Nettie Ruth Swafford, 81, of Dayton, TN, passed away Tuesday January 27, 2015.
She was born on Evensville Mtn. on April 19, 1933 to the late Alfred Harris and Nellie (Pelfrey) Harris; and was also preceded in death by her husbands, Leonard Swafford and Oliver “Buck” Harris; brothers, Henry Harris, Billy Harris and Allen Mooneyham; and sisters, Lucille Swafford, Rachel Wyrick, Ruby Mickel and Edna Harris.
Ruth previously lived in Bledsoe County until moving to Dayton in 1970 and was a former owner of Swafford’s Store in the Old Washington community. She enjoyed reading her bible, puzzle books, and gardening. She was the oldest member and charter member of Hilltop Baptist Church.
Ruth is survived by her sons, Bobby Swafford and Donnie (Yvonne) Swafford; daughters, Betty (Gary) Stinnett, JoAnn (Tim) Harris and Kathy (Donnie) Young; a sister, Loretta Hawkins; a brother, Ola Harris; grandchildren, Dustin (Paulena) Swafford, Lauren Swafford, Crystal (James) Robbins, Ashley (David) Madewell, Tamara and Andrea Swafford, Wendy McAfee, Cindy (Chris) Vincent, Tate Harris, Natalie Garrison, Samantha (Steven) Huskey, Valerie (Donnie) Allen and Frankie (Kelly) Young; great-grandchildren, Kamryn Swafford, Lincoln and Kennedy Madewell, Avistynn Robbins, Blake, Emily and Tyler Flatt, Cole Mc Afee, Leah Brown, Cody Garrison, Jared Harris, Justin Casey, Abby Young, Logan and Rylee Huskey, Bailey Burkley, Bryce, and Brody Allen; and special caregiver Marlena Brady all of Rhea County.
Funeral services for Ruth will be Friday, January 30 at noon at Hilltop Baptist Church with Pastor Clint Green and Pastor Tony Williams officiating. She will be laid to rest in Spence Cemetery followed by a white dove release. Mrs. Swafford will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service.
The family is being served by Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends Thursday January 29 from 3-7 p.m.