Ruthie Faye (Bivens) Warner

Ruthie Faye Bivens Warner, age 94, of Athens passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at her residence.

Ruthie was born in the Ballplay Community, near Madisonville and was a longtime resident of McMinn County.  She was a daughter of the late John C. and Macy Winters Bivens.  She was preceded by her husband of 17 years, William “Bill” George Warner on November 24, 2021, son James Ross Stephens, sisters Winnie Mae Bishop, Florence Vila Hitson, Nellie Ann Rowley, June Davis, Lou Ellen Wentworth and Polly Gilbert, and brothers Samuel Wayne Bivens, Eugene Bivens, Fred C. Bivens, John D. Bivens, Otis Ray Bivens, and infant brother James Bivens. 

Ruthie was a member of Rocky Mount Baptist Church. She was the first registered Dental Assistant in McMinn County, having served with Dr. Robert Wolfenden for over 30 years. Prior to that, she served as a beautician. She enjoyed hiking, the beach and being with her grandchildren.

Ruthie is survived by her

Daughter Joyce Ballew of Athens;

Four grandchildren Misty Hayes (Rodney), Michael Stephens (Mary), Chad Stephens (Melanie), Doretha Davis- Ledford (Terry);

Eleven great grandchildren Jase Spicer (Cami), Macy Spicer and fiance’ Chase Marvin, Chelsea Vantrease (Sterling), Dylan Stephens, Chloe Hall (Bailey), Ciara Barnett (Colby), Samantha Gonzalez (Andres), Grace Davis, Shalyleigh Ledford, Katie Carnley and Terry Ledford II;

Ten great-great grandchildren;

Along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Ziegler Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Dodge and Pastor Michael Jackson officiating. Interment will follow in McMinn Memory Gardens.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Thursday prior to the service at Ziegler Funeral Home.

If you cannot attend the visitation or funeral service, you can sign the online guest registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Ruthie Faye Bivens Warner.