Mary Ruth Larkin

In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14: 2-3. Mary Ruth Lane Larkin, age 85, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday morning, April 25, 2012. Our mother’s trials and tribulations on this earth are over; she has gone home to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior. Born in Hawkins County, Tennessee, to the late Carl and Ruth Lane, she had resided most of her life in Hawkins County. She was a charter member of First Baptist Church in Church Hill. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul Davis Larkin; son, Gary Lane Larkin; brothers, Howard “Jug” Lane, Paul “Pie” Lane, Phillip “Gene” Lane, and James “Jack” Lane.

Survivors include four sons, Jimmy Larkin and wife Leanne of Mt. Carmel, Ben Larkin and wife Margaret of Kingsport, Bob Larkin of Knoxville, Bill Larkin and wife Peggy of Gatlinburg; one daughter, Judy Messick of Church Hill; grandchildren, Tommy, Todd, Laura , Shayla, Amy, Robbie, Aaron, Alec and Addie; sixteen great-grandchildren and another one due in October; one brother, Bill Lane and wife Pat of Sulfer Springs; one sister Patricia Russell of Winston Salem, N.C.; two sisters-in-law Ruby Mellons of Church Hill and Wilma “Teal” Lane of Stanleyville, N.C.; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. The family wishes to recognize the extra special care and love shown to our mother by the caregivers and staff of both the Church Hill Life Care Center and The Wexford House, especially Mom’s favorite, Kelly Schantz. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Church Hill. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Gerhardt officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Church Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Church Hill Building Fund, 202 East Main Blvd. Church Hill, Tn. 37642.