Ruth Gentry Melton passed away at her home in Irwin County after an extended illness on Sunday, August 29, 2021, attended by her husband and sister.
Memorial services will be held 3 PM, Sunday, September 5, 2021, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Ed Reeves and the Rev. Ike Thomas officiating.
Mrs. Melton was born in Macon, Georgia, to the late Cecil Larkin and the late Nannie Larkin Crook. She was raised and attended school in Plains, Georgia where she graduated from Plains High School. She worked for and retired from the Irwin County School System as a paraprofessional. Mrs. Melton enjoyed going to the gym, traveling, and working in her yard. She was a member of Big Creek Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Melton of Irwin County; a son, Kirk & Linda Gentry of Irwin County; a daughter, Jennifer & Freelon Gay of Cook County; granddaughter, Rachel Gentry of Irwin County; sister, Polly Parham of Chiefland, Florida; and a brother, Roy Larkin of Byron. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Glenn Gentry; a son, Eric Gentry; sisters: Christine Grant, Mary Dixon, and Sarah Larkin; and brothers: David Larkin, Gene Larkin, Earl Larkin, Bobby Larkin, and Cecil “Red” Larkin.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Hospice of Tift Area, 618 North Central Avenue, Tifton, GA 31794 or to Gideons International, Ben Hill-Irwin Camp, P.O. Box 752, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.