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Ruthie Carey Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Ruthie Landis Carey was born March 31, 1955, to the loving home of Charles Vernon Landis and Edith Monroe Landis in Knoxville, TN. Ruthie, along with her siblings, Kathy Landis Reddy (Robin), Susan Cook Landis, and Charles Monroe Landis (Lee), enjoyed a unique and simple upbringing that fostered a deep love of books, the outdoors, gardening, and animals. Ruthie was a horse lover all her life, and as a young girl she used to ride with her sisters down Kingston Pike. She was an avid hiker, especially with the Thursday Hikers group, and completed the 900 miles of the Smoky Mountain trails. Her home was always filled with flowers she cut from her yard. Ruthie was a Bearden Bulldog and graduated with high honors with a master's degree in Education from the University of Tennessee. Ruthie was fiercely loyal and loving to her family and friends. She and her husband, Barksdale "Bart" Greer Carey, raised three children, Hannah "Landis" Carey (Mark), Nicholas "Nick" Barksdale Carey, and Alyce "Allie" Carey Brewington (Steven). Ruthie treasured time spent with her loved ones and dear friends, especially in the mountains of Highlands, NC, and the beaches of Pawleys Island, SC. Ruthie was strong in her faith, and conducted daily morning devotionals. She was a devoted member of her beloved Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder, an educator, and a member of the Flower Guild. Ruthie was known as a caregiver to all; she delivered food for FISH, served meals at the Volunteer Ministry Center, and visited and supported the Rachel's Lament orphanage in Kenya. Providing comfort and care to everyone around her was second nature. One significant way Ruthie showed her love was through food. She was a top notch cook and had an uncanny knack to make something wonderful out of nothing. Ruthie always found profound joy in the simplest of things, and she spread that joy to others with ease. She was fortunate enough to be able to visit regularly with her 96-year-old father and his wife, Robbie. Ruthie loved and cared for many animals throughout her life, including more than 15 dogs. Her dog Dooley relished his daily walks with Ruthie, and was by her side at the time of her death, on the evening of July 8, 2016.
It is with full and aching hearts that we celebrate Ruthie's vibrant and earnest life. A service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church (6500 Northshore Drive) on Wednesday, July 13, at 3:30 PM, followed by a receiving of friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church and rachelslament.org/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruthie Carey
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Meg Manning
July 4, 2020
I miss that sweet smile and wonderful disposition! She was one of a kind. RIP sweet Ruthie! We love you. Meg and Sammy
September 29, 2016
Landis, You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. Mary-Sutton, her Dad and I love you and hope our donation to your Church will continue your Mom's work there. Love, Robin
Emily Cavender
July 15, 2016
I knew Ruthie as an old school friend of my mother, Buff Cavender. She was always someone I remember hearing of through fond memories, but I never really knew her until she called me one day when I was about 17 to come teach horseback riding lessons to Allie, who was about 10 at the time. I taught Allie for quite a while, as well as helping Ruthie with her horse Cino, whom she loved dearly. Allie was the first person I ever taught riding lessons to, and I have since gone on to teach many students and am now pursuing a Master's degree in Equine Education at MTSU. Perhaps I would have ended up on this path anyway, but Ruthie gets the credit for first setting my feet upon the path that would lead to my future career. I know she will be missed by many, and I extend my sincere condolences to Bart, Landis, and Allie along with the extended family in this difficult time. Ruthie's light will continue to shine through those of use she touched while she was here. Much love...
Dorene Palermo
July 15, 2016
Sisters are irreplaceable. I pray God will be with all the Landis', expecially my dear friend Susan.
Mike Bailey
July 15, 2016
I know Ruthie only through this very well written obituary and the great things Fleming Hodges tells of Ruthie. She is super cute pictured here. My heart breaks for your loss. Remember, Jesus loves you!
Debbie Quigg / Hoffman
July 14, 2016
My heart just breaks for the entire family. A wonderful human being - gone too soon. Thank you Ruthie for all you have given to this world
July 14, 2016
May God be with the Carey familily during these difficult times.Richard & Joni Maples
July 14, 2016
May God be with the Carey familiy during these hard times.Richard & Joni Maples
Toni Duval
July 13, 2016
My sincerest condolences to your family. We will miss Ruthie's energy and laughter at Jazzercise.
July 13, 2016
We were so very sorry to learn of Ruthie's passing. We pray for strength, comfort and guidance in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Tony & Jenny Stansberry
July 13, 2016
Thinking of you ALL .
The Jeff Counts family
Robin Hicks Nichols
July 13, 2016
Bart and Family,
You are in our prayers and send our love your way.
