Ruth Edmonds Byrd

Our remarkable mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruthie died Sunday, March 20, 2016. Her family and friends will miss her greatly, but the precious memories she leaves with us will forever live on in our hearts.
Ruth was born October 15, 1920, in Mayodan, North Carolina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a much loved sister, Doris Childress; brothers, Fred Edmonds, Garland Edmonds, Bobby Edmonds, and Billy Edmonds. She loved her baby brothers dearly.
Her surviving sisters-in-law, Frances, Betty, and Barbara were like sisters to her, and she loved them so much. A surviving brother, Harold Edmonds, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was so dear to her. She leaves many nieces and nephews who were so loved. Family was very important to her, and she loved each one so much.
Ruth is survived by a daughter, Brenda Byrd Cantrell and husband, John; a son, Dennis Paul Byrd and wife, Linda; grandchildren, Bill Cantrell and wife, Linda of Sarasota, Florida, Anne Cantrell Day and husband, David of Charlotte, North Carolina, Paula Byrd Hand and husband, Kent of Gainsville, Georgia, Joel Byrd and wife, Victoria of Gardiner, Montana. Her grandchildren were such love and joy to her. She enjoyed taking them hiking and spending time in the woods with them enjoying nature. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Brett Hand, Ashley Hand Foxworth, Katie Day, Nicole Hand, Elizabeth Day, and Elijah Byrd. The great-grands were equally important and deeply loved. She would get so excited when they visited and called. Her family was her pride and joy. Ruthie loved people, and her dear friends meant so much to her. We will miss her so much and saying goodbye is hard, but God brought home a willing, witty helper to all.
Ruthie retired after twenty-nine years at Grace Hospital as director of Admitting and Emergency Room Departments. While there she was responsible for bringing “Lifeline” to Morganton, North Carolina. Ruthie played a major role in bringing “Friendship Force” to Morganton. She loved taking trips around the world meeting people in Thailand, Australia, England, South America, Germany, Canada, and many cities in USA. She remained friends with so many and enjoyed their visits and letters until she died. Ruthie also helped form “Parents Without Partners”, and “Foothill Hoofers”, a hiking club, which she enjoyed very much. She was an officer in AARP, Grace Hospital Guild, and The Historical Society. She loved her church, First Baptist, and Dorcas Sunday School Class. She loved visiting her shut-ins.
What an incredible woman, our mother, and she lived life to the fullest. Her witty sense of humor will be missed. When faced with any adversity her famous quote always was, “This too shall pass”. That was her motto for life. Our mother will be missed so much. She always told us we were her best work.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at The First Baptist Church, Morganton, North Carolina, on Thursday, March 24, at 11:00am. Dr. Thomas Bland will conduct the Celebration Service. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Church Parlor.
Our family extends sincere appreciation to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care. We especially thank Dawn McGimsey, Laura Roach, and Carolyn McDaniels for your loving care you extended to our dear mother. We also would like to thank the staff at Grace Heights for your loving care. Ruthie referred to the nurses and CNA’s as her special angels who put her to bed and got her up each day.
In lieu of flowers Ruthie would like memorial gifts be made to The First Baptist Church, 502 West Union Street, Morganton, North Carolina, or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.