OBITUARY: Ruth Gardner Upchurch

Ruth Gardner Upchurch, age 101, passed away at Fountainview Nursing Home in Eldorado on Saturday, March 30, 2013.

Ruth was born in Eldorado on June 8, 1911. She married John David Upchurch who preceded her in death. During her early years, Ruth enjoyed a career in the social security administration. She was interested in politics, and supported her husband during his term as a state representative. Ruth was an involved Aunt. She was proud of her collection of fine antiques. Ruth was a gracious woman with an impeccable sense of style who served as a role model of good etiquette for those who knew her.

Ruth was the last member of the John Lewis Gardner and Rosa Mae Brown family which included sister Reba Gardner Mitchell and brothers Robert, Roy, Charles Raymond "Pete" and William Gardner.

Surviving relatives includes nephews Brian and John (Gayla) Gardner, as well as great nieces and nephews Gardner (Beverly) Holland, Emily Holland, Erin (Jason) Gardner Barton, Natalie (David) Gardner Fry and Sydney Gardner. Four great-great-nieces and nephews survive including: Anna Holland, Mallory Barton, Benjamin Barton and Ethan Fry.

A special niece, Carol Gardner Holland, preceded Ruth in death. During Ruth's lifetime in Eldorado she enjoyed and supported the work of the Eldorado Garden Club, the Eldorado Public Library and the United Methodist Church.

Graveside services will be held at Wolf Creek Cemetery 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at with the Rev. John Cross officiating. Memorials may be made to the Eldorado Garden Club or Eldorado chapter of VNA Hospice.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com