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On Thursday, March 10, 2022 our beloved mother, Ruth Whittington Orr, 92, of the Ripshin Community in Roan Mountain, Tenn., went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Ruth was born in Roan Mountain to the late Dale and Vertie Tolley Whittington. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie Orr, and a sister, Marie Elliott.
Ruth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, educating for over 35 years in the Carter County School System. She was so much more than an educator, she was a mentor, an inspiration and a true Southern Belle. Her voice uplifted, her technique was honed to perfection and so many young people were touched and moved by her teaching gift. She was of the Free Will Baptist faith and enjoyed sewing and gardening, which only seems right as she also taught Home Economics, again excelling at what she did best!
Ruth loved her “Ripshin” home and doted about it to anyone and everyone. Her voice was unique and a robust reminder of days gone by. She was in fact what the South is known for — kindness, Christianity and grace. Ruth left a legacy that will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known this true Southern lady.
Those left to join her someday include her daughter and son-in-law, Pamella and Jim Taylor; her son, Joe Orr; ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Delores Haley. Many past colleagues, teachers, friends and neighbors are left to cherish her fond memory.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Mrs. Ruth Orr will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 19, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Pastor Greg Whitehead officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow in the Peters Cemetery on Ruth’s beloved Ripshin Mountain beside her beloved husband. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be her past colleagues from her employment with the Carter County School System and her many many students that loved and adored her. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Joyce Largent and the staff of Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living for their excellent care and support during Ruth’s illness. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Morgan Chapel Free Will Baptist Church or to the Free Will Baptist Family Memories. Words of comfort can be sent to the family through our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Ruth Whittington Orr. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information and Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.