Ruth Elizabeth Austin, 85, of Barnardsville, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on March 3, 2025. Born December 3, 1939, in Yancey County, she was the daughter of the late William Otis Thomason and Helen Louise Ledford.

Ruth, known affectionately as "Nanny" to many, lived a life filled with love, faith, and a generous spirit. Her warmth and kindness touched countless lives. Her passions were spending time with her beloved family, tending to her garden, and sharing her exceptional cooking. A visit to her home always ensured a warm welcome and a full stomach. In her later years, she joyfully shared her gardening expertise with her son and daughter-in-law, creating lasting memories. Her greatest joy was the happiness of her family, and her two great-granddaughters, Taylor and Ella, brought the brightest light to her life.

A lifelong member of Dillingham Presbyterian Church in Barnardsville, Ruth's unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, William Hal Austin; daughter, Teresa Austin Harwood; brothers, Gay and Guy Thomason; and an infant brother, James.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Jeff Austin (Donna) of Barnardsville; granddaughters, Christi Taylor (Brandon) of Woodfin and Jessica Harwood (Jason Rice) of Marshall; great-granddaughters, Taylor and Ella Taylor of Woodfin; brothers, Mack Thomason (Lucille) and Buck Thomason (Tammy), both of Pensacola; sisters, Eloise White (Will) of Maggie Valley and Revonda Davis (David) of Asheville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Heather Ball and Jackie Conner of Four Seasons Hospice for their compassionate care during Ruth's final months.

A service celebrating Ruth's life will be held Friday March 7, 2025 at Dillingham Presbyterian Church in Barnardsville. Reverends Richard Hicks and Buck Thomason will officiate. Burial will follow in the Williams Branch Cemetery. Danny Thomason, Brandon Taylor, Jason Rice, Phillip Kuykendall, Tim Jarvis, and Mitch McAbee will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, Mars Hill.

Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made in memory of Ruth to Barnardsville Fire Department, 100 Dillingham Rd., Barnardsville, NC 28709, Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or Dillingham Presbyterian Church, 16 Stoney Fork Rd., Barnardsville, NC 28709.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.