CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Former Mecklenburg County commissioner and state lawmaker Ruth Samuelson, 57, died Monday morning after her battle with ovarian cancer.
Samuelson opened up to Channel 9 anchor Allison Latos in July about her stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis. She was in the middle of several rounds of aggressive chemotherapy.
[RELATED: Former Mecklenburg County commissioner talks about battle with cancer]
She was diagnosis in May and learned that the cancer had moved to five areas, including her liver.
Samuelson served as a county commissioner from 2000 to 2004. She was elected to the North Carolina House in 2006 and served four terms.
A visitation is planned from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Uptown Church on Elizabeth Avenue. The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at First Baptist on South Davidson Street.
Mecklenburg County Commission Vice Chair Jim Puckett's statement on Samuelson's death:
I am sorry to report Ruth has died. I am so thankful we were able to honor her with the well-deserved recognition on Little Sugar Creek Greenway, yet that alone will never be sufficient. Ruth was a great lady and an asset to this community that cannot be replaced. I take great comfort in knowing she had a solid relationship with her Savior and now celebrates a servant’s job well done in heaven.
Senator Thom Tillis' statement on Samuelson's death:
“Susan and I are absolutely heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Ruth Samuelson. Our deepest condolences go out to her husband Ken, their children and Ruth’s entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
Ruth Samuelson was a loving wife, dedicated mother, tireless public servant, and one of our closest friends. Her life was in public as it was in private: grounded in faith and focused on serving others. I am blessed to have had the privilege of knowing and working with Ruth over these last many years and seeing firsthand how impactful her life was to everyone she knew. Her devotion to her faith and her family served her well in the halls of the North Carolina legislature, where she worked with both sides of the aisle to become one of the most influential leaders in the state. As Speaker of the House, there was no one I counted on more than Ruth Samuelson.
Ruth bravely fought this disease with the same strength, grace and dignity that have defined her life’s work. In doing so, she left a final legacy of unshakable faith and unwavering hope that should inspire us all. As we mourn her loss and pray for her family, we rejoice in knowing that the faith that guided Ruth’s life has now carried her home.”
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