Rev. Ruth H. Stevens, 77, of Durham, NC, passed away on May 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.  Born August 21, 1947, in Manhattan, NY, and raised in St. Petersburg, FL, she was a trailblazing United Methodist minister for 30 years.  She served churches across North Carolina and acted as Wilmington District Superintendent while championing human rights and mentoring countless female ministers.  A graduate of Florida Southern University and Duke Divinity School, Ruth, who called Jesus "her first love", enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and folding origami.  Ruth is survived by her husband, Joseph R. Stevens; her sons and daughters-in-law, Eric and Christine Harper, and Nathan and Meredith Harper; grandchildren, Morgan, Norah and Eliza; sister, Kathleen Van Cleve; and brothers, Lowell and Bruce Mook.  A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.  Visit www.clementsfurneralservice.com for details.