Jean Elizabeth Ruth, 84, of Morristown, TN, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, transitioned to heaven on January 23, 2021 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jean was loved by many for her quick wit, her helpful heart, and her love of card games such as Rook and Yahtzee.
Jean Elizabeth Andrick was raised in Philippi, West Virginia, and attending the Church of Christ, Union Road, Philippi, WV. After graduating from Philip Barbour High School in 1954, she married a navy veteran, Joseph Dale Ruth. Their first child, George Herman Ruth, was born in Bainbridge, Maryland. Their second child, Twilla Dale Ruth, was born in Philippi, West Virginia. Their third child, James Andrew Ruth, was born at Grissom Air Force Base, Peru, Indiana in 1965. After retiring from the Navy, the family moved to Grant County, Indiana to be near family members who migrated to the area for employment in the various automobile factories.
During her childrens' formative years, Jean took her children and her nieces, Marci and Gay Andrick, and others to First Church of the Nazarene, Marion, Indiana. While attending this church, Jean worked as a co-teacher for the Kindergarten Sunday School classes with dear friend, Ada Love. Every summer, she brought children to the two week long Vacation Bible School at Marion First Church. In addition, she contributed homemade cookies and koolaid for their evening treats.
To supplement the family income, Mrs. Ruth babysat in her home. She was fondly known as "Mama Jean". In her 30s, she stepped out of her comfort zone and attended a year-long national license practical nursing course. Once she became an LPN, she worked at the VA hospital in Marion, Indiana and various nursing homes in the Grant County, Indiana area. Upon retirement, Ms. Ruth moved back to Philippi, West Virginia to be near her siblings and her parents. After her eyesight began to deteriorate in her 80s, Jean moved to Morristown, Tennessee to live with her youngest son James and his wife, Susanne Ruth.
On Sunday afternoons, the family could be found around the dining room table playing triple Yahtzee.
Jean was preceded in death by her dear sister, Carol Ann Hotsinpiller of Marion, Indiana; parents, Andrew and Martha Andrick of Philippi, West Virginia; two long-term gentleman friends, Charles Mart of Indiana and French McQueen of West Virginia.
Jean leaves behind her oldest brother Clayton (Shirley) Andrick of Marion, Indiana and her youngest brother Roger (Kathy) Andrick of Kokomo, Indiana. In addition, Jean leaves her beloved sisters, Edith Trader of Gas City, Indiana and Gladolene (Ronald) Martin of Philippi, West Virginia.
She is survived by her children, George Herman Ruth of Morristown, Tennessee, Twilla (James) Tucker of Knoxville, Tennessee, and James (Susanne) Ruth of Morristown, Tennessee. In addition, Jean leaves behind beloved grandchildren; Derek (fiancée Jennifer Kaminsky) Tucker of Del Ray Beach, Florida, Mason Tucker of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Geovana Jean "Gigi" Tucker (fiancé Alex Guess) of Knoxville, Tennessee; great-grandchild, Dominic Alexander Tucker. Also mourning her loss are her beloved cats and grand-dogs, Rocky Road and Ada.
No services will be held due to the pandemic. A memorial will hopefully be held at the next Andrick Reunion in Philippi, West Virginia. Online condolences may be made at berryhighlandsouth.com.
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