Awww, Char and Donna and Steve, Kay Yates just called to tell me of your sweet mother's passing.  I live near Asheville, NC now but I lived across the street from your folks on Suncrest Drive there in Oakridge for many years.  Your dad and mom were the parents of the neighborhood!   When Charles mowed his lawn, it was an unspoken signal for Phil and Mike and others to mow their lawns.  And on New Year's Eve Charles and Ruth would go next door to Phil and Kay's house, where we would also go, and we'd ring in the new year together!  There were chats on porches and in living rooms and kitchens all in between.  Those were fun times!   Ruth was so kind and very generous; she would give you the shirt off her back and baked many a cookie.  She gave me the recipe for her baked beans, which were delicious and which has gone unmatched lo these many years.  Miss Ruth was quiet and gentle, yet would accountable referees who miscalled a Cowboys or Rangers play without reservation!   Ruth may have slipped away quietly and unnoticed by the wider world, which continues to churn, but those of us who knew and loved her DO notice; they don't make them like Ruth anymore, and with her went a part of all of us.  Yet she also lives on in us. I especially think of her at Christmas and New Years.  May you, her family, experience God's love and care through the words and deeds of those in your midst, and may Light Perpetual shine on Ruth.  Fondly, Melissa Upchurch (formerly Burnett).

Love, happiness, warmth, secure, inspiring,strength, just a few of many words that comes to describe the mother I have always loved.  So lucky to have had you all these years

More than the best mother anyone could ask for...she was a sweet daughter to her parents, a wonderful wife to dad, loving grandmother and great grandmother.  A full life lived of 93 years. Loved by so many  Growing through the years, a feeling of warmth, strength and security was always there with mom

We are grieving with you. But also rejoicing that we had the pleasure of knowing Ruth.  We will always treasure our years as neighbors and every time we got together.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  Kay and Phil

Ruth was such a lovely and loving person. So kind and gentle - and funny! I feel so blessed to be a part of her family and to have had her in my life. I will miss her so much!

What a remarkable woman you were! 

My Grandmother had a heart of gold, she loved like crazy, never met a stranger, always found the good in people and in situations. Not sure I ever heard her say a negative thing! I am so blessed I had her almost 33 wonderful years and even named my first born in honor of her. She's going to be missed dearly but I'm forever grateful for the impact she left on my life and the memories I'll have to cherish forever. It's not a goodby... just a I'll see you later. Love you GG ❤

OBITUARY

Emma Ruth Mathis

September 8, 1923 – May 24, 2017

Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home

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