Ruth Michaels Pritchard

Ruth Michaels Pritchard, 94, most recently of Lexington, SC entered the Gates of Heaven on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

Born April 10, 1928, to Oscar A. and Florence Buff Michaels, she was the widow of Leonard Wood Pritchard. The young sweethearts were married in 1945, 2 weeks after he was honorably discharged from the United States Army and were inseparable until his death in 1992.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Michaels and Oscar Ray Michaels; sisters, Junie Michaels, Essie Epley, and Betty Pollard; nephews, Gerald Michaels, Robert Michaels, Tim Pollard and Lee Pollard; and nieces, Elizabeth Hardee and Debbie Pollard Petty.

Ruth is survived by sister, Mary Jane Simmons; nieces, Barbara Prestwood and Toni Greer; nephews, William Michaels, David Michaels, Steve Michaels, Dennis Michaels, Allen Pollard, and Junior Epley.

A livelong Christian, Ruth was member of Riverside Baptist Church for decades. Her father and father-in-law were founding members of Riverside. She later became a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church. Reverend Tony Land now of Abee’s Chapel Baptist Church became her Christian mentor and remained so until her death. Ruth had a heart for God and witnessed to anyone she could get to listen. Her final wish was that her family all know The Lord so she could be reunited with them in Heaven one day.

Ruth worked at Morganton Hosiery Mill for many years. An avid baker, she opened her own “Donut Shop”. Upon selling the shop she still felt called to bake and worked part time for several local restaurants as the maker of all things sweet and delicious. Ruth’s coconut cakes were legendary and although many have tried, the family just cannot duplicate them.

The family will receive friends from 11am – 1 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home at 1pm with the Rev. Tony Land officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Abee’s Chapel Baptist Church, 4259 Mineral Springs Mountain Rd., Connelly Springs, NC 28612 or Riverside Baptist Church, 516 NC-126, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.