Florence Ruth Carnley: Obiutary

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces the death and funeral services for Mrs. Florence Ruth “Miss Ruthie” Carnley, age 97, of Blairsville, who passed away at her daughter’s home in Blairsville on Saturday, December 18, 2010.“Miss Ruthie” was born Thursday, January 23, 1913, in Houghton, Michigan, a daughter of the late Alvin Theodore and Hilma Mary (Heilkka) Steller. She had worked as a waitress for Morans in San Francisco, California, before accepting Christ as her Savior in 1951. Then she became a full time military wife and mother. She was married aboard the USS Sierra April 6, 1947 in San Diego, California, to John Quentin Carnley, they were the first couple to ever get married aboard a military vessel. “Miss Ruthie” and her husband started a church in their home on Cedar Street in Milton, Florida in 1959. It became Northside Baptist Church where John served as a Deacon and “Miss Ruthie” was a Sunday School Teacher. Later Northside Baptist became Stewart Street Baptist Church. Then it became West Florida Baptist Church, in Milton, Florida, where she remained a faithful member until 1998. In 1993 she was honored as “Mother of Year” and received a plaque which reads “Her children will rise up and call her blessed” Proverbs 31: 28. She was a Godly example to many of the women and young ladies there. “Miss Ruthie” became a member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville in 1998, and was a member of the Charity Sunday School Class and never missed a service until this past year. She was preceded in death by her husband of of 50 years, John Quentin Carnley; also six sisters and four brothers and a baby great granddaughter.

“Miss Ruthie” is survived by, chosen daughter, God’s gift through adoption, Sherry Carnley Moriarty and son-in-law Dick Moriarty Jr. of Blairsville; grandchildren, Rich Moriarty and wife Sonda of Oviedo, Florida; and Kimberly Moriarty Marek and husband Butch of Blairsville; seven great grandchildren: Justin Richard Moriarty, Katie Lynn Moriarty, Daniel Quentin Moriarty, Austin Castle, Natalie Castle, Alexis McKinzie Marek and Sidney Simone Marek.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 26, 2010, at 3:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Blairsville with Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. “Miss Ruthie” will be eulogized by her daughter, Sherry, and special music will be presented by Sherry Moriarty and Kimberly Marek. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the start of the funeral service. Interment and graveside service will follow at a later date in Serenity Gardens in Milton, Florida, with Rev. Alan Stewart officiating. Pallbearers there will be Dick Moriarty and Walt Chambers.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Please join us in remembering “Miss Ruthie” by visiting our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com, where you can share fond memories and send condolences to the family.