Mother LeRuth Harper began her journey into this world on July 14, 1922 , in Nettleton, Mississippi; born to the union of Bennie Elliot and Will Hall. She was one of nine children, all whom preceded her in death except one sister, Mrs. Jo Francis Jones of Muncie, Indiana. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Leroy and two sons, Eddie Roy and James.

Mother Harper and husband, Leroy moved their three boys from Nettleton to Saint Louis, Missouri in search of better work opportunities. After spending around two years in Saint Louis, they relocated to Eagle Park Acres, Madison, Illinois around 1963. There they found Canaan Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, where they served faithfully until the Lord called them to rest. Mother Harper served as President of both the Usher's Board and the Mother's Board. She was director over the Harvest Homecoming Committee for several years, she was outstanding in her leadership roles. At the time of her passing, she sat under the anointed teaching of Reverend Darrell Rice and before Reverend Rice, Reverend Don Sanford , both of whom she loved dearly. While there at Canaan, she found two special friends, Mother Thelma Branch and Mother Marie Govan. They became inseparable and earned the name "The Golden Girls" by her church family.

Mother Harper was known for her tea cakes. She held the recipe close to her vest. Mother had no daughters, but had several younger church members who became daughters to her. Debra Bailey (Williamson) was her first "Special Daughter" and was there through thick and thin until her marriage and relocation to Washington D.C. Since God was always looking out for Mother Ruth , he sent Meta Mosey into her life. Meta loved and waited on Mother and served her in a way that only a true daughter could. Another "Special" and faithful daughter was Alva Mosley. Alva was the "Special Daughter" who managed to get the Tea Cake recipe from her when no one else could. Mother Ruth was her critic until she mastered in tea cake baking. Annie Ruth Mosley was another God sent daughter for Mother Harper. There were many others who were always ready to lend a hand, too many to name.

Mother Harper loved to travel, but her body became worn and she began to long for her Heavenly home. On November 7, 2021, she completed her travels on this earth. She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Lloyd (Lorraine) Harper of Swansea, IL; grandchildren, Latrina Kirkling (Tony) of Bogalusa, LA., Geneen Harper  of Shiloh, IL., Lloyd Harper Jr. (Hanaan) of Atlanta, GA., Kenneth (Fabrienne) Harper of Shiloh, IL, Marvin Treadway of Venice, IL., Camille Treadway of Jacksonville, FL., Ruth (Rashaun) Hivks of Granite City, IL., Edwina (Robert) Perry of Granite City, IL., Latisha Harper of Granite, City, IL., and LaShawna Harper of Granite City, IL.; one precious sister, Jo Francis Jones of Muncie, IN; also left to cherish her memories are the "Golden Girls", Thelma Branch and Marie Govan, her "special granddaughters", Debra Williamson, Meta Mosley, Alva Mosley, and Annie Ruth Mosley; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews cousins, and the entire Eagle Park Acres Community.