Ruth C. Hodges

She was born in Pennington Gap, Virginia to the late Robert “Bob” and Viola Crichton. Ruth retired from the medical field in the Medical Records Department and later retired from Head Start. She was a longtime active member of Christ United Methodist Church where she was on the benevolence committee. Ruth is currently a member of First United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro. She loved to work in the kitchen, served at the Journey Home in Murfreesboro, serving the homeless and teaching English as a second language. Ruth published a collection of short stories, loved to write about children, was an avid painter, and enjoyed quilting.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Herbert H. Hodges, Sr.; a son, Herbert “Peppy” Hodges, Jr.; brother, Bob Crichton.

Ruth is survived by her children, Teresa (Randy) McConnell, Barry (Julie) Hodges, Lynn (Rick) Rife and Lea Harper (Rodney) Wallace; daughter-in-law, Carol Pursley Hodges; grandchildren, Lindsay (Rob) Forgey, Scott (Sarah) McConnell, Josh (Rhea) McConnell, Bethany (Adam) Dilich, Brad Rife, Chris (Miranda) Rife, Seth Harper, Ryanne (Greg) Taylor, Casey Harper, Haley (Jim) Pettit and Samantha Hodges; 19 great grandchildren; brother, Joe Crichton; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm on Thursday, September 12, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service for Ruth will follow at 3 pm on Thursday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Pastor David Hall officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth’s name to Gentiva Hospice, 1639 Medical Center Parkway, # 101, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 or www.gentivahs.com

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.