Ruby Wattenbarger Tilley

Ruby Wattenbarger Tilley, at the age of 93, on Oct. 8, 2024, at Sweetwater Hospital, went home to be with her Lord surrounded by her loving family. Ruby was a resident of Niota where she was a lifelong member of Beulah Chapel Church of the Nazarene, where she was teacher, board member and choir member. She retired from Niota Textile where she boarded socks to provide for her family. She was an avid gardener and loved her flowers. She was preceded in death by husband, Kenneth B. Tilley Sr.; son, Dana M. Tilley; parents, Oscar and Mamie Wattenbarger; sisters, Irene Thompson, Betty Underwood, Wanda Monroe and infant sister Helen Wattenbarger; and brothers, Willie Wattenbarger, Garland Wattenbarger and Keith Wattenbarger. Survivors are daughter, Shelia (Danny) Cooper; daughter-in-law, Jean Tilley; sons, Kenneth Tilley Jr. (fiancée Belinda), David (Janie) Tilley and Carlos (Laura) Tilley; sister, Janie Foster of Ooltewah; and brother, Ray Wattenbarger of Athens. She had 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren that she dearly loved for them to come and visit and none ever left her home hungry. Several nieces and nephews that came to visit and enjoy her company. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Beulah Chapel Church of the Nazarene from 1 to 3 p.m., and the funeral will follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Bill Dawson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Kyker Funeral Home of Sweetwater is in charge of arrangements.