granddaughter, Dion Tate and great grandson, Jordan Lewis.
Katie passed peacefully surrounded by her family on May 27, 2020 at the home of her grandson and granddaughter Dorrien and Shellie. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. (John 11:25).
Her legacy is great enough for many lifetimes and will last lifetimes to come. Our love and appreciation for all she has done for us will never fade... LET THE WORKS I'VE DONE SPEAK FOR ME!
