Edna Ruth Bussell Baker, 87, of Sparta, passed away Aug. 3, 2024, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center, after a long illness.
She was born May 6, 1937, to Bethel and Mary Bussell.
Ruth, as she was known to her family and friends, loved and cherished her grandchildren. Whether watching them excel in sports or school, she was the kind of nana everyone wanted. She was very proud of the young man and young woman they had become. She loved wearing stylish hats as well as making and decorating them. She was a lady of many talents, whether she was decorating for Christmas, doing flower arrangements, gardening, canning, picking up pecans, or singing with her brothers and sisters. She loved meeting and talking to people. One of her favorite jobs was working at Oak Lawn Funeral Home. She was a long-time member of West Sparta Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 64 years, Edward Lee Baker; her brother and sisters, Albert, Jean, Madelyn; nephew, Andy Reeves; brothers-in-laws, Eugene Baker, Bill Gambrell, Tommy Bennett; and sisters-in-laws, Carol Baker and Floyce Bussell.
Survivors include a daughter, Lisa (Craig), of Atlanta; granddaughter, Chaya, of Sparta; grandson, Alex, of Chattanooga, and his fiancée, Alexis Costlow, of Atlanta; her brother, Jack (Faye), of Sparta; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Her nephews will serve as pallbearers: Barry Baker, Curt Bussell, Barry Gambrell, Richard Gambrell, Roger Gambrell, and Chris Reeves.
Honorary pallbearers are her nephews, Steve Baker and Randy Reeves. Others include Tony Turner, David Haggard, Jeff Wilson, Will England, and John Rollins.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m., Aug. 10, 2024, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Derrick Coble will officiate. The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m., Aug. 9, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Sparta Church of Christ or White County Humane Society.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
