Norma Ruth McMeans Karr of Huntsville died in her 89th year on Monday, January 13 of complications from ALS. She was born on January 21, 1930 in Tanner, Alabama--one of thirteen children whose parents, Arthur and Naomi McMeans, were successful sugar-cane farmers. She grew up surrounded by loving sisters and brothers. In her early 20s, Ruth relocated to San Antonio, Texas, where she met David C. Karr, Jr. They married in 1958.

Ruth and David faced challenges, perhaps most severely when daughter Patricia developed mental illness during her early teens. Her daughter's affliction led Ruth to become a tireless and passionate advocate for the mentally ill. She joined the Huntsville chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, helped found NAMI-Alabama, and worked closely with the judicial system as the state's mental-health courts emerged during the 2000s. In recognition of her work, Ruth received a Lifetime Achievement Award from NAMI-Alabama in 2009.

She was a wondrous gardener with two green thumbs (purple irises were a favorite), a talented amateur photographer, and a kind and thoughtful person.

Ruth bravely battled ALS for eight full years, showing patience and grace when faced with an ultimately incurable disease. She is survived by her husband David, sister Merle Thompson, and sons Christopher L. Karr and David S. Karr, along with David's wife, and Ruth's daughter-in-law, Tamara S. King. Ruth's daughter Patricia died in 1996.

We feel a deep sadness at the loss of this treasured mother and dear wife, but we are at peace to know that her pain is now gone. Ruth, we will miss you.

A remembrance and celebration of her life is being planned. In lieu of flowers, the family urges sympathizers to consider making a donation in Ruth's memory to NAMI-Huntsville: https://www.namihuntsville.org/ .