Ruth Bond Ethridge, 89, was born on Dec. 13, 1930, in Logan County. She went to heaven peacefully on Dec. 14, 2019, at Hospice of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green.
She graduated from Olmstead High School in 1948, attended Bethel College in 1955 and 1956, graduated from Murray State College in 1959 and attended Southern Baptist Seminary in 1961. During summer months Ruth worked as a missionary at locations including DeLand, Fla., Champagne, Ill. and Ridgecrest, N. C. In 1962 she moved to Wray, Col., to work for the Baptist Home Mission Board. While living in Wray, she taught first grade for many years in the Yuma County School System.
In 1962, she met Pat Ethridge at Wray Baptist Church, fell in love and they were married in 1963. Pat died in 1993, with Ruth remaining a resident of Wray until 1997 when she moved back to Russellville where she remained until her death.
Ruth was a member and supporter of Second Baptist Church in Russellville. Her favorite charity was St. Jude Children Research Hospital in Memphis.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gracie Bond. She was also preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers: Kenneth Bond, Ruby Butler, James Bond, Lois Ringham, Frances McIntosh, Shirley Utley and Sara Reynolds. She is survived by two sisters, Pauline DeVasier of Russellville and Nell Violett of Cartersville, Ga. Ruth is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Special recognition to Ruth’s caregivers: Kay and Bob English, Wendy and Billy Tomlinson and Jan DeVasier.
Funeral services for Ruth Bond Ethridge will be conducted at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Summers and Son Funeral Home with Dr. Ron Wells officiating with burial to follow in Walnut Grove Church Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the service time.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.