Ruth Ann Reece

Ruth Ann Teague Reece, 83, of Ellijay, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

She was born April 20, 1942, in Ellijay, to the late Oscar Teague and the late Maggie Lee Henson Teague. She was known for her sweetest smile and kind, gentle spirit. A faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Ellijay, her life was guided by her strong love for the Lord. She cherished her family deeply and found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially sewing, quilting, gardening and canning. Her dedication to her faith and family, along with her loving nature, will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Ruel E. Reece.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda (Kent) Sanford, of Ellijay; son and daughter-in-law, Ray (Leslie Ann) Reece, of Ellijay; brother and sister-in-law, Herbert (Lou Ann) Teague, of Ellijay; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy (Leo) McKee, of Alma, Ark; five grandchildren, Reece (Kerri Ann) Sanford, Courtney (Damon) Smith, Caitlin (Alex) Neal, Justin (Holly) Banks and Brady (Autumn) Banks; great-grandchildren, William Sanford, Wesley Sanford, Cohen Smith and Jude Banks; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services to honor her life will be held Wednesday, Jan, 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. from the Ebenezer Baptist Church with the Rev. Sam Rickett, the Rev. Russell Burt and the Rev. Michael Cantrell officiating. Music will be provided by the Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir. Graveside interment will follow in the church cemetery with the Rev. John Reece officiating. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Reece Sanford, Justin Banks, Brady Banks, Damon Smith, Alex Neal and Billy Jones.

Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, the day of the service, the funeral procession will leave the funeral home at approximately 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Tony Withrow will lead the family in a word of prayer.

Flowers will be accepted; however, the family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Branson Chastain at 84 River Ridge, Ellijay, GA 30536.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is entrusted with these arrangements.