Ruth Elton, a British-born Nigerian missionary and known as the oldest in her field, has passed away at 91.

Born on September 7, 1933, Ruth Elton devoted her life to spreading faith, healing, and revival, leaving a lasting influence on communities across western and central Nigeria.

She died on Saturday at the Sharon Compound, Alafia Bamin Quarters in Ilesa, Osun State. Her body was taken to the mortuary, and she was the only daughter of Pa Elton.

Ruth Elton, the daughter of Sydney Granville Elton (Pa Elton), who is considered one of the pioneers of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, became a Nigerian citizen through a Kaduna court.

Even in her later years, she held her father’s prophecies in high regard. He had predicted that although Nigeria might be known for corruption, it would eventually be recognized globally for righteousness and prosperity.

Elton moved to Nigeria in 1937 with her parents and served as a missionary across Egbe, Okene, Koton Karfe, and several areas in Kogi, Ondo, Oyo, and Osun States.

She renounced her British citizenship in the 1970s and fully embraced Nigeria, becoming fluent in Ebira and Yoruba.

Ruth Elton, who remained unmarried, believed she made a lasting impact in Nigeria. Beyond her missionary work, she contributed to reducing infant mortality, particularly in Okene, Kogi State.

She shared that many newborns had died due to inadequate care and hygiene. She also noted that the harmful practice of force-feeding babies worsened the situation, especially in communities with low awareness about proper care.