Ruth Ann was born in Toledo, OH on September 19, 1949 to George Henry and Vivian Louise Beltzhoover. She is survived by 2 children, Sarah Michelle Craft Draffin (Patrick) of the home and Stacey Craft Coffman of Wake Forest, NC, 4 grandchildren, Berkeley Draffin, Waverly Draffin, Maggie Coffman and Logan Coffman, and 2 siblings, George Beltzhoover of Hiram, GA and Barbara Hinkle of Addison, MI.
Ruth Ann will be remembered as a strong, independent woman who could make or do anything- ranging from baking to building, creative to technical, and tough to gentle. She paved many paths and established strong priorities for her family including a focus on education, commitment to family, love of travel and showing up for people. Ruth Ann was a single mom but still managed to always show up as second mom, friend, and sister to so many people with whom she lived life. She was the regular connection back to family and friends met all over the world throughout all stages of her life- believing we need each other in this life journey. Ruth Ann was positive and kind, consistent and determined, and was proud to be direct, honest and forthcoming with her opinion (you are smirking right now if you know Ruth Ann’s blunt honesty!). Through her love and decades of engagement with P.E.O., Girl Scouts, local schools and education groups, as well as extensive traveling and living many years abroad, Ruth Ann was connected to countless people; to Ruth Ann, people are what made life. Her smile and laugh, strength and support, and endless, unconditional love will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560 on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be held following at Cotten Funeral Home at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth Ann’s memory to P.E.O. Chapter AR at 1203 Amber Pines Drive, Leland NC 28451, the American Cancer Society or to your favorite local school.
Arrangements are being held by Cotten Funeral Home.
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