Ruth Ray Gardner, 93, of Mars Hill, passed away on December 23, 2024. She was born on April 14, 1931, to the late Kenny and Glenn Eva Ray and a lifelong resident of Madison County.

Ruth was very active in her community and church. She was always helping others as much as she could. She loved nursing and working at Madison Manor, where she worked for many years. Ruth had a love for music and taught herself to play the piano, guitar and banjo. However, her biggest love was her family; they were her whole world!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Garrett Gardner, granddaughter, Sherry Lynette Gardner, great grandson, Derrick Gardner, and her siblings, Peggy Dietz, Jean Hicks, and Billy, Carroll, & Leon Ray.

to cherish her memory are her son, Gary Gardner (Linda); grandchildren, Scott Gardner (Nicole), and Missy Gardner Bartlett (Baxter); great grandchildren, Brittany Hamlin (Brad), Dallas, Brooklyn and Chesney Bartlett; two great-great grandchildren, Brayden Hamlin and Bryce Hamlin; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 12pm Monday, December 30, 2024, at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service. Reverends Ronnie Robinson and Jody Griffin will officiate. Burial will follow in the Gardner-Ray Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to: Compassionate Care of Western North Carolina, 856 Georges Fork Rd. Burnsville, NC 28714.

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