Ruela Carol Wattenbarger

Carol Wattenbarger, 74, a lifelong resident of McMinn County, TN, stepped into eternity on Friday, November 19, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Polk County.

She was proceeded in death by her loving husband who she has now rejoined, Sam Wattenbarger; her mother, Julia Ann Hughes-Eaton; father, Ruel Oliver McDaniel; sister, Brenda Kitchens; and brother, Oliver McDaniel.

She leaves behind three children and their families: Allen and Heather Wattenbarger and Andy and Kenitha Wattenbarger-- both of Cleveland, and Tony and Michelle Howard of Delano; grandchildren: Ethan Wattenbarger, Haley Bell (John) and Nate Howard; siblings: Shirley Hein, Randy Hughes, Curtis Hughes, Donna Hardwick, Kitty Smalling; lifelong friends: Brenda Patterson, Eddie and Jane Boyd, Dave and Shelia Hampton; and several nieces and nephews.

It was Carol’s desire to be cremated, and she prepared specific instructions for the placement of her remains. If you are family or a friend who wishes to honor her, please focus on the great memories, and share them. We will be encouraged by Revelation 21: 14: And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Carol and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist her family with these arrangements.