Ruth Elise Hannah

Ruth Elise Ruhl Hannah, age 98, of South Knoxville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Maple Court Assisted Living in Powell, Tennessee. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, she spent part of her childhood in New England, living in western Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. She also lived several years in Hunan Province, China where her parents were missionaries. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, she worked for IBM. In 1943, she married Benjamin Taylor Hannah of Knoxville. After their marriage while Ben was in the US Navy, they lived in Florida and Southern California before settling in South Knoxville where she has lived ever since. Prior to her career of 23 years as a teacher at Mount Olive Elementary School, she was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother and served as PTA President for several years. Called "Mimi" by her grandchildren as well as friends, Ruth remained active in the community volunteering for Timberlake Garden Club and Flower Lovers Club. She was an active member of Lake Hills Presbyterian Church where she served on numerous committees, taught Sunday School, and served as an Elder. She was an avid reader which was instrumental in her volunteering her time as a reading tutor. After retirement she took pottery classes and created many beautiful works of art. She enjoyed the Smoky Mountains and spending time at the family cabin. She was a lifelong member of the Republican Party. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Hesser Clapham Ruhl and Sophie Katherine Forster Ruhl; husband Benjamin Taylor Hannah, Sr.; brother Forster Gehring (Buck) Ruhl; grandson Daniel Aubrey Hannah; son-in-law James Derda; and special friend Bob Esterle. She is survived by son Benjamin Taylor Hannah, Jr. and wife Melissa; Michael Stephen Hannah; daughter Sherry Elizabeth Hannah Derda; daughter Elise (Lisa) Marie Hannah Huff and husband Paul; son Peter Jeremy Hannah and wife Gina Powell Hannah; grandchildren: Sarah Hannah Sherman, Richard Ian Hannah, Joby Hannah, Shannon Hannah Damian, Stacy Hannah Ott, Roxanne Elise Derda, Emily Elise Huff, Katie Huff Cline, Rachel Huff Poland, and Erin Li Hannah; great-grandchildren: Hanna, Mason, and Abby Ott; Isabella, Giancarl, and Gabriella Damian; sister Phyllis Ruhl Given; brother Kenneth Ruhl; countless students, friends, and acquaintances. Family will receive friends on Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, 3805 Maloney Road, Knoxville with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm, Rev. James McTyre officiating. Family and friends will meet at Sherwood Memorial Gardens Monday, December 18, 2017 at 10:00 am for the interment. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com