Ruth Crowley Upchurch, age 97, died Thursday, December 29, 2016 at her home in Coffeeville, MS. She was born January 14, 1919 in Cookeville, TN to the late A.C. and Mabel Peek Crowley. Ruth earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Tennessee Technology University and taught Home Economics for a number of years. She worked for the University of Missouri Extension Service as a State Home Economist Agent. Ruth was a member of Coffeeville Friends of the Library and very active in promoting literacy. She also worked as a volunteer with the Adult Literacy Programs. Ruth was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Coffeeville.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the United Methodist Church of Coffeeville. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 11:00 am with Rev. Stacy Douglas officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Primitive Church Cemetery in Yalobusha County, MS.
Ruth is survived by her daughter, Jean (Steve) Abernathy of Ballwin, MO; her son, Robert Burton Upchurch of Falls Church, VA; two grandsons, Jeff (Deidre) Abernathy and Will Abernathy; and two special caregivers, Mary Robinson and Rhonda Neal Spearman.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph Upchurch; her twin sister, and three brothers.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Coffeeville United Methodist Church,
14500 Main Street, Coffeeville, MS 38922.