In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Turner Presbyterian Church, 4802 Lancaster Highway, Monroe, N.C. 28112; or the Union County Public Library, 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe, NC 28112.
Ruth had an accounting practice in Monroe for a number of years and later worked in the state auditor’s office in Raleigh. She was active in church, political, civic and business organizations, holding local and state office in a number of them.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Thomas S. and Ruby Stewart Starnes; husband: Dudley Starnes; brothers: Howard, Robert and Carson Starnes; and grandchild: Rebecca Yates.
Survivors include two daughters: Carol “Lucy” (Dr. William) Comer and the Rev. Joan (the Rev. Bo) Yates; a sister: Dr. Jodie Trotter; a brother: Bruce (Vicki) Starnes; three grandchildren: Maxwell Hess, Casey (Shayne) Grimsley, Julia (finacé Phil Paynter) Rogers; and five great-grandchildren: Emma, Olivia, Lilly, Ethan and Jackson.
