Ruth was born on March 20, 1924 on her family farm in Sampson County, N.C. Her parents were Jasper D. Tart and Eunice Bell West Tart. Ruth retired from AMP, Inc. in Cary, N.C. and later worked at Hudson Belk, Cary, N.C. where she remained joyfully employed until the age of 90.
She is survived by a daughter, Merlene Dillard Cameron; a son, Ronnie E. Dillard; a daughter-in-law, Peggy N. Dillard. She is also survived by her brother, J.D. Tart of White Marsh, MD. Her grandchildren, Lee (Barbara), Lisa (Ricky), Tiffany (Chris), Heather, Michael (Taryn), 12 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her 3 fur babies.
Ruth was predeceased in death by her husband, Russell Lee Dillard, Sr.; son, Russell Lee Dillard, Jr.; a son-in-law, Danny M. Cameron and 9 siblings: Paul, Inez, Herbert, Geraldine, Earl, Mazie, Larry, Nellie and Judy.
Ruth was truly a gift to her family — a ray of sunshine to all who knew her. Her strong Christian faith, timeless beauty, deep inner strength, and unwavering love for her family and friends radiated from her in everything she did. For many years, she lovingly referred to herself as a “recycled teenager,” a phrase that perfectly captured her youthful spirit and joyful heart.
A service to Celebrate her life will be held at Ephesus Baptist Church, 6767 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 on Friday July 18, 2025 at 11:00am with the interment at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens, 7601 ACC Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27617. The family will receive friends at 11:00am until the start of the service at 12:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse, Hurricane Helene Relief, Texas Flash Flood Relief or a charity of your choice in Ruth's memory.
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