Ruth Evelyn Rhinehart Bennett
Ruth Evelyn Rhinehart Bennett, 87, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2022, at home, surrounded by family.
Born December 4, 1935, in Graysville, Ga., she lived in East Tennessee most of her life, recently residing in Monteagle. Ruth graduated from Tyner High School in 1953, and attended Stetson College in Florida before returning to Tennessee and joining the workforce, first at Heavy Minerals, Inc., and then at the former Hamilton Bank.
Ruth had a sense of adventure and loved to travel, whether exploring the American West or the Great Smoky Mountains in her Volkswagen camper van or traveling south to enjoy the sun at her home in St. Joe Beach, FL. Ruth’s interest in travel revealed her curiosity about the world, which she also demonstrated by mastering countless hobbies throughout her life, including cooking and entertaining, pottery, flower arranging, quilting, renovating homes, enjoying music and playing the piano, keeping up with current events, and even learning Spanish in her 70’s.
A gracious host, Ruth had a delightful sense of occasion, whether she was welcoming her large family for a holiday meal complete with Williamsburg-style decor or mixing up a Sazerac to be enjoyed with a crossword puzzle at the beach. Beautiful inside and out, Ruth also had an eye for beauty, both in the simple things like a sunset view from her last home on Monteagle Mountain, and the grand, like the beautiful antiques she collected throughout her life. Her wit, joie de vivre, and grace will be missed by all who loved her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Scott Rhinehart and Lytton Parker Rhinehart, and her husband of 62 years, Robert “Bob” Bennett.
She is survived by her brothers, Richard Rhinehart (Candy) and Robert Rhinehart, daughters, Diana Doyle (Richard) and Starr Chiles (Kendall), sons, Michael (Paula), Scott (Ginger Freeman), and Andy (Georgia Caruthers) Bennett, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was an inspiration and a mainstay for her family.
A graveside service will be held in the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Robert. Following the service, friends and family will be received and refreshments served at the home of Michael and Paula Bennett.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.