Ruth Secrest Kahler, 84, of Morganton, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 27, 2023. She was born on July 12, 1938 in Burke County to the late Jacob Albert Secrest and Lois Dagenhart Secrest. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church. From 1962-1966, Ruth was a flight attendant with Delta Airlines. She graduated from nursing school in 1984 with her RN degree and certification as a CCRN. She worked at Grace Hospital until her retirement. She was an avid Tarheel fan.
Ruth said that she was here because of her mother’s prayers and Jon, Jeanne and their children are here because of Ruth’s prayers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Charles Norman Kahler and her sister, Nancy Elaine Cox.
Ruth is survived by her children, Dr. Jonathan E. C. Kahler (Caryn) and Jeanne Kahler Schlichting; grandchildren, William Charles Schlichting, Jonathan Charles Kahler, Joshua Curtis Kahler and Julia Cristyn Kahler; brother, Albert Wayne Secrest (Emma); several nieces and nephews; a special friend and caretaker for the past five years, Mary Fritts.
The funeral will be at 12:00pm Saturday, March 4, 2023 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan McKim officiating. Honors will be provided by the NC Nurses Honor Guard. The family will receive friends following the service in the Gathering Area. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cameron, TX. The service will be live-streamed beginning at 12 pm, on the Facebook page of First United Methodist Church Morganton (https://www.facebook.com/fumcmorganton) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@firstumcmorganton9267/streams).
Memorial contribution may be made to First United Methodist Church, Gifts & Memorials, 200 N. King St, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Amorem Hospice.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Oh the days we spent together at Salem High, the Senior Trip to Washington, those were Glory Days! I was glad we got together on out latest Reunion, and we shared so much!. I only wish I would have called you after the Reunion! There was so much to say and too little time! We will see each other again, that is a promise! Love you girl, Jackie
Sweet Ruth , a pleasure to know and work with at Grace Hospital. Your caring heart has helped so many people. You cared for my Mom in her time of need and I was glad to thank you a last time recently. You’ve ran your race 😇
Heaven has,indeed, gained another Angel . Ruth loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I know all who have known and loved her have had better days in their life due to her encouragement and sharing Jesus with them. I have wonderful memories of our times together during the time that Jeanne and John and our son, Paul Anthony (Tony) Yount were growing up . I will treasure our times together always and I will ,indeed, miss my wonderful precious friend.
Ruth was a wonderful person. She guided me through my first years as a nurse at Grace Hospital. She always worked so hard to give her children what they needed. She was a prayer warrior for anyone who needed it. My heart hurts that she is gone but I know God will give her everything she needs. Save a place for me Ruth. I look forward to joining you one day. God has someone up there now to help him. You were one good lady Ruth. and our reunions you put together will never be the same. Thanks so much for your precious friendship , Love- Patsy McNeely
Our deepest condolences to Ruth's family. Ruth was such a Sweet Friend & customer of ours @ Morganton Natural Foods for many years. We will miss her dearly. Bob & Bev Feimster
My deepest condolences to Ruth's children, grandchildren & family. Ruth was a dear colleague from all our years at Grace and a loving friend. She was a thoughtful, generous mentor and a sweet, fun & praying friend who will be dearly missed.
To all the family of Ruth. I worked with her and loved her kindness and compassion. She was very special and loved her family with a mighty Godly force. She was my husband's nurse when he had his first cancer surgery years ago and was wonderful as always. My prayers are with you and I know she is up there with Jesus smiling and loving every minute. May God give you comfort as only he can do. Love and prayers to all.
We will both miss you. In your absence, a great void will be left!
Ruth and I worked together many years ago. We shared the pregnancy experience together and both delivered sons a few days apart and they have been friends over the years. She loved her children and family. She was a special lady. We have lost touch over the years with busy lives but anytime we talked it was as if time had never passed. I will miss her. -Martha Snipes
Scott, Marley and I loved Ruth so much. She was a fabulous nurse, mom and friend!! There can never be another as faithful and kind as Ruth.. will truly be missed!! Sincerest condolences to her family and friends!!!!!!¡!