Lois Ineata Ruff Thomas King

Mrs. Lois ‘Ineata’ Ruff Thomas King, age 87, of Elberton, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Magnolia Estates. 

Ineata was born in Elberton on April 7, 1936, the only child of the late Charlie Carl Ruff and Lois Melissa Ayers Ruff. She was a proud 1954 graduate of Elbert County High School, and worked at Harper Motor Lines and later as bookkeeper at King Sheet Metal for many years. Mrs. King was a longtime faithful member First Baptist Church of Elberton where she served as a piano player and choir member, and had also been a member of First United Methodist Church of Elberton.

Always a people person, Ineata loved her community and serving in it. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at Elbert Memorial Hospital where she loved working as a Pink Lady. Some of her happiest times were as a member of the Elbert County Fish and Game Club where she enjoyed spending time at the lake with her family and friends. Mrs. King was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where she was an Emeritus Member and Past Worthy Matron of Rose M. Ashby Chapter #550 as well as Grand Representative to the State of New Hampshire. Ineata was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, participating with both the Stephen Heard and Nancy Hart Chapters. Mrs. King was also a former member of the Red Hats Society and enjoyed participating in events with the Pilot Club of Elberton. She was a supporter of Friends Helping Friends, Inc. who looked forward to helping with camp and Jam Fest as long as her health permitted. 

Affectionately known as “MooMaw” to many, Ineata loved her family and friends dearly. She looked forward to breaking bread with her breakfast club friends each morning and playing a good card game. A member of Granite City Square Club and Classic City Square Club, Ineata enjoyed dancing with square dancing clubs all across Georgia. In the spring of 2022, she moved to Magnolia Estates. Although not an easy transition, she enjoyed the socialization and participating in the many fun activities provided there, as well as playing the piano for other residents. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 27 years, Frank Douglas Thomas; and her husband of 14 years, Emory Paul King. 

She is survived by her children: Connie Thomas Rampey and Mike of Jefferson, Kevin Thomas and Mary of Elberton, and Timmy Thomas and Chrystal of Elberton; grandchildren: Kelsey and Gabe Menendez, Melissa and Michael Southwick, Colby and Bella Thomas, Tyler and Colbie Rampey, Grady Thomas, and Noah Thomas; step-grandchildren: Austin Scott, Carrie and Zach Smith, and Kelsey and Matthew Rousey; and nine great-grandchildren. 

The family is at Mrs. King’s residence and will receive friends on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 5:00-7:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Funeral services celebrating Ineata’s life will be held on Friday, October 6, at 11:00a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park with Colby Thomas, Grady Thomas, Michael Southwick, Tyler Rampey, Zach Smith, Matthew Rousey, Noah Thomas, and Austin Scott honored as pallbearers. 

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Friends Helping Friends Club, Inc, 1027 Micliff Drive, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Lois ‘Ineata’ Ruff Thomas King.