Ruth Street, age 103, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018, in her home in Elizabethton, Tenn. She was surrounded by the loving care of her family. She was the widow of J.W. Street, the Carter County Road superintendent. They shared 48 years of marriage together.
Born in Roan Mountain, Tenn., on August 20, 1915, she was the daughter of Elijah Wesley and Carrie Forbes. She grew up on Tiger Creek and attended the Backwoods School on Ripshin Mountain. She helped her late husband with a mercantile business selling groceries and furniture and in her later years, owned “Ruth’s Dance Hut.”
She was a faithful member of Rittertown Baptist Church. She was passionate about dancing and loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be remembered for her devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her tender heart, fun spirit, story-telling, and smile that lit up a room will continue be in our hearts and memories.
She is survived by her children, Bobbie Kitchens, Jesse Jr, Jimmy, and Ronnie. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Street, and her daughter, Frances Bolton.
A service to honor the life of Mrs. Street will be conducted on Sunday, September 9, at 8 p.m. with Rev. Dean Smith officiating. Music will be under the direction of Jerry Pierce accompanied by Libby Hatcher. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service. The graveside service and interment will be conducted on Monday, September 10, at 10 a.m. at Rittertown Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jerome Kitchens, Terry Kitchens, Stacy Street, Jesse Street, David Bass, David Widener, Terry Blevins and Travis Bowman. Honorary pallbearers will be Erby Jones, Jonathon Widner, Nathan Widner and John Schepers. Those wishing to attend are invited to meet the family at Tetrick Funeral Home at 9 a.m. Monday to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Ruth asked that all expressions of sympathy to be made as donations to Rittertown Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Street and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917. Mrs. Street’s obituary was lovingly prepared by her family.