July 13, 2016
Dear Bart,
May God hold you all fast and offer His strength and comfort in the coming days and months. John and I are absolutely heartsick.
The Galyons
Rick Dew
July 13, 2016
Bart, Lisa and I are very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful person. Your friend.
July 13, 2016
Words can't express the sadness we feel for you and your family. We enjoyed getting to spend those two weeks with her on our trip to the holy land. She is a wonderful lady and we can't even begin to understand the emotions you and your children are experiencing. You are in our prayers and know that God has welcomed her with open arms. He called her home too soon but must need her for a heavenly purpose. Love to you all, Lynda and Henny Weissinger
Bert Sams
July 13, 2016
Bart, Rusha and I were so sad to learn of your loss. You know that all of your Habitat friends working in Bucharest this week have you and you family in our thoughts and prayers.
July 12, 2016
Bart, We are so saddened to hear about your sudden and tragic loss. Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your entire family.
Jeanne Broussard Cauldwell, Michelle Broussard Rainwater
Tammy Countiss
July 12, 2016
My heart is broken for your family. Ruthie subbed for my class at West Hills Elementary. My daughter, Chelsea Colyer Smith, was a classmate with Nick. I am asking God to bund your sorrows and cover you in His perfect peace .
Anne Millett
July 12, 2016
Bart and family, I am so sorry to hear of Ruthie's unexpected passing. May God's love and ours wrap you tight and hug you hard, through this and through the days ahead. May God's endless store of comfort ease the pain and restore you, in time...with love.
Bob Alcorn
July 12, 2016
Bart, Marie and I are so sorry for your loss and this tragedy. We are praying for you, your children and Ruthie's entire family. May God provide you comfort.
Spike Noonan
July 12, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gina Wampler
July 12, 2016
So sorry for you loss.
July 12, 2016
Bart & Family: We are so deeply saddened about Ruthie. We pray you will be able to feel God's peace and his presence. Tommy & Jan Holmes
July 12, 2016
Landis and family we are praying God will put his arms around you during this time. Judy & Harold Phillips Salem Virginia
Reid Lovell
July 12, 2016
Bart, you and your family are in my heart and prayers. May God bless you all and give you strength.
robert beck
July 12, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 12, 2016
Many prayers for the grace of our Lord to bring comfort and peace to your family. May her memory be eternal. Danni Varlan
Erka Fine
July 12, 2016
I am very sad to hear about Ruthie. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Thinking of you at this difficult time,
Cindy Reese
July 11, 2016
Thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to the Carey and Landis family during this sad and very difficult time. May the Lord comfort you with the sweet memories of Ruthie. Peace be with you. Cindy Reese
Tommy Miller
July 11, 2016
Bart, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. This is tragic.
Betsy Haun
July 11, 2016
It is with great sorrow that we grieve the loss of Ruthie. She was always such a sweet and loving friend in high school. Such a beautiful life cut tragically short, we will all miss her gracious smile. We love you, Ruthie, heaven has gained a glorious angel.
Stephanie and Tim Bean
July 11, 2016
Allie, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Phillip Powell
July 11, 2016
We had the pleasure of knowing Ruthie as neighbors, church friends & she brightened my day every time she brought the kids to my office. Her sweet, gentle personality will be missed by me, Elaine & everyone who has had the good fortune of knowing her. Our thoughts will be with you, Bart & your family.
Phillip B Powell
July 11, 2016
To our precious family,
Our hearts are so heavy and our prayers are with you. Ruthie was an amazing person who proved by her life that it truly is the simple things, faith, family and friends that make up a great and significant life. She was a blessing to know and will be greatly missed. So thankful and proud to be part of her family.
With love and sympathy,
Uncle Don, Martha and Myra
Dwight Tarwater
July 11, 2016
Bart, I offer my earnest and deeply felt condolences on your tragic loss. I will pray for you and your family.
Kaye Graybeal
July 11, 2016
Bart, my heart goes out to you. She was a very special person. I, along with the other Historic Zoning Commissioners are thinking of you and wishing you peace.
Amy Brooks
July 11, 2016
Bart,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace and keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lee Williams
July 11, 2016
Bart. Praying for your beautiful family
Danny Mitchell
July 11, 2016
Bart and family. It is with sorrow and mourning for your loss that I write this note. May God truly comfort you in this time.
J F
July 11, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family, sorry to hear about your loss. May the God of all comfort give you strength and peace durning this most difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11
July 11, 2016
To Bart and your beautiful family,
Please know many thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Ruthie was and will always be remembered as a beautiful person, inside and out. May you cherish all your wonderful family memories and find comfort in knowing she is in the arms of our loving Lord. Ruthie will be watching over all those she loved and will be with you again.
