Mary Ruth Reatherford White

Mary Ruth Reatherford White was born April 13, 1921 in Waynesboro, TN the daughter of the late Thomas Marvin and Ollie Belle Melson Reatherford. She died Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Wayne County Nursing Home at the age of 92 Years, 9 Months, 30 Days. She was married to Jay T. White January 21, 1937 and he preceded her in death July 15, 1992.

Mrs. Ruth and her husband lived in Michigan for 36 years and were instrumental in establishing churches in Milan and Saline Michigan. She was truly a ministers wife. When her husband surrendered to the ministry, Ruth accepted her call to be his helpmate. She loved her family and she loved her Lord. Her church was her other love and until she became unable to attend, was a faithful and devoted servant in her church both in Michigan and Tennessee. She was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher. She loved teaching Sunday school and vacation Bible school and her pupils were taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also she loved fishing and enjoyed sitting in her recliner watching the birds feed and especially liked the Cardinals. As an avid Detroit Tiger fan, she watched them play everyday during the season. Last year, at age 91, she even kept score for all the games.

She is survived by daughter, Carolyn White of Waynesboro, and daughter in law, Vernell White of Savannah, foster brother, Sydney Phillips and wife Edna of Leoma, sisters in law, Clara Nell Reatherford ; Opal Reatherford ; Monetta Ellison; brother in law Dan White all of Waynesboro, grandchildren, Mark White and his wife Melinda of Orlando, FL and Michael White of Hendersonville, great grandchildren, Austin White and Miranda White, nieces and nephews . In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. White was preceded in death by five sons, Thomas, Shireley, Jerry, Readus, and Bob White, brothers, Ernest, Raymon, and Thomas Reatherford.

The family would like to remember her special friends, caregivers, Misty Kriner and Kay Burns, home health aides and nurses, Natalie Nance and Debra Gilbert of whom allowed Ruth to remain in her home until recently.

Services will beSaturday, February 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Shackelford Funeral Chapel in Waynesboro with Craig Mason and John Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Cromwell Crossroads Cemetery near Collinwood with Shackelford Funeral Directors in charge.

Pallbearers are Larry Haggard, Jeff Alley, Martin Haggard, Jr., Keith Mullins, Jimmy Franks, Dale Kriner, Steven Pulley and Eric Martin.