Ruth Barnett Shields

Ruth Barnett Shields, 92, was born, May 28, 1931, to the late Sam and Jessie Mae Barnett. She died peacefully at Mission Memorial in Asheville, NC on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

Ruth, a native of Murphy NC, was a 1951 graduate of Murphy High School. She retired from retail after working Super D in Hayesville, North Carolina. She was a member of Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church where she was a member of the Minnie Ferguson Sunday School class. Ruth loved to cook, to flower garden, and bird watching. Ruth was known as "The Card Lady" throughout the community. She would send cards of hope and inspiration reflecting her favorite Bible verse - Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Ruth is preceded in death by husband, Charles Ellard Shields, along with siblings, Clarence (CT) Barnett and Franklin Barnett. Anyone who knew Ruth, knew her family was important to her. She is survived by two sons, Winifred Shields (wife Paula Shields) and Ted Shields. She has one daughter, Linda Garland (Husband Roger Garland). One grandson - Greg Shields She has 2 step grandchildren - Andrew Garland and wife Bethany, and Brad Garland and wife Paige. 4 great grandsons - Connor, Colton, Chase and Caden Garland. Ruth has 3 sisters - Geneva Setser, Opal Sims, and Barbara Berrong, all of Murphy, NC. Ruth had several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Glenn Barnett, Joe Barnett, Darryl Barnett, Danny Rich, Jim Setser, Sammy Berrong, and Trevis Hicks.

Honorary Pallbearers - Steve Ware, Michael Barnett, Jamie Oliver, Wyatt, Hopkins, Dylan Beaver, and Jesse Rich.

Services will be at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, Murphy North Carolina, Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 2:00 PM with Rev. Noah Crowe will conduct the services with special music by Colt Garland, Caden Garland and Debbie Curtis Shelton. The Family will receive friends at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church 12:00 PM until the funeral hour.

Graveside services will be held at Mt. Pleasant Baptist church cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International or St. Jude.