Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Casto (later known in records as Ruth Ann Adkins) |
| Birth | May 14, 1937 |
| Birthplace | Russell/Greenup County area, Kentucky, USA |
| Death | August 12, 2022 (age 85) |
| Later Residence | Tennessee (Thompson’s Station area) |
| Parents | William Clayton “Willie” Casto; Mary Guila (Boggs) Casto |
| Spouses | Ronald Ray “Ron” Cyrus (m. August 1, 1952; later divorced); Cletis Adkins (later husband; preceded her in death) |
| Children | Kevin Lynn “Kebo” Cyrus; William Ray “Billy Ray” Cyrus; Michael “Mick” Adkins |
| Step-children | Sharon Adkins Crager |
| Known For | Beloved family matriarch; self‑taught ragtime pianist; lifelong love of animals and farm life |
Roots, Music, and Home
Born in the rolling hills along the Kentucky–Ohio border, Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Casto grew up with the cadence of rivers and rail lines in her ears. That rhythm never left her. As a self-taught pianist, she played ragtime the way a creek runs over stones—bright, agile, and full of life. Her later years unfolded in Tennessee, where family gathered often and the kitchen table served as a daily parliament of stories, laughter, and plans.
Ruth was the daughter of William Clayton “Willie” Casto and Mary Guila (Boggs), inheriting a bond to Appalachian traditions—hard work, hospitality, and music as medicine. She loved animals and farm life, finding joy in the ordinary graces: a well-worn piano bench, a garden patch that kept giving, and barns echoing with the small symphonies of a working homestead.
Marriage and Family
On August 1, 1952, Ruth married Ronald Ray “Ron” Cyrus, a union that brought children and deep roots in Kentucky public life. Ron became known for his service in the Kentucky House, while Ruth was known for what happens farther from the spotlight: raising boys, making music at home, and lighting up rooms with wit and warmth. The marriage later ended, and in time Ruth wed Cletis Adkins, who preceded her in death. Her blended family expanded through the Adkins branch, adding a step-daughter, Sharon Adkins Crager, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Children: The Next Verse
Ruth’s children carried her spirit into different lanes.
- Kevin Lynn “Kebo” Cyrus: A steady presence in the family album, Kebo’s life remained mostly out of headlines, yet firmly in the circle of family occasions and traditions.
- William Ray “Billy Ray” Cyrus: Born August 25, 1961, Billy Ray brought the family’s musical DNA onto global stages. When Ruth passed in 2022, his public tribute reflected decades of closeness—long drives, porch hours, and the quiet comfort only a mother can provide.
- Michael “Mick” Adkins: Named in Ruth’s obituary, Mick stood at the heart of the Adkins branch, with his own children and grandchildren adding more chairs to the family table.
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Ruth’s legacy lives in a big, bright constellation of grandkids and great-grandkids. Some are known worldwide; others prefer a quieter path. All share the through-line of family.
Grandchildren Snapshot
| Grandchild | Family Branch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leslie Cyrus | Cyrus | Often listed among Ruth’s grandkids in family remembrances |
| Ronnie Cyrus (and spouse Elizabeth) | Cyrus | Active in the extended family community |
| Brandi Cyrus | Cyrus | Media personality; part of Billy Ray’s blended family |
| Trace Cyrus | Cyrus | Musician (Metro Station); part of Billy Ray’s blended family |
| Christopher “Cody” Cyrus | Cyrus | Son from an earlier relationship; included in family tributes |
| Miley Cyrus | Cyrus | Global artist; granddaughter who has honored her “Mamaw” |
| Braison Cyrus (and spouse Stella) | Cyrus | Musician/creative; active in family life |
| Noah Cyrus | Cyrus | Singer/actor; posted heartfelt remembrances of her grandmother |
| Brent Adkins (and spouse Crystal) | Adkins | From the Adkins branch |
| Shelby Russell | Adkins | From the Adkins branch |
| Kelly Adkins Vance | Adkins | From the Adkins branch |
Ruth’s great-grandchildren—Benjamin, Alex, Bear, Brayden, Bryson, Liam, and others—are the newest notes in the song. They symbolize the enduring cycle she cherished: every generation carrying the tune in its own way.
