It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Ruth Tetlow, former Trustee of the GRASSROOTS Programme in Luton, died at her home on the evening of Tuesday 13th January, with family at her side.
Ruth has had to live with leukaemia for over four years, a time in which she continued to do what she enjoyed and believed in.
A funeral service to celebrate her life will take place at All Saints Church, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Further details will be shared in due course.
Ruth was a steadfast supporter of GRASSROOTS Luton and its work in community engagement, inter faith relations, and social cohesion. She contributed generously through her insight, creativity, and unwavering spirit.
Her inter-faith and faith-based community engagement work experiences in Birmingham enriched and inspired our work in Luton in countless ways.
Ruth never hesitated to stand for peace and justice.
For nearly two decades, she served as a GRASSROOTS Trustee with passion and integrity, but above all, she served as a peacemaker. Her commitment to ecology and the integrity of creation led to innovative climate action initiatives in Birmingham, motivating diverse faith communities to unite for climate justice.
We remain profoundly grateful for Ruth’s support, guidance, and leadership. She stood with the GRASSROOTS Programme through challenging and uncertain times, offering strength, wisdom, and compassion. Ruth’s spirit of defiance to those attempting to undermine the stability and integrity of diverse communities in our world has left a lasting and powerful legacy.
Ruth was admired by all who knew her and by many who had the privilege of working alongside her. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to building a better, fairer world for everyone.
We give thanks for her life, her faith, her selfless service, her clarity of thought, her diligence, and the dignity with which she pursued the work of peacebuilding.
May she rest in peace, and may we remain united in our shared longing for peace, and continue striving for the unity, well-being, and flourishing of all people, wherever we may be.
In remembrance and in celebration of a life so meaningfully lived,
GRASSROOTS Trustees & Staff
Ruth Teltlow (R) with colleagues and friends Leao Neto and Elizabeth Harris from the Methodist Church
Ruth alongside GRASSROOTS Trustees at GRASSROOTS 25th Anniversary celebrations in 2018
Ruth alongside GRASSROOTS Trustees and Staff celebrating an Award given to GRASSROOTS
Ruth lighting a candle for world peace at one of GRASSROOTS Trsutees Meeting
Ruth visiting Guru Nanak Gurudwara in Luton
GRASSROOTS Trustees visited Ruth in Birmingham to present her with farewell gifts, after she stepped down from the responsibilities as a Trustee of GRASSROOTS Luton