Ruth Riley Linton was born January 3, 1925, to the parents of Robert Riley Sr. and Vannie Wright Riley in Pine Mount Florida which is located in Suwannee County. Her father passed away when she was only four years of age. Her mother raised her and her seven siblings who proceed her in death: Charles Crawford, Robert Riley Jr., Rufus Riley, Rebecca Riley Brantley, Otis Riley, Arthur Lee Riley, and Elsie Riley Smith.

Ruth Riley continued her grade school education and obtained her High School Diploma at Old Douglas High School in 1944. She then went to pursue her collegiate studies at Bethune Cookman College located in Daytona Beach Florida during a time when college was a far-fetched idea for African Americans during that time. Amongst her time at Bethune-Cookman, she directed her attention to her college President and mentor: Ms. Mary McLeod Bethune – the person for which the college was named.

Ms. Mary Mcleod Bethune was her first college president who made a deep impression on Ruth by referring to the students as "brown girls and boys". An idea that uplifted African American students during the chastising times where African Americans were considered everything less but humane. She also cherished the many time that Ms. Bethune would walk the college campus and greet students as if they were a part of her extended family. Ruth valued that idea and took that same idea with her throughout her community, church endeavors and life. As a graduate of Bethune Cookman College receiving her Degree in Elementary Education, she became an active member of the Bethune Cookman Alumni. She would repeatedly make her financial contributions to the college to ensure that other students were given the same opportunity that she was given, she considered this task a notable one to serve her community.

During college, the Lord placed Arthur A. Linton in a position to meet Ruth Riley. She later married the World War II Veteran/Purple Heart recipient and Agriculturist, who she accepted and reciprocated unconditional love for 45 years until his transition in June 1992. This beautiful union produced three amazing women, the joys of their heart, the eldest daughter Linda Linton, second oldest daughter Sharon Linton and the youngest daughter Pamela Linton. Ruth was very passionate about education and ensured that all her daughters received their high school diplomas and completed their collegiate education.

At the beginning of her teaching career, she often taught in one-room schools in various communities (just to name a few Shiloh, Branford pre-int, etc.) located in Suwannee County as an Elementary Educator. Later, she taught at O'Brien High School – K-12 school during pre-integration - located in O'Brien Florida.  After 40 years of teaching, she finished her teaching career at Branford Elementary School located in Branford Florida. As an educator for many years, she continued to educate students even after her retirement. She truly embodied the phrase "Believe in yourself, learn, and never stop wanting to build a better world-Mary McLeod Bethune".

She accepted Christ as her personal savior at Bethlehem A.M.E Church at an early age and she continued to serve faithfully in many different roles. While at Bethlehem AME Church, she served as Church Secretary, Stewardess, sang in the choir, was Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher for many years. She was truly a servant in her church and community just as her mother set the example for her.

Ms. Ruth enjoyed traveling very much, she traveled to all 50 states in the United States, visited foreign Countries such as Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and many Caribbean Islands. Traveling with her family brought her many joyous times and wonderful memories especially when she was able to start traveling with her grandchildren- Quenton Owens and Shanise Gallon. She was able to visit many of the worlds precious jewels such as the Twin Towers, Niagara Falls, Pearl Harbor, Washington D.C., Nappa Valley, Grand Canyon, Big Ben, Eiffel Tower and a numerous of other world attractions. Her youngest daughter Pamela took after her mother as well, as she began to travel throughout her work endeavors and exploring the world.

She also enjoyed cultivating plants and working in her garden. Her middle daughter Sharon enjoyed these endeavors as well and took up her idea of planting a garden with her husband- Archie Gallon. Sharon would always give the fruits of her garden labor to her mother as she enjoyed home grown vegetables and fruits along with making her favorite meal -stewed okra and tomatoes.  She loved working in her yard at her home. As a continuous effort to expand her community involvement, she joined the illustrious graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated- Mu Beta Zeta as another avenue to serve her community along with other finer women of distinction. This moment was even more special to Ms. Ruth because she was able to pledge this chapter with her eldest daughter Linda and shared found memories together of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood.  In her much later years (Mid to late 80's) she became a Zumba enthusiast.

Her favorite quote that she obtained from the entrance of Faith Hall at Bethune Cookman College- "Enter to Learn and depart to serve". Ms. Ruth displayed this quote the entirety of her life. She gained many friends and adopted family members throughout her earthly years here with us. Upon completing the tasks, she was sent here to do by God's will, with her daughter Pamela by her side, she transitioned peacefully early Tuesday morning in Plano, Texas on July 5, 2022. She is survived by her three daughters: Linda Linton, Sharon Linton-Gallon, and Pamela Linton, one son-in-law, Archie Gallon Jr., two Grandchildren: Quenton Owens, Shanise N. Gallon, one sister-in-law: Doris McMillan, a host of cousins, an abundance of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.