Ruth Matherly

Ruth Matherly, 87, of Kingsport passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

Born in Bristol, VA, Ruth was the oldest of eleven children born to Rev. E.C. and Willie May Trentham. She came to Kingsport in 1939 when her father was the minister of Ketron Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was a member and served as the pianist. Ruth married J.B. Matherly in 1941. She retired from J.C. Penney Company after 20+ years of service. She was a member of the Opti-Mrs. Club of Lynn Garden, where she served in many capacities and a member of the United Commercial Travelers of America where she served in local and state levels. She attended Soddy Daisy High School and Sullivan High School.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband J.B. Matherly; parents, Rev. E.C. and Willie May Trentham; four sisters, Helen Gross, Arlene Christopher, Betty Jo Armes, Judy Trentham and three infant siblings.

Survivors include her son Rev. Benny Matherly and wife, Elaine of Chattanooga; daughter Elaine Netherland of Kingsport; two grandchildren, her caregiver Angela Manis and husband, Wendell of Sevierville, Kevin Matherly and wife of Chattanooga; two great-grandchildren, April Flowers and Shanna Barrett both of Sevierville; three sisters, Rubye Reagan of Pigeon Forge, Patsy Letner of Rockwood, TN, Jean Trentham of Rockwood, TN along with several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-7:30 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The service will begin at 7:30 pm with Rev. Charles Harrison, Rev. Dale Wyrick and son, Rev. Benny Matherly officiating.

Graveside services will be Friday at 11 a.m. in Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.