Iva Ruth (Williams) Winebarger

Iva Ruth (Williams) Winebarger, 89, of Kingsport, passed away on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at The Wexford House.

She was born in Cosby, TN. Iva attended Warren Wilson High School and Warren Wilson Junior College in Swannanoa, NC. She came to Kingsport in 1949 as the Christian Education Director of Grace Presbyterian Church, a new church at that time, located on Donelson Street. Iva spent the rest of her life in Kingsport, and was very involved in Christian education in her church, Bethel Presbyterian where she taught adult Sunday School and bible studies for many years. She retired in 1994 after 25 years as church secretary of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. Iva was a volunteer for many organizations including The Shepherd Center. She was a great cook, and one of her many ministries was delivering homemade soup to shut-ins and friends. Another was visiting those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Iva touched many lives during her time on earth, and she will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

Iva was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Winebarger; her parents, Luther and Ida Sisk Williams; 5 brothers and 1 sister.

She is survived by her son, Craig Winebarger (Martha) of Simpsonville, SC; two step-daughters, Debby Clasen (John) and Donna Cole (Lonnie);grandchildren, Katie Winebarger, San Francisco, CA, Alex Winebarger, Greenville, SC, David Waterhouse, Greenville, SC, Catherine Clasen Askew (Pete), Northumberland, England, Liz Clasen-Kelly (Fred), Charlotte, NC, Bryan Clasen, Asheville, NC, Chris Ann Miller, Dallas, TX, Drew Cole (Laura), Atlanta, GA, 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1593 Warpath Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664.

A celebration of her beautiful life will be held on Sunday, August 12, at 2 p.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1593 Warpath Drive., Kingsport, TN 37664, with Rev. Kaye Florence and Rev. Catherine Askew officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.