Elaine Jackson McGavin, Vestavia, AL
July 11, 2016
Our family is truly heartbroken to hear about Ruthie. We have precious memories of her and the entire Landis family. Please know we are praying God's comfort for each of you.
Mary Guion Adams
Pam Milner
July 11, 2016
Bart & children we were saddened to hear of your loss of wife & mother. I loved hiking with Ruthie & seeing her in the neighborhood. Ruthie had such a sweet spirit. Her humility & love for people is what I will remember. God be with you all during this most difficult time.
Doug Jett
July 11, 2016
Bart - so sorry for your loss - I worked with Ruthie many years ago and she was always a warm and friendly individual who was fun to be around.
Nic Arning
July 11, 2016
Bart,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Gerald Green
July 11, 2016
Bart,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family. May wonderful memories of Ruthie sustain you now and in the time to come.
Dick and Mitzi Mayer
July 11, 2016
Our hearts are broken for all the Carey family and your extended family. Ruthie's deep Faith, Spirit and care for all will live in everyone she has touched. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. Love to you Bart, Nick and all your family. Dick and Mitzi Mayer
July 11, 2016
Bart and Family, my thoughts and prayers fly out to you at this very difficult time. May God bless and keep you always. . Robbie
Stephanie Bolakowski
July 11, 2016
Landis - I'm so, so sorry to hear about your mom. I hope you can find some comfort in all the great memories you have of her. You always spoke so highly of her and your face lit up every time you told a story about her! It sounds like she was truly one in a million! Sending you a big hug, and prayers for strength in this difficult time! I'm so sorry for your loss! - Stephanie Bolakowski
Larry Frye
July 11, 2016
I only knew Ruthie from our boxing class but knew immediately she was a special person, We will miss her
A drew Morton
July 11, 2016
Dear Bart, So very sorry to learn about the tragedy
of your sweet wife. I grew up with your parents, and I have many fond memories of them. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Andy
July 11, 2016
Bart, i'm very sorry for your loss. i can tell from the photo and the sparkle in Ruthie's eyes she was a special person.
Johnny Phipps
Ava Henry
July 11, 2016
Ruthie Carey was the one to throw my baby shower and i never even got to meet her in person before she died
July 11, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Ruthie's passing. I have not seen Ruthie for many years but I worked with her while we were both in School at Town and Country Package Store. I have many fond memories of Ruthie, her sense of humor and engaging smile. I know she will be missed by her family.
David Ross
Evans Family
July 11, 2016
We are sorry for your loss. Death causes sadness. May the god of tender Mercies who comfort and strengthen us in our trails and hardships sustain you in this most difficult time.
Colleen & Michael Joliat
July 11, 2016
Bart,
We are heartbroken for you and your family. You were such a rock for us when Dad passed and what I wouldn't give to be there for you during this difficult time. God has welcomed her into His kingdom and I pray that He comforts you from this day forward. With Love From Bill LaRowe's Daughter Colleen
Valerie Tronolone Corder
July 11, 2016
Childhood summers at Camp Montvale gave way to high school summers on the lake, love, marriage, and beloved children... a life well lived.
Cary Slatery
July 10, 2016
We are just heartsick with sadness over Ruthie's death. I'm thankful for my memories of her kindness and fun spirit. Our love to you all. Cary and Herbert
Meg and Sammy Manning
July 10, 2016
Much love sympathy to the Carey and Landis families, and all the many friends that Ruthie touched the life of. We will miss her greatly. She was always so positive and had such a wonderful smile. Beautifully written obituary, Bart. Many prayers your way! May Ruthie rest in peace now.
July 10, 2016
I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. My prayers will be with you and your children.
Laura Booth Collins
Mary Lane
July 10, 2016
Oh Bart....my deepest condolences to you and your precious family! No words can convey my sadness in learning you've lost Ruthie...May God hold you and your family in His arms today.
Grey Sellers
July 10, 2016
Bart,
Thinking of and praying for you and you family.
July 10, 2016
Bart, so sorry to hear about your wife. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Houston Moran
Gerald and Penny Visconti
July 10, 2016
Our sincere condolences to The Landis and Carey families. May our Lord comfort and bless you during this difficult time.
Gerald and Penny Vusconti
July 10, 2016
Our deepest condolences.
Steve and Sharon Brenner
July 10, 2016
Please except my sincere condolences. Martha Brice a friend of Teena King.
