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 in Birmingham on the evening of Tuesday 13th January 2026, 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 Ruth's funeral at All Saints Church, 2 Vicarage Rd, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7RA on Friday 13th February 11am. More details are on the link below. The family has requested people to indicate for catering purposes if you’re hoping to attend
https://www.anaturalundertaking.co.uk/ruthtetlow/
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
Messages of Condolences & Tributes to Ruth Tetlow;
“We are saddened to hear the news and really feeling for the family at this time. We are so glad that we were able to spend a bit of time with Ruth last year in the place she loved. We send our condolences to the family. Ruth is now in pure Love and Joy. We take comfort in that. May she RIP. “ Deborah Purfield, GRASSROOTS Trustee
“She was one of God's faithful servants and will be greatly missed. Please pass on my condolences to the family.” Brian Roe, GRASSROOTS Trustee
“Please add my condolences to those of others. It was so good we were able to see Ruth some months ago in Birmingham.” Revd Canon David Lawson, Former Chair of GRASSROOTS
“Choking. I am so sorry to hear. May God bless her soul, and console the loved ones.” Revd Leao-Neto, Former Chair of GRASSROOTS
“I am so so sorry to hear this, I had no idea she was poorly again and sad it was several years. Please send my condolences to the family and love to all the trustees.” Kim Greig, Former Staff at GRASSROOTS
“Sorry to hear the sad news about Ruth. We were amazed at her knowledge and devotion to the task and her passion for justice and peace. We send love and prayers to Ruth's family at this time and through the coming days." Sheila Marsden, Former GRASSROOTS Trustee.
“It is with real sadness that I tab this communication over the demise of our beloved friend and colleague in the Interfaith ministry in the UK. I can remember her vividly, both in Birmingham and later in Luton, working with David Jonathan (Johny). I extend my deepest sympathies for the great soulmate in our co-pilgrimage. We thank both Ruth & her husband Richard for their commitment to the dialogue they have opted for with great openness and an extravertly formulated vision, which might have inspired next generation individuals to reconsider that exclusivist thinking might not be helpful for the transformation of society and its well-being.” Dr. Shanthi Hettiarachchi, Former Staff Member at GRASSROOTS, currently living in Colombo and partly teaching on Religion and religions in Lahore.
“Ruth brought such insight to our meetings and her bringing the experiences of similar work in Birmingham was a great asset for us. We have missed her contributions. May God support Richard and her other family and friends at this time.” Phil Horner, Chair of GRASSROOTS
Tribute by Canon John Nightingale published in Church Times 6th Feb 2026
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/6-february/gazette/obituaries/obituary-ruth-tetlow
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 with farewell gifts, after she stepped down from the responsibilities as a Trustee of GRASSROOTS Luton.