Dr. Ruth Marion McKenzie Sharp, age 91, Johnson City, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at NHC Healthcare of Johnson City.
Dr. Sharp was born on June 28, 1935, in Medford, Massachusetts.
She graduated from Medford High School. She then achieved her bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College and received her master’s degree from Radcliffe College. While completing her doctorate in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin, she met her husband Royal Chesla ("Ches") Sharp. She and Ches were married in Wisconsin and moved to Limestone Tennessee. Dr. Sharp taught English at Tusculum University (formerly Tusculum College) in Greenville, Tennessee. She served as a Professor Emeritus of English, Director of Academic Programs, and Dean of the College of Civic Arts.
She enjoyed traveling abroad and in the Western United States. After Ches passed in 2016, she and their White Highland Terrier, Caesar, moved to Colonial Hill Retirement Center.
Dr. Sharp will have a private interment with Chesla's ashes at Monte Vista Burial Park in Johnson City.