Nancy Testerman
July 10, 2016
Bart, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Ruthie. I've been going through photo albums recently and found pictures from our good times together up at Norris lake and the house boat. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Gary Spangler
July 10, 2016
To Bart and family. My deepest sympathy. May your faith ease the hurt you must feel.
Know she is reposed into the Lord. May her memory be eternal.
Letty Anderson
July 10, 2016
Bart, so so sorry to hear about Ruthie. I am praying for you, the kids and all the family.
Nancy Testerman
July 10, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ruthie. Bart, you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Steve & Sande Elkins
July 10, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss. We didn't have the honor of knowing Ruthie but reading about her life lets us know that we would have loved her as so many did. All those who loved her, especially Bart and the children, are in our hearts and in our prayers.
Ellen Smith
July 10, 2016
This is such a tremendous loss for us and her family and all of her friends. She was my beloved cousin and I always spent summers at their house having the best time with the Landis kids. She will be so tremendously missed. I can't stop crying Heaven's gain our loss. I love you so much Ruthie.
Sally Harrison-Andres
July 10, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this tragic and sad news. My heart goes out to you Bart and all your family. I know Ruthie will be greatly missed. You all will be in my prayers.
Doug Guion
July 10, 2016
I just saw the notice and am very shocked. My heart goes out to all the Landis family. Ruthie is in the loving arms of Christ our Savior now.
Nancy Dexter Wilson
July 10, 2016
To the Carey and Landis family I extend my deepest sypathies. Words just aren't adequate. I have so many happy memories of time spent with the Landis family. I was a school friend of Kathy and hadn't seen Ruthie since Bearden Elementary. My heart aches for you. Nancy Dexter Wilson
Eloise Lynch
July 10, 2016
Kathy,
I am saddened with the news of Ruthie's death, and I am sending heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I have wonderful childhood memories of playing with you and spending time with your family. Sending prayers and love,
Eloise McGehee Lynch
Laura Turner
July 10, 2016
I remember Ruthie from growing up at Second Presbyterian Church here in Knoxville. She was older than me, but I always looked up to that older group of kids and thought she was so pretty and fun. I especially remember her smile- even though I was younger she would always say Hi and smile - I also remember Charles, her brother and Mr. and Mrs. Landis- such a nice family. Please know that many are thinking of you and are praying for comfort and strength.
Michele Orr
July 10, 2016
My hope is that all the prayers being sent for the Landis and Carey families lift up your hearts at this time of loss of your dear Ruthie.
Karen Dughman Bird
July 10, 2016
God bless your family with peace in this sad, sad time. Didn't know Ruthie in high school, only Kathy, but my heart aches just the same. Especially after reading about her life. What a loss.
Angela Neff Jones
July 10, 2016
Words can not express my deepest sympathy for the Carey family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heather Ferguson
July 10, 2016
Indeed, the Spirit prays for us when we have no words to express our search for understanding, to express our pain and grief, to express our brokenheartedness. Yes, the Spirit prays with sighs too deep for words. You all are being held in the hearts and prayers of those who love you.
Mike Messamore
July 10, 2016
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Kathy Long Earle
July 10, 2016
To the Carey and Landis family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Ruthie as I spent time with the Landis family growing up. (I am Kathy's childhood friend). Prayers during your time of sorrow.
Ellen Lesher Bundy
July 10, 2016
It is so hard to say good-bye to loving friends and family members. I will cherish my memories of growing up with Ruthie in church and high school. Our tremendous loss is Ruthie's glorious gain. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to everyone who knew and loved Ruthie.
Stephen & April Harris
July 10, 2016
A heartbreaking loss for her wonderful family; a bitter loss for all of us who were fortunate enough to know her as a friend all of these many years; a terrible loss for our community where she and her many contributions will be sorely missed. Rest well.
Merrill Ammons
July 10, 2016
Just heartbreaking. Oh to float the creek one more time!
Holly Harmed Von Lehman
July 10, 2016
Loving thoughts be with you all during this difficult time....I so remember growing up w/ Ruthie . Bless you Bart and family .
Lewis Howard
July 10, 2016
One of the finest people I had the privilege to know. Ruthie's wit, charm and humor will be missed. God Bless the Carey family.
Cathy Barrett Beatte
July 10, 2016
I remember Ruthie's sweet nature and still feel very blessed to have known her. Alli (Alyce) was named for my mother which was always a blessing which made me feel very close. Bart, I am there with you in spirit. Love you cousin!
Steve and Sabra Tatum
July 10, 2016
I am so deeply sorry. She will be welcomed in Heaven with open arms
Richard Isaac
July 10, 2016
To the Carey Family
So sorry for your loss.
Richard Isaac
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