Janet “Ruth” Rice, 73, of Athens, passed away Monday March 8, 2021 at NHC Health Care in Athens, TN.
She was a native of Washington County, and was a long-time resident of Jonesborough, TN and was daughter to the late Roy and Marie Blankenship.
She was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church and graduate of Lamar High School. She retired from Alliance Data Systems in Johnson City, TN.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Kristi Dawn Rice and nephew Justin Blankenship.
She is survived by her son, Jeff and Tiffany Rice; step-grandchildren, Gage and Sydnee Duncan; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Myra Blankenship; a nephew and spouse, Matt and Angie Blankenship; niece and spouse, Larae and Phil Graves; and several great nieces and one great nephew.
The family would like to thank NHC Health Care for their care and kindness during her stay.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions there will not be a formal visitation but friends may come by Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home from 2:00-6:00 pm Thursday, March 11, 2021 to sign the register.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday March 12, 2021 at Mayberry Community Cemetery in Jonesborough, TN with Pastor Jeremy Dykes officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tennessee Wesleyan University Women’s Basketball, 204 East College Street, Athens, TN 37303, Mayberry Community Cemetery, c/o Mary Hylton, 1052 Old State Route 34, Jonesborough, TN 37659, or Bethesda United Methodist Church, 4755 Cherokee Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659.
03/23/2021
Steven and Angie Broyles Tolley
Ruth was a sweet gentle spirit and her smile will always be in our memory. Times at church are so wonderful to remember - her sitting on the front row in the choir, so faithful, part of a beautiful church family. How proud she was of you Jeff and your family! It is a blessing to think of her at peace! Our love to you all!
03/13/2021
Jerry & Dale Hooper
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you say goodbye to your Mother. It is a difficult time but your have your memories to keep her with you.
03/12/2021
Patsy morelock
She was one of the best friends I ever had we had so many good times together along with Following Carla and Jeff around the ball fields. I will never forget her and hope to see her again on the other side of the river. Jeff my prayers are with you I pray that you will always look to God for your strength. You had a awesome mom and she loved you to the moon and back there was nothing she would not do for you. Thank you for taking good care of her. Love you and wish you the very best for the future
03/12/2021
Chris Treadway
Jeff,sorry to hear about your mom! My thoughts and prayers for you!
I worked with Ruth for several years at Alliance Data Systems and was very saddened to learn of her passing. She was such a wonderful lady and loved by so many of us. Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Her Smile
Author Unknown
Though her smile is gone forever
and her hand we cannot touch
We still have so many memories
Of the one we loved so much.
Her memory is now our keepsake
Which with we'll never part.
God has her in his keeping
We have her in our heart.
Sadly missed, but never forgotten.
03/11/2021
Shirley Percell
Jeff, I am so sorry for Ruth's passing,but i know she has struggled a long time. Ruth iis like family to us Mayberry people so our connection goes deep. My kids and you are connected also. May you find comfort in knowing we feel your loss also even after so many years. God bless and give you peace
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
03/11/2021
Ricky and Fretia Broyles
Ruth was a dear friend. We had a lot of good times at school, ballgames, church, and fellowship meals. We will never forget her sweet smile! Our prayers and love are with you all!
03/11/2021
Ricky and Fretia Broyles
Ruth was a dear friend. We had a lot of good times at school, ballgames, church, and fellowship meals. We will never forget her sweet smile! Our prayers and love are with you all!
03/11/2021
Lisa Clark Ferguson
I worked with Ruth for many years at SPS in Gray. She was a special lady. I will never forget her kindness.
So sorry for your loss, Coach. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I will miss my friend, Ruth! Jeff and Larae you took good care of your mom and aunt. She loved you, both!
03/11/2021
Reverend Jake, Laura, Gracelyn, Braden and Madelyn Herron
Ruth was always such a loving and supportive person to our family when we were her pastor family at Bethesda. She always took care of us and asked us how we we doing every time we saw her. She enjoyed blessing us in many ways and we are deeply thankful to have had her as part of our congregation! She was always positive and smiling and cared so much for us and our kids. She loved spending time with us and showing us her favorite local restaurant, "The Snack Shack"
I’m so sorry for the families loss. Ruth was a good person and friend. I know she will be missed by all her family and friends.
03/11/2021
Sam and Judy Keen
Sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your mother
My heart breaks for all that knew her To know her was to love her.Jeff,Larry & family,I am so sorry for your loss.You are in our prayers & please know we love you all very much.Perry,Ruth,Amy & Jason Banner.We rejoices in knowing SHE IS WITH JESUS.
I worked for the same company with Ruth for over 15 yrs and we would speak at least daily in passing in the break room or hallway. She was always such a good person and I enjoyed our conversations over the years. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Prayers for the family.
03/10/2021
Bob & Georgia Lamb
Jeff, So sorry to hear of her passing, please know we are thinking of you at this time.
Jeff, Ruth was a wonderful woman and great friend. We shared a lot over our working years even retired on same day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
03/10/2021
Sandra Berry Fox
Loved Ruth and growing up with all of you! So sorry for your loss.
03/10/2021
Michael and Sheryl McGraw (Myra's sister)
Jeff - We were so sorry to hear of your loss of your Mom. I will always remember the sweet service she gave to us when our Mom was in the hospital. That really meant so much to me. God bless your and the family at this hard time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. She was a wonderful lady!
03/10/2021
Amy (Walls) Crain
Prayers for all. I remember Ruth fondly. All those baseball and basketball games. Rest in peace.
03/10/2021
Larry and Loretta Thompson
So sorry for your loss you have our heartfelt sympathy
03/10/2021
Cathy malone bailey
so sorry for the loss of ur mom. Praying for all
Ruth was one of the sweetest ladies I ever knew! So sorry for your loss!
Ruth was one of the sweetest ladies I ever knew! So sorry for your loss!
