Ruth Reed Shields, 69, of Carmel, Indiana passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022. Ruth was born as Lana Ruth Irene Reed on February 13, 1953 to the late Sally Kate (Craig) Reed and Ralph Reed in Asheville, North Carolina.
Ruthie spent much of her childhood roaming the mountains of Buncombe County, playing with her dog and exploring Haw Creek. She graduated from Reynolds High School in Asheville, NC in 1970, and with honors from St. Genevieve of the Pines School in 1972. She had a love of poetry, especially Robert Frost and Robert Service.
She was a photographer, taking thousands of photos. She was always behind the camera, especially when she went to visit her favorite mountain, Mount Pisgah, and the Swannanoa River.
Ruth developed many hobbies over the years. She was an avid bridge player, a home decorator, a pianist, and enjoyed needlework.
Ruthie began her career with the US Forest Service in North Carolina before joining up with the May company and moving to Atlanta. She rose through the ranks from a secretary to becoming one of the first female mall managers, moving to Virginia in 1986 to open Montgomery Mall and Ballston Commons mall, where she met the love of her life, Richard R. Shields.
Ruth and Richard married in 1988, combining their families and welcoming their son Andrew Craig Shields into this world in 1989.
Her and Richard are past members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Richard Shields, and their children; Joshua Shields (married to Kirsten Shields), Andrew Craig Shields (married to Erika Shields), Katherine Irene McCollum Kincannon (engaged to Marco Antonio Jimenez), and Benjamin Chase McDowell Kincannon; and her granddaughters Hailey and Heidi Shields.
A memorial gathering for Ruth will be held Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Leppert Mortuaries – Carmel, 900 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, Indiana 46032.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380: and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarycarmel.com for the Shields family.
