RUKIA DOVE "BABY RU" TAYLOR

Rukia Dove Taylor 

“Baby Ru” 

4-22-2025

Rukia Dove Taylor, baby daughter of Lauren Partin and Demark Taylor, left the cozy confinement of her mommy’s tummy to be cradled in the arms of Jesus at St. Joseph’s hospital in London, KY on April 22. 

While the cause of death is unknown, what we do know is that she was loved. The news that we were expecting her came at a difficult time, and it took a couple of days to settle in to the idea of a new baby, but she was very much wanted already. From the moment her little heartbeat showed up on the screen, she was so deeply loved. Her big sister Harper was probably the most excited. She even took a poll amongst her classmates to “back up her theory” that Rukia was going to be a boy. The rest of us knew better! 

Along with Harper, Rukia is also survived by big sister Sunny, and big brother Toby; parents Lauren and Demark, grandparents Steve and Bonnie and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members who were excited to meet her. She was also very dearly loved already by her “auntie” Shellie and “cousins” Delia and Henry - who insisted that the baby be named after him. 

Before this loss, I had never felt such excruciating emptiness. The grief has been so profound at times, it has stolen my breath. At times, it has felt like mourning an imaginary friend. It seems so weird that the world keeps going but is still all at the same time. 

There is no birth certificate for Rukia. 

There is no death certificate. 

There is no insurance payout to be collected. 

There are no flowers to be bought or burial clothes to pick out. 

However, Rukia’s life is so meaningful. Rukia was created and sustained by love from conception until her little heart stopped beating. She was the perfect embodiment of hope and a reminder that even when things are hard, life is so precious and so beautiful. 

Mamas who share this grief with me: I see you. Please know you are not alone. Losing our children is not punishment. In fact, I fully believe this is the most precious gift we could have ever been given. We are the ones who get to so intricately know these perfect, tiny human beings. I am so thankful for every day I got to share space with my baby. 

So lastly, Rukia Dove Taylor was preceded in death by the 1 in 4 babies that make it into the womb but not into their mommy’s arms. Heaven’s nursery must be so beautiful. I can’t wait to meet our babies there. 

We love you all the way to Heaven and back, our sweet girl. We owe you a playdate.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the family of Baby Ru. 

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