Willie Ruth Harris

Willie “Ruth” Harris, 72, of Cleveland, TN passed away on November 22, 2016. She was born on October 11, 1944 to the late Wilburn and Lilly Goforth of Athens, TN. Ruth was a lifelong resident of this area, raised in McMinn County where she graduated from McMinn County High School. Ruth was of the Baptist faith and a member of Waterville Baptist Church. She was a nurse by trade for 42 years since 1974 when she graduated from the nursing program at Cleveland State Community College. She worked in the nursing field most recently for “Humana Rest Care” and prior to that worked for the Health Center at Standifer Place for 16 years and Bradley Memorial Hospital for 18 years. Ruth also was a very successful entrepreneur as she owned and operated “Christie’s Carousel” Bridal Store and Wedding Planning Service for 11 years. She will forever be remembered as being full of live and very generous. She would do anything for anyone. Ruth was married to David “Jerry” Harris for many years and they had a very special relationship. Ruth also loved to shop, knitting and crocheting, and was an “incredible” cook. Ruth was a great mother and wonderful “Nana” to her four grandchildren. She was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son Michael Harris and wife Holly; daughter Christie Harris Smith and husband Andy; grandchildren: Alex Smith, Kennedy Smith, Gavin Harris, and Olivia Grace Harris. In addition to these, she leaves behind numerous extended family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday November 27, 2016 at First Baptist Church Cleveland located at 1275 Stuart Road, Cleveland, TN 37312 with Rev. Rusty Asble officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until the 2:00pm service time on Sunday. A private interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Ruth or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Harris family with these arrangements.