Ruth Freeman Webb

Ruth Freeman Webb, 91, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2016 at Blount Memorial Hospital after a brief illness, leaving behind legions of friends who treasure memories of her exuberant outlook on life, her many acts of kindness, and her irrepressible optimism and humor. She was born Ruth Lillian Freeman on October 9, 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA to Hubert Milo Freeman and Marion Leoti Freeman. After a childhood spent in Philadelphia, PA, New York, NY, and Chattanooga, TN, she came to Maryville to attend Maryville College, from which she graduated cum laude in 1946. Shortly thereafter, she met Eugene Leslie Webb, Jr., whom she married in 1948. After teaching at Maryville High School (where she was a much beloved English teacher for six years), Maryville College, and the University of Tennessee, she taught Special Reading at Sam Houston Elementary School for 14 years, retiring in 1985. She was an active member of New Providence Presbyterian Church, where she served as teacher of several Sunday school classes, as Circle Chairman, as Clerk of Session during the period 1993-1995, and as church archivist. She was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an organization that promotes the professional development of women educators, which she served in numerous capacitiesas Mu Chapter President during the period 1976-78, as Beta Tau President and as Parliamentarian, and as Chair of numerous committees. Ruth was a devoted mother and grandmother, taking special delight in the growth and the accomplishments of her children and of her granddaughter. She was an avid gardener, an animal lover, and a friend to many, from her contemporaries to those a half-century younger. She was an enthusiastic participant for 63 years in the Third Friday Book Club, where she forged some close and enduring friendships. She was also a friend over many years to a number of Maryville College students, whom she invited to drop by her home without advance notice any time they needed a study break. Ruth was predeceased by her parents and by her husband of fifty years. She is survived by her son David Lea Webb of Hanover, NH and his wife Carolyn Gordon, by her daughter Virginia Webb Hayden of St. Louis, MO and her husband Brian Hayden, and by her granddaughter Annalisa Fiona Webb-Gordon of Hanover, NH. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at New Providence Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Dr. Emily J. Anderson and Rev. Dr. Stan Rushing officiating; she will be interred at Magnolia Cemetery in Maryville. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that she be remembered in donations to New Providence Presbyterian Church, to Maryville College, to Habitat for Humanity, or to the Blount County Animal Shelter.