Ruth Gerringer Thompson

Ruth Elizabeth Gerringer Thompson returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at age 88. She passed peacefully while sleeping in the comfort of her home, where she spent 57 cherished years.

She was preceded in death by her eternal love and husband of 49 years, Bobby Thompson; her devoted and treasured daughter, Beverly Christine Thompson Pope, her mother, Fannie Ross Gerringer Crouse; her father, Lyman David Gerringer; sisters, Ethel Gerringer Cable, Eva Gerringer Wyrick; brothers, Marvin Gerringer, Boyd Gerringer, Everett Gerringer and L.D. Gerringer. She is survived by her beloved grandson Sean Pope and his wife, Krista; great-grandchildren Madelyn, Lily (Conner Dove) and Miles Pope, of Graham; her loyal son-in-law Howard Pope, of Durham; along with several faithful nieces and nephews, all natives of Alamance County.

Ruth's love was steadfast from the start. Although she wore many hats throughout her life, her most treasured were her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Being "Moma" and "Ma-Maw" were her proudest accomplishments, and she embodied those roles for her family and shared her maternal love with all those who surrounded her.

A devoted member of Shallow Ford Christian Church in Elon, her life was marked by service to her community. As a Deaconess, President of the Women’s Fellowship, choir member, Sunday School teacher, cemetery committee member, and local Girl Scout troop leader, she left an indelible mark on her community.

Ruth, along with Bobby, enjoyed square dancing together for many years in their group, the Shallow Ford Squares. They made dear friends, traveled, and experienced many adventures with the club. In addition, Ruth found joy in bowling with the YMCA women’s league, cheering on the UNC Tarheel basketball team, and was a 50-year member of the Alamance County Extension Homemakers.

She touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her, and if you are reading this, you have probably received one of the legendary cards she sent, which became treasured keepsakes.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses and staff of AuthoraCare Hospice for their kind and compassionate care for Ruth.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 11th, at Shallow Ford Christian Church, 1263 Shallow Ford Church Road, Elon. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary, led by Ruth’s true friend in Christ, Pastor Steve Regan. The graveside service will immediately follow.