Ruth Johnson Creel 94 of Newton Passed away peacefully July 10, 2016 at Abernathy Laurels after a 12 year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Ruth was born June 16, 1922, in Williamstown, WV. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Irene Johnson. She worked for the Department of Defense in Washington, DC. There she met the love of her life, Jimmy Creel. They were married for 59 years until his death in 2004. They were blessed with three children, Jerry (who died in 2006 from a heart attack), Linda and Ellen. She has 5 grandchildren; Loucinda, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Jonathan and Justin. She has also been blessed with 3 great grandchildren; Jadyn, Jacey and Judson. After Jimmy’s death she moved to Abernathy Laurels Retirement Village. Ruth worked for the Employment Security Commission for nine years. After her third child was born she went back to Lenoir Rhyne College and got her teaching degree in elementary education, graduating with high honors. She then went to Appalachian State University to get her master’s degree with high honors. She began her teaching career working for Catawba County School System having taught second grade at St. Stephens and Murray Elementary Schools. Ruth retired in 1985. After her retirement she loved to travel and visited all 50 states, 32 foreign countries and all of the continents. She loved to tell her travel stories. Ruth was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC for over 50 years. She served on many committees and devoted over 40 years to LWML. She served as president numerous times in her local society and zone. From 1973 – 1977 she proudly served as President of the Carolinas District. Ruth also served on the National LWML Leadership Training Committee. She has touched many lives serving the Lord and made many friends in her travels. One of Ruth’s favorite Bible verses is John 3:16. She wanted the whole world to know that God loves them and wants them to spend eternity with their Lord and Savior. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Creel, a son Jerry Creel and a sister Betty Sue Alderman. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Linda Mull and her husband David of Hickory, daughter, Ellen Arney of Newton, five grandchildren, Loucinda Creel of PA, Jeffrey Mull of Conover, Jennifer White and husband Erick of Maiden, Jonathan Mull and wife Heather of Granite Falls and Justin Arney of Lincolnton. Three great grandchildren, Jadyn, Jacey and Judson White. Also a sister, Mary Jean Lehman of Cincinnati, Ohio. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July13th at Catawba Funeral Home from 6 – 8 PM. The funeral will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC on Thursday, July 14th at 2 PM with Pastor Gaven Mize officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Don Sutton, William Sutton, Jonathan Mull, Justin Arney, Erick White and Harlen Marks. The family would like to thank Abernathy Laurels staff, especially the CNAs and nurses on the 800 hall. Memorial may be given to Augustana Lutheran Church of Hickory. Words of comfort may be left for the family at www.catawbamemorialpark.com. The Creel Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
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