Ruth Evelene Balthrop

Lone Grove- Funeral Services for Mrs. Ruth Evelene (Beard) Balthrop are scheduled for 2 PM Monday, September 26, 2016 at Stobtown Freewill Baptist Church of Lone Grove with Bro. Royce McClendon and Bro. David Gardner officiating. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Funeral Home of Wilson.

Ruth Evelene (Beard) Balthrop was born April 28, 1920 at Lone Grove, one of eight children, to the late Mr. Harvey Jackson Beard and Mrs. Sallie Levera (Carroll) Beard. She departed this life Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Elmbrook Nursing Home in Ardmore.

Ruth was raised in Lone Grove where she attended school. At a young age she was married to Mr. Joe Balthop on December 23, 1935 at Ardmore. The couple remained married for 49 years at which time Joe preceded her in death on February 26, 1985. Ruth owned and operated The Downtowner Restaurant in Ardmore for many years, retiring at the age of 65. After retirement, she became a homemaker and was a charter member of the Stobtown Freewill Baptist Church. In the church Ruth was very involved in teaching Sunday School, Bible School, and helping in any area she was needed. She also loved to sew and enjoyed having company very much.

Preceding her in death was her parents, her husband Joe; all seven siblings; son in law, Barber Christian.

Survivors include her son, J.D. Balthrop and wife Janice of Lone Grove; daughter, Shirley Christian of Lone Grove; grandkids, Jennifer McKettrick of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jeff Balthrop and wife DeLona of Houston, Texas, Jordan Balthrop of Lone Grove, Ethan Cox and wife Kelsey of Ardmore, Randy Christian and wife Lynn, Sharlette Shans and husband Junior, Joe Christian and wife Traci all of Lone Grove; 14 great grandkids; 15 great great grandkids; numerous other family and friends.

Casket bearers will be Austin Storie, Jared Balthrop, Ethan Cox, Joe Christian, Randy Christian, and Junior Shans.

Family visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 4-6PM at the Alexander Funeral Home Chapel in Wilson.

Condolences may be sent at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org