Ruth Elizabeth Rutland, 67, was born January 23, 1945 in Chattanooga, to Romus and Naomi Rutland. She died on May 23, 2012 after fighting a long illness.
Ruth was a graduate of the 1963 class of Howard High School of Chattanooga, and received her BA/BS degree from Knoxville College, Knoxville, and was a faithful member of Knoxville College Alumni.
She was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church and played for the Children’s Choir for many years.
She was a member of the Baptist Congress and Hamilton County BM &E.
She retired from Tennessee State Human Services after more than 30 years of service with Employment Security and touching the lives of many young people while working with Job Corps.
Ruth was Pastor Matron of South Chattanooga No. 6, Order of The Eastern Star PHA, Past Most Ancient Matron LaPrade Court No. 4, Heroines of Jericho, PHA, and Past Loyal Lady Ruler of Alfrieda Assembly No. 65 Order of the Golden Circle, PHA, Past State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, Tennessee Jurisdiction, PHA, Past Royal Perfect Matron of Alton W. Patton Court, No. 3 Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, PHA, A member of Bessie Peak Guild No. 11, Heroines of the Templers’ Crusades, P.H.A., and Past Illustrious Commandress of Hyksos Court No. 112, Daughters of Isis, P.H.A.
She was a charter member of the Choral Society for the Preservation of African-American Spirituals and a member of Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Romus and Naomi Rutland.
She is survived by her devoted cousins, James Steele; a host of other cousins and relatives; devoted friends, Deborah L. Ragland, Mary Benson, “Big Sister” Mrs. Lillian Lewis, Chattanooga; longtime friend, Laura Verner, Memphis.
Many thanks to the staff of the Oncology Center, Chattanooga; Memorial Hospital, St. Barnabas Nursing Home, NHC Nursing Home, Standifer Place Nursing Home and the Hospice Units of Memorial Hospital and Standifer Place for your untiring help during her time of illness.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at Second Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Paul A. McDaniel officiating. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery.
The body will lie in state after noon on Wednesday, May 30, with the family receiving friends from 8–9 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.