Ruth Merrill Fulk

Ruth was a mountain girl born in Hendersonville, NC, to the late William Bryan and Alma Collins Merrill. Theirs was a loving, Christ-focused family consisting of three much older siblings and one younger sister, Sandy. With the three devoted older siblings out of the house, Ruth and Sandy were inseparable, helping their mama bake and serve the community. Ruth carried these lessons throughout her life, both as an amazing cook and as a faithful servant rooted in her acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

At West Henderson High, she was crowned “Dairy Princess,” was a cheerleader, and was active with 4-H. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she met a country boy, Clyde Fulk, from Pilot Mountain, NC. It was love at first sight despite the fact that he was a little late for their blind date. They were engaged after two months and married in less than nine. Thank you to Tommy and Rosalee Patton for matchmaking. After graduation they moved to Dobson, NC, where Ruth put her skills as an educator to use at Bula Elementary School, establishing relationships that are strong to this day.

While in Dobson, they welcomed two boys, Mark and Jeff, and then moved to the big city of Raleigh, NC, in 1978 as a family of four. Clyde was working for Farm Bureau Insurance and credited his quick promotion to his wife, who charmingly and commandingly addressed the North Carolina agency sales force at their sales conference. Ruth continued to make Clyde look good on many Farm Bureau trips around the world. Ruth was a totally dedicated mother, supporting her son's soccer endeavors through many, many matches. But spreading the word of God was always her main focus. She did this through active participation in the Christian Women’s Club, being a lay leader at a local Methodist Church, leading the LAMBS ministry, and eventually heading up the children’s ministry at Providence Church. It is unlikely there is a child at Providence born from the late 80’s to the mid 2000’s who Ruth did not cradle in her arms. She valued her friendships deeply, pouring love into her steadfast groups of friends, including “The Lunch Bunch” and “The Empty Nesters.” (You know who you are!)

Ruth was a tremendous friend, gracious hostess, masterful chef, dedicated wife, supportive mother, loving sister, wonderful aunt, proud grandmother of 7, and doting great-grandmother. Above all, she was a lover of Christ and is surely rejoicing in heaven with King Jesus.

In addition to Clyde Oliver Fulk, Jr.,her husband of 57 years, Ruth is survived by her sons Mark Ashley Fulk and Jeffrey Merrill Fulk, and his wife Erin Brock Fulk, all of Raleigh; grandchildren, Griffin Fulk and his wife Emilee Fulk, Asher Fulk, Layton Fulk, Bodie Fulk, Owen Fulk, Nola Fulk, and Wynne Fulk; great-grandchild, Oliver Fulk; sisters, Lois Merrill, Nancy Jones, and Sandra Fain; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bryan Merrill and his wife Frances Merrill, and Bob Merrill.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, February 20th at 1:00pm at Providence Church, 6339 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612. There will be a reception to follow the service to greet the family. The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed. To join, please click the 'Join Livestream' link in the services box below.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Transitions Life Care, we are indebted to them for the wonderful care they gave Ruth. Maura Keihn with Aster of Peace ([email protected]) is a kind and gentle spirit we were blessed to have to guide us on the journey to the end of Ruth’s life. Please use the links below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Ruth, or a message of condolence for her family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.