Ruth Arabella Ballew: Obituary

Obituaries

Ruth Arabella Ballew

July 11, 1922 – November 4, 2018

Mrs. Ruth Arabella Jones Ballew of Epworth, Georgia passed away Sunday,
November 4, 2018 at Pruitt Health in Blue Ridge, Georgia. She was 96 years old.

She was born July 11, 1922 to the late Hicks and Dorothy Jones. She was
preceded in death by her husband Clarence Ballew, her parents, and brother Homer Jones (Inez). Ruth is survived by daughters Judy Byler (Phil), Connie Ramey (Buford), and son Mike Ballew (Sherri). She is also survived by five grandchildren: Tim Byler (Cindy), Wendy Walters (Todd), Debbie Sorrells, Sarah Welch (Chris), and Michael Ballew (Ashley). She had eight great grandchildren: Heather Byler, Josiah Byler, Benjamin Byler, Gracie Byler, Kathryn Walters, Emily Houston (Rhett), Joshua Walters, and Addison Welch. She is also survived and known by Donna Jo, Beth, Sheila, the Arps, and many other “family” members as Mamaw. Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends survive as well.

Ruth grew up in Wolf Creek, North Carolina and graduated from Murphy High School in 1939. Ruth and Clarence were married August 10, 1940. Ruth traveled with Clarence during WWII when he was not overseas, and if it had been a different world, she might have pursued a career in law. After the war ended, Clarence and Ruth became residents of Epworth in 1950. She believed in the power of education, and she participated in the local school system as a grade mother and as a volunteer later in life.

Ruth was active in Epworth First Baptist Church until she moved into Pruitt Health. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, and helped keep the nursery for 40 plus years. Ruth was a founding member of the Quilting Ministry at Epworth First Baptist Church, which is still operating and providing blessings to individuals and families today. She was a fierce prayer warrior until the very end, serving as an intercessor for anyone in need.

Ruth served as a Cub Scout leader for many years. In addition, her home was the local gathering place for the community boys. Playing ball and eating snacks provided by Mrs. Ballew were the order of every day.

Ruth was a “people person” with an infectious sense of humor. She loved fellowship with family and friends for food, fun, lots of laughter and love. She would welcome
anyone into her house, and no one left hungry. Ruth had a quick smile (along with her quick wit) and a twinkle in her eye. She had a passion for collecting clean jokes, and she was known to have a little good-natured mischief on occasion. She was a joy to be around.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. from the sanctuary at Epworth First Baptist Church; Dr. Tom Jordan and Dr. Philip Byler will be officiating. Music will be provided by the Rev. Doug Simonds, Dr. Tim Byler, and Emily Houston.
Interment will follow in the Epworth Baptist Cemetery with the following individuals serving as Pallbearers: Tim Byler, Michael Ballew, Ron Ross, John Corn, Chris Welch, Todd Walters, Jonathan Farmer, and Jordan Farmer. Debbie Sorrells and Joe Arp will also serve. Honorary Pallbearers will be the ladies of the Quilting Ministry and the Deacons of Epworth First Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends Friday, November 9, 2018 from 2:00 until 3:45 p.m., prior to the service at the Epworth First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Epworth First Baptist Church Quilting Ministry. Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA.

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