Thelma Ruth McVey

She is preceded in death by her parents Wilburn “Potts” and Iver “Mama” Picklesimer, loving husband - Harold McVey; sisters – Louise(JP) Henry, Mary Parks, brother and sister in laws: Howell(Edna) McVey, Hertis(Claudia) McVey, Helen(JM) Jones, Mary(Ed) Sisson, Thelma(John) Hardin, Jo(Earnest) Jones, Shirley(Chelsia) Norton. nieces: Mary Anne Henry Giles, Cheri Jones, nephew: Larry Hardin.

She is survived by loving, caring and SELFLESS daughter and son in law: Karen(Steve) Jones, Amazing Caregivers: Lauren Phillips and Ashley Nelson, brothers in law – Jim(Barbara) McVey and Mr. Bob Parks and a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Thelma Ruth McVey was born on January 26, 1940 to Wilburn “Potts” and Iver “Mama” Picklesimer. She was born in Hurst, GA and raised in Morganton/Blue Ridge. Growing up, Ruth had two built in best friends – her sisters – Mary and Louise. The three of them, affectionally called, “THE NETWORK” spent all their childhood and adulthood nurturing their relationship. Even in their aging years, when they had to depend on a ‘driver’, they remained the best of friends because Karen and her cousins made sure that distance didn’t separate them. When together, whether they were cooking, having a lunch date or shopping, there was sure to be lots of whispers and giggles – especially when they gave themselves the following titles:

Louise – the oldest: “I am the oldest, I make the rules”

Mary – the middle: “I am the reason we have to have rules”

Ruth – the baby: “Rules??? They don’t apply to me”

Can you imagine heaven with “The Network” reunited?

While residing in Blue Ridge, Ruth worked at Levi Strauss where she spent all day sewing in zippers. Later, she worked with and drove a bus for special needs children. She married Harold, the love of her life when she was 14 and Harold was 19. Harold and Ruth met at a gospel singing and told that their ‘courting’ most often took place at gospel singings or church. They were happily married married for 51 years. Ruth became mom to Karen, who was her pride and joy at the age of 15. In 1976, when they relocated to Cartersville, Ruth earned her living at Nantucket where she also worked as a seamstress. Ruth was a very accomplished and respected pianist. She could also sing any part on the music staff! Music was a huge part of Harold and Ruth’s life and family. She played at church and at convention singings all over the state of Georgia and also played for groups: The Gospel Tones, Deep South and Canton Road Quartet.

Ruth’s style of playing and her touch on the piano was second to none!

For a few years, years that most of the McVey family would consider some of the ‘best years’ – our McVey Family formed a choir and sang, sang, sang. Ruth, of course, was our piano player.

Ruth loved to watch cooking shows, she loved to cook, and she loved people. Ruth NEVER met a stranger. Ruth could carry on a genuine heart to heart conversation with anyone – any age. She had the amazing ability to make you feel special and loved. No matter who or where, Ruth would take the time to spend time with those she loved and she loved us well.

The most wonderful gift that Ruth shared with all the world was her smile. It was contagious. Her smile lit up a room and is sure to now be the most beautiful smile in heaven. Go on to your reward sweet wife, mom, mother in law, sister, sister in law, aunt, and friend. You have earned your reward.

‘Well Done, well done dear faithful one Though the mountains were steep. Now your race is won. See the Father’s smile. The Father and the son. Well done, well done. Dear faithful one!’ We will see you soon.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Dr. William Dale Brewer and Rev. Duane McCreary officiating. The interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens with Richard Henry, Jonathan Jenkins, Ricky McVey, Rodney McVey, Greg Norton, Ryan Norton and Eddy Sisson serving as pallbearers. Rob Parks and Jimmy Henry serving as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 and Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

Please visit www.owenfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family. Owen Funeral Home 12 Collins Dr., Cartersville, GA is honored to serve the McVey family.