Ruth Gwendolyn Diggs

Ruth Gwendolyn Miller Diggs was born in Almo, Kentucky on June 25th, 1938 to Leon P. and Bessie Noland Miller. At an early age she was baptized and joined Pleasant Hill Free Will Baptist Church where she served as secretary and treasurer for the Sunday school.
She began her education at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. She then went to Douglass High School and in addition to being an excellent student; she was a cheerleader for the Bulldogs. She graduated as valedictorian of her class. She received her business degree at the Kentucky State College (University) and graduated with high distinction.
In 1961, she began her career as a business and physical education teacher in Mounds City, Illinois. Her position there was phased out because of integration. In 1961, she moved to New York City where she began working for the Department of Parks and Recreation as a recreation director at St. Mary's Playground in the Bronx, New York. She worked her way up to be the deputy to the borough director in Queens, New York. In 1988, she was appointed director of the Department of Parks and Recreation for the city of New York. Ruth often said what she enjoyed most about her position was providing programs and planning special events for the youth of New York City. Ruth utilized her business skills from Kentucky State University as an independent tax consultant and accountant. As the director, she frequented Gracie Mansion to consult with the mayor about future recreational programs for the city. After 32 years of working with the Parks Department, Ruth retired in June of 1993.
Family meant the world to Gwen. Her only grandchild Corey was her heart, traveling companion, and navigator.
Survivors to cherish her memory are her devoted daughter Karen Diggs, grandson Ira Corey Diggs of Jamaica, New York. Brothers Edward R. Miller, Don Miller of Almo, Kentucky, Leon R. (Patricia) Miller of Brooklyn, New York, and Carl (Susie) Miller of Atlanta, Georgia. Sister Ollie (Bobby) Smith of Atlanta, Georgia. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and Friends.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2015 in the chapel of the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home. Bro. Larry Jamison will officiate with burial to follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at the J.H. Churchill funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.