Ruth Ward

Ruth Ward, 89, of the Sullivan Gardens Community, Kingsport, passed away at her home on Sunday night, February 1, 2009, following a period of declining health.

Ruth was born in Johnson City to David F. and Fannie Kate Boyd. She graduated from Jonesborough High School. In 1940 she married her high school sweetheart, James E. Ward.

In 1946, Ruth and her husband moved to Kingsport and opened Ward's Feed Store. She was very active in the business as long as her health permitted. Ward's Feed Store has been a family business for almost 63 years. Ruth was a member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, James E. Ward; her parents; four brothers, Carl, Clarence, John, and Dave Boyd; and sister Kathleen Boyd.

Surviving are two sons, Larry and wife Martha, Kingsport; Ron and wife Geraldine, Gainesville, FL; three grandchildren and their spouses, Allen and Becky Ward, Kingsport; Jeannine and Wes Morris, Kingsport; Sarah and Bobby Stevens, Baileyton; six great-grandsons, Garrett Ward, Charlie, Tommy, and Jimmy Morris, Billy and Andy Stevens.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to friends and to the wonderful caregivers from Care Central and Amedysis Hospice during her illness.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home chapel with Dr. Kenneth W. LaDuke and Wes and Charlie Morris officiating.

Interment will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Nephews will serve as pall bearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, 3200 Glen Alpine Road, Kingsport, TN 37660