Virginia Ruth Fellers Neal

Virginia Ruth Fellers Neal, 88, Kingsport, TN passed away at her home on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 31, 1922 in Greeneville, TN where she lived through high school. Ruth then attended Whitney Business College and worked with Mason-Dixon Trucking Company in Kingsport for a few years. She then moved to Bristol, TN where she lived and worked at Virginia Intermont College. It was there that Ruth met her husband of 66 years, Charles Neal. They married in 1944 and moved to Kingsport where they made their home.

Ruth was a charter member of the Crusade Class at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. She was active in many church activities, such as United Methodist Women, circle meetings, bible school, and bible studies. Ruth was a member of the Eastern Star and was active in local garden clubs and school PTA. After her children were grown, she returned to work with the Kingsport Girls Club for ten years. The center of her life was her family, her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Neal January 2011; her parents, Guy and Ethel Darter Fellers; one brother, Fred Fellers of Afton, TN January 1994; and one sister, Josephine Fellers Seaver of Greeneville March 2011.

Ruth is survived by three daughters, Phyllis Willis and husband Jack of Kingsport, Connie Griffith and husband John of Knoxville, and Donna Moore and husband Grady of Kingsport; eight grandchildren, Ginny Crawford, Jackie Seto, Candy Macfarlane, Amanda Lokar, Dr. Stephanie Slagle, Grady, Ashley, and Charlie Moore; ten great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends 12:30 to 2 p.m. Saturday at First Broad Street United Methodist Church. Friends may also call at the home of Phyllis Willis at 255 DeLee Drive.

The service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church with Rev. Jack P. Weikel and Rev. J. Spurgeon McCartt officiating.

An entombment service will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Jerry Crawford, Jeff Seto, Dr. Rob Macfarlane, Dr. Bill Lokar, Steven Slagle, Grady Moore and Charlie Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Crusade Class.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Wellington Place where Ruth and Charlie had resided since August 2010. We also want to thank Amedisys Hospice for their loving care and guidance during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1346, Kingsport, TN 37662; and to Amedisys Hospice Services, 200 Professional Park Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663.