Ruth Rhea “Pinkie” Tubb Hill, beloved mother, grandmother, and community leader, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.
She was born Sept. 11, 1923, in Sparta, to Loula Dibrell and James Tubb Jr.
A proud graduate of White County High School, Pinkie was honored as “Miss WCHS” and served as secretary of the Class of 1941 for 75 years. She furthered her education at David Lipscomb College, then a junior college, from 1941 until 1943. In 1945, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Pepperdine University, in California. In 1980, she was selected as Alumni of the Decade from Lipscomb University, a most fitting honor that recognized her allegiance to the school.
Pinkie worked with Save the Children Federation and The Sparta Spoke Factory before marrying Wayman Hill, in 1948. Together they nurtured a family and a community. While raising their three daughters, Pinkie was an active Girl Scout leader, organizer, trainer, and fundraiser, serving on the Highland Rim Girl Scouts Council and later on the Board of the Cumberland Valley Girl Scouts Council. She earned the Thanks Badge, in 1973, in recognition of her exceptional service to the organization, and she represented her council as a delegate at the National Convention in Washington, D.C., in the 1970s.
Pinkie’s faith was a cornerstone of her life; she was baptized at age 12 and served for many years as a Sunday School teacher for young children at Sparta Central Church of Christ. Her commitment to education extended to her work with the Parent-Teacher Association, where she was a Life Member and held several leadership roles, including President, Home Room Mother, and Chairman of the Fair Booth.
In the 1960s, Pinkie served as secretary of the United Gift Fund when it was first organized, in Sparta, and was later recognized as an Unsung Hero by The Expositor. Her passion for history and community service led her to join the Rock House Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as regent, grant secretary, and delegate to the state convention. She was also a member of the Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of 1812, and the White County Genealogy Society. In 2012, she was honored as Grand Marshal of the Rotary Christmas Parade and was named Mrs. Senior White County, in 2016.
Pinkie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayman Hill; her brothers, Jimmie and Stanton Tubb; and her sister, Mary Willie Smith.
She is survived by her three daughters, Mary Lou Johnson and husband Carl, of Nashville; Susan Flagg, of Cookeville; and Ruth Rhea Redus and husband Andy, of Cookeville. She was a proud grandmother to Greg Johnson and wife Jacquie, of San Clemente, California; Neil Johnson and wife Laura, of Nashville; Spence Flagg and wife Jessica, of Bristol, Tennessee; Laura Hill Winningham and husband Bubba, of Cookeville; Andrea Redus Hickok and husband Ben, of Nashville; and Meredith Redus Austin and husband Gary, of Nashville. Pinkie is also survived by 16 cherished great-grandchildren: Regan Rhea Johnson, Sawyer Faye Johnson, Finnley Rhea Johnson, Iyla Stirling Johnson, Mave Loula Johnson, Betsy Ward Johnson, Quinn Roberts Johnson, Olivia Lou Johnson, Macklin Spencer Flagg, Baylor Hill Winningham, Maddox Jones Winningham, Parks Christopher Winningham, Myles Andrew Hickok, Bennett Hill Hickok, Robert Gary Austin III, and Chloe Rhea Austin.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Pinkie’s caregivers, Leesa Hughes, Linda Bell, Brenda Cravens, Nichole Flowers, Gail Judd, and Bea Wood for their exceptional care and compassion.
A private family graveside service was conducted Nov. 2, 2024, at Highland Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to: Highland Cemetery (P.O. Box 90, Sparta, Tennessee 38583), White County Public Library (11 N. Church St., Sparta, Tennessee 38583), or White County Heritage Museum (114 S. Main St., Sparta, Tennessee 38583).
Pinkie will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her and will be lovingly remembered for her faith and wisdom.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
