Ruth Phipps

On September 3, 2024, Ruth Phipps, age 95, went home to the Lord. She was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend to many. Ruth was a native of Cookeville where she raised her three children, Patty, Tim, and Mark. She was a member of the Sycamore Church of Christ in Cookeville, and she lived her life as the epitome of Christian love. Ruth was a strong advocate for the underserved and a true champion for those with special needs. In the early 1960s, she pioneered public special education classes in Putnam County at a time when there were none. In the early 1970s, Ruth and a handful of volunteers established what is now known as Pacesetters in Cookeville to provide education and assistance to adults with special needs. Fifty years later, Pacesetters is still fulfilling that vision, enriching the lives of many.

Ruth was an alumna of Tennessee Tech where, at age 70, she graduated with honors, receiving a BA in Fine Arts and a minor in Sociology. In 2007 Ruth moved to Maryville to be close to family. She quickly embraced the Maryville community and enjoyed her life in East Tennessee. She was an active member of the Maryville Church of Christ and cherished her church family. As a member of Fine Arts Blount, Ruth enjoyed painting and displaying her art as well as teaching and encouraging others. She is preceded in death by parents Sammy and Annice Herron Thomas, husband Dewey Phipps, son Tim Phipps, daughter Patty Phipps, and sister Dimple Roberson. She is survived by son Mark (Lisa) Phipps, grandchildren Garrett, Carrie, Scott, Wes, Preston, and Nathan, as well as several great-grandchildren and much-beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 11 at 5:30 PM at Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home, 798 South Willow Avenue, Cookeville, TN. Becky Magura, Jonathan Jones and Mark Phipps will officiate.Visitation with the family will be Wednesday from 3:30 PM until service time. Graveside service will be Thursday, September 12 at 10 AM at Judd Cemetery in Baxter, TN with Lisa Phipps and Bro. Johnny Fox will officiate at the graveside. Serving as pallbearers will be Garrett Phipps, Scott Phipps, Wes Phipps, Nathan Phipps, Colton Phipps, Austin Phipps and Preston Trimble.

Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-7158. you may share your thoughts and memories at dyerfh.com