Ruth Zane Dodd Howard

Born in Franklin, Tennessee, Ruth graduated from Franklin High School and later married the love of her life, Marvin K. Howard, Sr. Together they built a home grounded in faith, laughter, and enduring devotion.

Ruth devoted her life to caring for her family and serving others. Alongside her years as a loving homemaker, she worked at National Life Insurance, Gospel Advocate, and Peebles, where she was known for her kindness, reliability, and cheerful spirit.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A member of both Charlotte Avenue Church of Christ and a long-time member of Vultee Church of Christ, Ruth found deep joy in teaching Sunday school, hosting and co-leading with Marvin for their small group, and sharing fellowship with her church family. Her gentle strength and steady faith touched everyone who knew her.

Ruth’s passions reflected her generous and creative heart. She loved gardening—especially tending to her beautiful flowers—hosting family reunions filled with laughter and stories, playing rook with friends and family, and spending precious time with her eight siblings, whose bond remained strong throughout their lives.

To her family, Ruth was the heart of every gathering—always welcoming, always smiling, and always ready with a meal or a word of encouragement. She will be remembered for her warm hospitality, quick wit, and unwavering love for her family.

Ruth is survived by her son Brad Howard and his wife Laurie; her grandchildren: Heather Briggs and her husband Daniel, Bronson Howard and his wife Erin, and Mason Howard; four great-grandsons, Dakota, Nathan, Matthew, and Christian, and one great-granddaughter, Edie Wren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Marvin K. (Ken) Howard, and will be reunited with him and her cherished husband, Marvin, in their eternal home.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the graveside service at 2:00 p.m.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28

Her Journey’s Just Begun

Don’t think of her as gone away –

Her journey’s just begun,

Life holds so many facets –

This earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting

From the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing

That we could know today

How nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away.

And think of her as living

In the hearts of those she touched…

For nothing loved is ever lost –

And she was loved so much.