Public Moments and Private Strength
Across decades, Ruth largely lived outside the spotlight, except for those moments when family news drew attention. In 2012, she faced a serious hospitalization and rallied with the resilience her loved ones knew well. On August 12, 2022, she passed at age 85, and tributes poured across social media and airwaves. News segments, radio notes, and countless posts reflected a simple truth: Ruth’s influence was felt most deeply in kitchens, living rooms, and long drives—places where advice is given gently and love does its work quietly.
The family invited memorials to charitable relief, echoing Ruth’s ethos of practical compassion. It felt fitting: the woman who spent a lifetime tending the people and animals around her continued, even in remembrance, to tend to those in need.
A Timeline of Key Dates
- 1937-05-14: Birth in the Russell/Greenup County area of Kentucky.
- 1952-08-01: Marriage to Ronald Ray “Ron” Cyrus.
- 1961-08-25: Birth of son William Ray “Billy Ray” Cyrus.
- Mid-1960s: Separation and eventual divorce from Ron; Ruth later married Cletis Adkins.
- 2012-04: Hospitalization noted by family and covered by entertainment outlets.
- 2022-08-12: Passing at age 85; memorial tributes shared widely.
Personality and Passions
If you ask her family, they’d say Ruth loved a cheerful melody, a good story, and the hush of a summer evening when the world felt right-sized. Her ragtime piano carried both playfulness and precision—syncopation like footsteps on an old wooden porch. She championed animals and the grace of farm life, believing that care for the land mirrored care for people. Her guiding style was firm but kind, laced with humor and patience.
Family Portrait: Names and Introductions
- Parents: William Clayton “Willie” Casto and Mary Guila (Boggs) Casto.
- Spouses: Ronald Ray “Ron” Cyrus (political service, father of Billy Ray); Cletis Adkins (later husband; preceded her in death).
- Children: Kevin Lynn “Kebo” Cyrus; William Ray “Billy Ray” Cyrus; Michael “Mick” Adkins.
- Step-daughter: Sharon Adkins Crager.
- Grandchildren: Leslie Cyrus; Ronnie (Elizabeth) Cyrus; Brandi; Trace; Christopher “Cody”; Miley; Braison (Stella); Noah; Brent (Crystal) Adkins; Shelby Russell; Kelly Adkins Vance.
- Great-grandchildren: Benjamin; Alex; Bear; Brayden; Bryson; Liam; and others.
Each name adds a stitch to the quilt. Some squares are patched with concert tickets; others with school programs, wedding invitations, and baby photos. Together they form a warm, durable pattern—Ruth’s life work.
FAQ
Who was Ruth Ann Casto?
She was a Kentucky-born, Tennessee-rooted family matriarch, a self-taught ragtime pianist, and the mother of country artist Billy Ray Cyrus.
When was she born and when did she pass away?
She was born on May 14, 1937, and passed away on August 12, 2022, at age 85.
Where did she live later in life?
She spent her later years in Tennessee, around the Thompson’s Station area.
Who were her spouses?
She married Ronald Ray “Ron” Cyrus in 1952 and later married Cletis Adkins, who preceded her in death.
Who are her children?
Her children include Kevin Lynn “Kebo” Cyrus, William Ray “Billy Ray” Cyrus, and Michael “Mick” Adkins.
Did she have step-children?
Yes, she had a step-daughter, Sharon Adkins Crager.
What was she known for?
Her family-centered life, love for animals and farm living, and her spirited ragtime piano playing.
Which grandchildren are widely recognized?
Among her grandchildren are Brandi, Trace, Christopher “Cody,” Miley, Braison, and Noah Cyrus.
Are there Adkins-branch grandchildren?
Yes, including Brent (with spouse Crystal), Shelby Russell, and Kelly Adkins Vance.
How did the family commemorate her?
They shared tributes across social platforms and encouraged charitable memorials reflecting her caring nature.
