Ruth Johnson Duckett

She was born in Sparta, TN, on October 12, 1930, to the late Squire Franklin and Grace Fletcher Johnson. Ruth graduated from White County High School, and went on to attend Trevecca College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude as Class Valedictorian, with a B.A. in English and Biology, and a minor in Education. Her accomplishments included Who’s Who in American Colleges, Phi Delta Lambda, Dean’s List, National Honor Society President, Student Council, Yearbook Editor, Newspaper Staff, Science Club President, as well as being the recipient of the Student Body Leadership and Student Body Citizenship Award – the highest award the College presented to a graduating senior. Ruth married her college sweetheart, Charles Duckett, on July 13, 1957.

Ruth was a teacher for 37 years with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). During her career, she was elected Teacher of the Year, achieved TN State Career Ladder III, and was a member of the executive board of the Metro Nashville Education Association (MNEA) Board of Directors for two terms. Ruth was a member of Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene and formerly Children’s Church Director, VBS Director, and Quiz Coach of Donelson Church of the Nazarene.

Survivors include her husband, Charles W. Duckett, Sr.; two sons, Charles W. Duckett, Jr. and Philip C. Duckett of Donelson; a daughter, Karen (Tommy) Mellette of Old Hickory; a brother, Earl Johnson, Sr. of Sparta; grandsons, Philip E. Duckett and Zachary Duckett; and granddaughter, Ruth Duckett.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Hermitage Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Dove officiating, entombment to follow in Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 13, from 2-5 p.m., and on Monday, February 14, from 10-11 a.m. Condolences may be offered at www.hermitagefh.com. Arrangements by HERMITAGE FUNERAL HOME 535 Shute Lane Old Hickory. (615)889-0361.