Ruth Louise Coker Lemon age 94 of Columbus, Georgia passed away peacefully at Magnolia Manor Assisted Living on April 11, 2026. She was born in Bessemer, Alabama to Clara Beck Coker and Samuel Walker Coker on February 5, 1932, the youngest of five children. Ruth worked for the telephone company in Birmingham, Alabama before marrying.
She was a dedicated wife and mother who supported her husband of 49 years, US Army CPT (Ret.) Frederick Lane Lemon in his successful career. Supporting her husband during his 25-year military career, while traveling all over the world. Making a home for her family in Aushafenburg Germany, Oklahoma City, OK, Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Benning, Georgia. As a military officer’s wife Ruth learned to host many officers and their families. Ruth was a gracious host and entertainer. Hosting came as second nature to Ruth.
Ruth was Christian by faith; her life was dedicated to sharing her faith through evangelism and ministering to all. She loved her church family at Edgewood Baptist where she was very active in her ministry there by teaching Sunday School Classes, singing in the choir, and sharing the Gospel of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with fellow church members in need and to members of her community. Ruth was a shining light to all. She was loved and adored by all she had the pleasure of spending time with and making wonderful memories with each of them. Ruth was very generous with her time and gifts. She enjoyed painting, making porcelain dolls, sewing, cooking, entertaining friends, family and spiritual ministries.
She leaves her loving memory to be cherished by her sister, Hazel Marie Coker Reeves; daughter, Susan Elaine Lemon; grandson, Christopher Paul Smith (Jessica); great-grandson, Caleb Paul Smith (April); great-grandson, Jushua Todd Wells; great great-grandchildren: Paisley Grace Smith and Thatcher Warren Wells; numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Lane Lemon; daughter, Cathy Marie Lemon; Son, Frederick David Lemon; granddaughter, Christian Lane Lemon; brothers: Walter Coker, Robert Coker, and Henry Criss; and her sister, Roberta Criss.
Visitation for Family and Friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in the St. Elmo room, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on April 16, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Family and friends will go in a procession to Parkhill for a graveside service at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Edgewood Baptist Church, 3564 Forrest Road, Columbus, GA 31907, Georgia Hospice Care www.georgiahospicecare.com, 1921 Whittlesey Rd, Ste 110, Columbus, GA 31904 or to your favorite charity.
Ruth’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Magnolia Manor staff who looked after every need, she had a special connection with each of them. We are so grateful for their professional and personal care.
