Ruth was born in Jackson County to the late Leo B. Billingsley and Maggie Coomer Billingsley. She was a graduate of Jackson County High School and Draughn Business College. Over the years, she dedicated her talents to Harvey’s Department Store Office, served at Sumner County’s Ellis Middle School Cafeteria, and later worked in the Park Place Office.
Ruth was a devoted member of Madison Church of Christ and also attended Hendersonville Church of Christ, where she built lasting friendships rooted in her strong faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jesse B. Hale (married December 18, 1959); her brother, David Billingsley; sisters, Nell B. Johnson and Mai B. Smith; her nephew, Jeff Spivey; and her faithful dog, Cricket.
Ruth leaves behind cherished family and friends who will carry on her memory: her sister, Patricia Spivey of Madison; brother, Don Billingsley (Sylvia) of Oneida; sister-in-law, Janie Billingsley; brothers-in-law, Billy Johnson and Herb Smith; her aunt, Juanita Gross of Michigan; along with many nieces and nephews — Angela Johnson Brown (Jim) of Cedar Hill, Larry Smith (Donna) of Cookeville, David Ray Smith (Sue Ann) of Cookeville, Kim Spivey Stafford (Garry) of Gainesboro, Jennifer Spivey Dietsch of Old Hickory, Darrin Billingsley of Goodlettsville, Jason Billingsley (Tonya) of Hendersonville, Byron Billingsley (Beth) of South Carolina, Wesley Billingsley of Oneida, Seth Billingsley of Oneida, and Jacob Billingsley (Ashley) of Oneida. She also leaves behind twelve great-nieces and nephews, eight great-great nieces and nephews, and five very special boys who were dear to her heart: Jonah, Noah, Cale, Hudson, and Hawkie.
Ruth will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to family, and faith-filled life.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Avenna Hospice for their excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief in her honor.
