| Notes |
- Ruth Millsaps Dillard passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at Life Care of Elizabethton.
Today our family, friends and community celebrate the life of Ruth Millsaps Dillard. Ruth was born September 2, 1915, in Mountain City, TN, to the late David and Amelia Moore Nave. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Ellard "Birdeye" Millsaps; a daughter, Florence Millsaps Isaacs, in 1984; three Sisters, Mary Alice Stout, Artie Lott and Kate Thomas; four Brothers, John Nave, Ralph Nave, Ike Nave and Luther Nave,
Ruth and her family moved from Old Butler in 1948. She and her family relocated to the present day community of Butler, TN. Prior to her death she was one of a handful of original surviving residents from Old Butler.
Ruth, along with her husband, were proprietors of Birdseye's Service Station and Grill for 30 years. Ruth had decades of fond memories and events that occurred over the years. She spoke fondly of the many friends she was blessed to know during her years in Butler. Ruth was active in the community and welcomed all to her home on Main Street.
During the move from Old Butler, Ruth would hear the sound of buildings being moved to the newly established community of Butler and with each home and business that relocated, she knew that another part of the original town was gone. Through her relentless spirit and determination, she along with her husband, built a home and business that would contribute in many ways to the community and be a loving place to raise their family.
As years passed, Ruth was always eager to share her knowledge of the community, the changes she lived through, and shared many of the stories she experienced with her many friends and neighbors. These are precious memories that will live on in our hearts forever.
Ruth married Jess Dillard in 1982 and they continued to reside in Butler. Ruth and Jess spent 29 happy years together. Ruth was a lifelong member of the Butler Baptist Church.
Ruth is survived by two daughters, Lorraine Matherly, of Powell, TN, and Doris Ann Harry and husband, Bill, of Butler; one son, Raymond Millsaps and wife, Imogene, of Elizabethton; Special family friend, George Richmond, of Oak Ridge, TN; 10 Grandchildren: Deborah Woodward, Amelia Jarvis, Bo Matherly, Steve Isaacs, Pat Rhudy, David Millsaps, Doug Millsaps, Candice Sieiro, Rena Tittle and Michael White; 12 Great Grandchildren; 9 Great Great Grandchildren; and 8 Step-Grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Funeral Chapel with Rev. Daniel Wood officiating. Music will be provided by Sharon and Sara Millsaps and Rev. Daniel Wood.
Burial will follow the service in the Butler Memorial Cemetery with music provided by Jon Shell, Piper.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Active Pallbearers, who are requested to be at the funeral home by 1:55 p.m., are: David Millsaps, Doug Millsaps and Steve Isaacs, Bo Matherly, Matthew Millsaps, Ben Isaacs, Tony Rhudy and Walt Tittle III. Honorary Pallbearers are: Bill Shoun, Larry Shoun, George Lowe, Michael White, Jim Ferguson, Lloyd McFadden, Bob Harry, George Richmond, Chester Harmon and Darrell Campbell.
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1915 - 2012 (97 years)
