Ruth A. Walker

Ruth Elizabeth Arrington Walker

Rocky Mount

Ruth Elizabeth Arrington Walker died at The Sterling House of Rocky Mount surrounded by her family and friends on Saturday, November 9, 2013 after a brief illness.

Born January 11, 1916, she was the daughter of Sarah Henrietta Draper and Henry Peter Arrington. In 1937, she married Maurice Walker and they moved to Battleboro where they created a close and loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and a friend to all who knew her.

In 1971, she began a twenty year career with the Carleton House Restaurant, first as a hostess, and later as the Catering Manager, before retiring at the age of 75. Her special brand of hospitality made customers feel as though they were guests in her own home. She treated each bride whose reception she catered as her own daughter.

After a debilitating car accident in 2001, she moved to the Sterling House where she embraced the residents and staff as her extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by Maurice, her sister, Mary Hoyle, brother, Ben Arrington, son-in-law, Marvin Sherron, and grandson, Michael Sherron and his wife, Lynn.

She is survived by her three daughters, Gail and husband, Bobby Joe Ayers of Rocky Mount, Becky and husband, Lloyd Stone of Wake Forest, and Ruth and husband, Steve Edwards of Tucson, AZ.; grandchildren, Mike Ayers, Ashley and her husband, Brian Huffstetler, David Ayers, Randy and his wife, Erin Sherron, Bryan Edwards, and Claire Edwards; and great-grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Ben and AJ Huffstetler, and Cassidy Sherron.

The family wishes to express special gratitude to both the past and present staff of the Sterling House for their tender and loving care through the years, especially during her final illness.

A visitation will be held from 6:30-8:30pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember Ruth will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Battleboro United Methodist Church with Parker Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Battleboro Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be made to Battleboro United Methodist Church, 229 E. Battleboro Ave., Battleboro, NC 27809 or Benjamin House, 102 Meads Pool Road, Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.