ANNA RUTH (WOMAC) RODERICK

Anna Ruth Roderick, 90, passed away on Friday evening, January 26, 2018, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her children and her very special CNA, Shelia Erwin.  Ruth was known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers.  She possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor.  Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith.  Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.  She was an active member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, teaching numerous WMU classes, Vacation Bible Schools and adult ladies Sunday school classes.

The daughter of Luther Jackson Womac and Ida Mae (Howard) Womac, Anna Ruth was born on June 17, 1927.  She met her sweetheart, Hubert Roderick, during a Sunday afternoon of friends and family pitching horse shoes after church services.  The couple was married the following year on January 5, 1944 and began their life together on a farm in Riceville, TN.

Ruth and Hubert raised their children, Phyllis, Clifford, Joan and Alan on the family farm.  After the children were through school, she began working at Athens Products, where she retired in 1992.   Possessing a true servant’s heart, Ruth faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking/baking.  A woman of faith and a heart with a real zest for life, Ruth loved to draw, sew, gardening, canning and teaching her children to be all that they could be.  She was a hard working woman who worked right along with Hubert on the farm raising various crops and livestock.  She loved entertaining her grandchildren with storytelling and walks on the farm.  She also loved to impart important life lessons.

She was predeceased in 2009 by her husband of sixty-five years, Hubert Leonard Roderick, an infant son, Hubert Leonard Roderick, Jr., her parents, Luther and Ida Mae (Howard) Womac, Mother and Father-in-law, Adolphus and Lela (Jones) Roderick, Brother, J. W. Womac and Sister, Betty Runyon and two sons in law, Charles (Sonny) Earls and David Walker.

Her surviving family members include four children Phyllis Earls, Riceville, TN, Cliff (Charlotte Ables) Roderick, Athens, TN, Joan (Michael) Parish, Rockledge, FL and Alan (Sheila Carroll) Roderick, Athens, TN.

9 Grandchildren: Angela (Walker) Mercurio, Dana (Steve) (Walker) Vladyka, Chad Roderick, Chris Roderick, Courtney (Craig) Dillon, Joey (Pam) Roderick, Stan (Katie) Roderick, Matthew (Sandy) Earls, and Lance (Brandy) Roderick.

14 Great-Grandchildren: James Walker, Stephanie Vladyka, Leianne (Brett) Blough, Blake Roderick, Chase Roderick, Ayleena Earls, Mason Roderick, Max Roderick, Copper Roderick, Kyla Earls, Sawyer Roderick, Nikki Roderick, Mallorie Roderick, and Bentley Earls.

3 Great-Great Grandchildren:  Jayden Walker, Avaleigh Walker, and James Walker, Jr.

Brother, Frank (Joyce) Womac, Decatur, TN and Brother-in-law Buck (Diane) Roderick, Hodgkins, IL., many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wants to express very special thanks for the loving care from Caris Hospice, NHC, Lifecare and Morning Pointe. 

Visitation for Ruth will be held at Ziegler Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2018 followed by the funeral service at 7:00 PM officiated by the Rev. Robert Sneed.  A graveside service will be on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 1212 County Road 100, Athens, TN.  Pallbearers will be the grandsons.  A luncheon reception for the family and friends will be held in the fellowship hall of Oak Grove Baptist Church immediately following the interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1212 County Road 100, Athens, TN 37303. 

If you are unable to attend the visitation or service, sign the guest registry at www.zieglerfuneral-home.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.