Ruth Trentham

1938 - 2025

Ruth Trentham

Born: May 5, 1938 | Died: May 15, 2025

Ruth G. Trentham, age 86, passed away Thursday morning, May 15, 2025, at Wellington Manor Assisted Living in Newport Tennessee. She and her twin sister, Ruby, were born June 5, 1938, to George W. and Lula Mae Petrey in Campbell County, Tennessee. They were adopted by Willie Mae Ottinger of Parrottsville, Tennessee, with the help of her sons, Reo and I.D., during the autumn of 1941. Ruth was a proud graduate of the Parrottsville High School class of 1956. She, along with her husband Fred, were honorary alumni of Johnson University (formerly Johnson Bible College). She was among the first group of teachers' aides hired by Newport Grammar School in 1967. She worked for Triangle Paint and Floor Covering and the Holiday Inn of Newport where she served as front desk manager. She then worked at Wal-Mart of Newport in the shoe department until her retirement. Her spiritual journey began at the St. James Lutheran Church located in the southern part of Greene County, Tennessee. She then became a member of Long Creek Christian Church where she attended as a young married woman and mother. Upon moving to Newport, she and her family attended First Christian Church. She was a charter member of English Mountain Christian Church, beginning in 1967, where she served in a variety of capacities, including but not limited to Sunday School Teacher, Vice-President then President of the Women's Group, and Vacation Bible School Teacher. Ruth also provided many delicious dishes for a variety of fellowship meals and social occasions at the church. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, Fred R. Trentham, biological parents, George W. and Lula Mae Petrey, her mother Willie Mae Ottinger, her beloved twin sister, Ruby Gregg (Carroll) brothers Reo (Edith) Ottinger, I.D. (Edith) Ottinger, Howard Haney, Dudley Dykes, and Herbert Petrey, sisters, Carrie Burchfield and Tiney Brewer, a niece, Donna Joyce Ottinger, and a nephew, Roy M. Trentham, Jr. Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her adoring and beloved son, Donald R. Trentham, of Knoxville, Tennessee, special nephew, Jeffrey L. (Barbara) Ottinger, special great nephews Isaac (Morgan) Ottinger, Michael (Kelsey) Ottinger, and the joy and light of her life, her special great-great nephews, Chandler Allen Ottinger and Judson Cruz Ottinger, all of Parrottsville, Tennessee. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Evelyn Petree, as well as many other nieces and nephews as well as many friends. Her son, Don, would like to thank Wellington Manor Assisted Living in Newport, Tennessee. Wellington Manor was Ruth's home for a little over three years. The staff of Wellington Manor provided consistent love, kindness, and care for Ruth up until the very end and neither they nor their efforts will ever be forgotten by Don and his family. Don would also like to thank Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice who loved and cared for Ruth in many wonderful ways. Their kindness and care will also never be forgotten. Don would also like to thank his wonderful friends Michael and Debbie Etter, Kristie Huffman, Susan Dominick, Laurie Craig and her family who assisted with Ruth during her last Christmas Eve service at Church Street United Methodist Church allowing Don to sing with the Parish Adult Choir, Kevin and Jami Anderson who sat with Ruth and Don on Christmas Day, 2014, while their husband and father, Fred, was being cared for in the emergency room at Tennova Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee. Appreciation also goes to Church Street United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, for their prayers for and support of Don and to the Parish Adult Choir of Church Street United Methodist Church, particularly the tenor section, for their love and support. Appreciation also goes to Johnson University where Don has served as a professor for the past 40 years and who has offered support, prayers, and encouragement during this very difficult journey. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at Manes Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at English Mountain Christian Church on Wed at 2:00, May, 21, 2025. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. The family requests that memorial gifts be made in Ruth's memory to St. James Lutheran Church, 3220 St. James Road, Greeneville, Tennessee, 37743, or to Long Creek Christian Church, c/o 313 Pocohontas Drive, Newport, Tennessee, 37821. Memorial gifts can also be made to East Tennessee Children's Hospital, 2018 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37916. Ruth was known for her love for all, her kindness and empathy, her faith, her selflessness, her seemingly effortless charm and grace, her sweetness, her sense of humor, and her contagious, wonderful laugh. She will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.