Ruth Mekonnen Yohannes was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 9, 1969 to Yohannes Assefa and Selam Burka. She was known for her ability to love and care for others. She helped raised all of her siblings when they were young. She came to the United States in 1992 with her siblings a few years after their parents passed away.

Ruth Mekonnen Yohannes passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2023, at the age of 54, in Atlanta, Georgia. Ruth is survived by her four siblings and her three daughters Hannah, Betsy, and Sallem.

She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all that knew her.