Ruth Eldridge Graddick

Mrs. Ruth Eldridge Graddick, affectionately known as “Baby Ruth," age 89, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, Feb. 7, 2008, at her residence. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, in Oak Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Hugh DeLoach officiating. Her great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.Born Dec. 20, 1918, in Cecil County, Md., she was the daughter of the late Griffith Morgan Eldridge and Mamie McArthur Eldridge, and the wife of the late Clarence Barnes Graddick.Mrs. Graddick, a retired cashier for Georgia Southwestern College, also worked for a number of years at Cohen’s, the Men’s Sports Shop, and for Dr. McMath and Dr. Fenn. She was a loyal member of Central Baptist Church and was active in Sunday School, the Silvertones, and WMU as long as her health permitted. She was also a former member of the DAR, the Pilot Club and the Junior Service League.The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Hancock Funeral Home. At other times, friends may call at 534 Harrold Ave.Memorial contributions may be made to the bus fund at Central Baptist Church, 190 Upper River Road, Americus GA 31709, the League of the Good Samaritan, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus GA 31709, or any favorite charity.Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Mamie G. and Rindall Dunston of Americus; grandchildren, Dawn Graddick of Locust Grove, Lee and Sommer Dunston of Tifton, and DeeDee and Freeman Connell of New Ringold, Penn.; nine great-grandchildren, Lance Dunston, Emily Dunston, and Kindall Dunston, all of Fitzgerald, Christopher Dunston, Brandon Dunston, and Michael Connell of New Ringold, Penn., Madelyn Dunston of Ellaville, Hollie Dunston and Megan Dunston, both of Tifton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and by two sons, Clarence B. “Buster” Graddick Jr. and James M. “Jim” Graddick and by two brothers, Griffin M. “Yank” Eldridge Jr. and James Donald “Bub” Eldridge. Hancock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.