Page 5 - Leola “Baby Ruth” Ector's Program Final 12-30-20_Neat

Leola “Baby Ruth” Ector

Leola “Baby Ruth” Ector, also affectionately known as Mom, Granny, Grand-mama, and Mrs. Ector …. Was
born “Leola Cavers” to Eveldon Etta and Henry Cavers in Meridian, Oklahoma on November 25, 1928. She is the
second born of five, Jessie Wilson Cavers being the eldest and only boy. Leola is older sister to the Cavers’ girls
Ella May, Betty Jean and Darlene.

Eveldon later married Angel Moore, who was the paternal presence for the Cavers children. Leola was extremely
gifted and talented, while attending L'Ouverture High School, she opted to complete a specialized forage course to
assist her family in the workforce at a young age. Whatever limited education she was exposed to as a young black
child raised in Oklahoma, she turned into life principles that she applied excellently to rearing five branches, who
bore 13 leaves and 27 fruit. While in Oklahoma, she became a member of St. Paul Baptist Church, under Rev.
Henry Bailey where she faithfully participated in church activities. She continued her membership with St. Paul
Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Campbell, when relocating to Blythe, California around 1946

How she got to Blythe remains a mystery, legend holds that the family relocated to Blythe for a short time in 1945
before returning to Oklahoma, but a man by the name of Joseph “ J.B.” Ector who had grown very fond of her,
sent for Leola a year later and they would marry on February 23, 1948. The first branch that God would produce
in the life of Leola would be Donnie, the seed of her husband. After JB’s untimely death, she would produce four
more branches Anthony (Wayne), Faye, Earl and Vivian.

The family of six would relocate to San Bernardino County in 1965 where she has spread her branches ever since.
As a single mother of five God granted her the grace and burden to carry the role of being the best mother those
branches could have. Her creativity, talents and love covered them through the pains of poverty. Her sacrifices
enabled them to flourish and become the leaves and fruit of her tree. She inspired greatness by being great in the
many roles she filled. Whether it was in athletics, home economics, hospitality, love and affection, or restoration
she excelled. After receiving her CNA license, She worked at Waterman Convalescent Hospital until she retired.
While an employee she was cited for exemplary service. All who had contact with her found her to be a loving,
generous, kind, and gentle person with a sweet spirit. Our Leola exemplified the fruit of the spirit - Love, Joy
Peace, Long-suffering, Goodness, and Faith (Galatians 5:22).

While nursing fell into Leola’s natural skill set, her purpose on this earth was to be a mother. In embracing that
role seriously, her sacrifice would set an example that many others would be drawn towards. The quality of her
love, extends her family beyond bloodlines, as she has been the adopted mother and grandmother to many. She lived
a full life, and the heritage she leaves behind consist of everything from collegiate and professional athletes to
educators, administrators and supervisory roles in various fields. God blessed Leola’s sacrifice and honored her
memory, because of His faithfulness and His hope that her many seeds would see it and follow the hollowed path
she walked, that they may be blessed in her likeness. She will be dearly missed, but forever loved and remembered.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph (JB); great grandson, Benson Ector Jr (Lil B); her parents, and
brother Jesse Cavers.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Donald (Essie), Wayne (Judy), Earl (Debi) and her daughters Faye and
Vivian (KB) and adopted son, Larry Ealy. Thirteen amazing grandchildren, and 27 marvelous great-grands. Her
sisters, Ella Ector, Betty Horton, Darlene Jones and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.