Ruth Richesin

Ruth Richesin joined her heavenly Savior on Monday, January 6, 2020. She was born Rosa Ruth Cantrell in Monroe County on September 20, 1923. She met her husband Jackson Blaine Richesin at Rocky Springs Church when they were teenagers. They eloped in Chatsworth, Georgia in 1941. During World War II, she worked as a riveter building B-24 Liberator Bombers at Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego while Jack was stationed with the United States Navy in the South Pacific. Reunited after the war, they returned to Tennessee to make their home in Maryville and had three children together. They were dedicated members of Monte Vista Baptist Church. Ruth loved to entertain and would often cook for days in advance preparing elaborate meals. She was devoted to her family, especially her husband Jack whom she lovingly cared for as he battled Alzheimer’s disease the last 15 years of his life. We will always cherish our memories of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother for the joy and laughter she brought to all of our lives. Her great humor, generosity, and kindness will not be forgotten. Ruth was preceded in death by: husband of 73 years, Jackson Blaine Richesin; parents, Louis & Bertha Cantrell; brother, Amos & wife Marie Cantrell and Clemet & wife Lela Cantrell; sisters, Ruby McSpadden & husband Ollie, Elsie Justice & husband Red, Pauline Bradley & husband Bob, and Hazel Sloan & husband JC. She is survived by three children and their spouses: Linda & Jim Malone, Don & Debbie Richesin, and Cindy & Bill Henegar; grandchildren, Jay Malone & wife Becky, Andrea Richesin & husband Joel Warwick, Wendy Richesin, and Drew Henegar and Blake & Brittany Henegar; great-grandchildren, Cameron Malone, Caroline Malone, Ava Richesin-Dodd, Harper Richesin-Dodd, and Olivia Warwick. Our heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers and UT Hospice. Thank you Lilla Farner, Fleeta West, Susan Harrison, Barbara Davis, Melissa Cooper, Lynn Fritts, Hannah Scott, Buzz and Judy Stinnett, Skyleigh Crowe, Carissa, and Adrienne. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Monte Vista Baptist Church Building Fund, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Rd, Maryville, TN 37803 or Zion Chapel Baptist Church, 3334 Zion Chapel Rd, Louisville, TN 37777. Family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Grandview Mausoleum Chapel. Memorial service and inurnment will be at 1:00 PM at Grandview Mausoleum Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ruth Richesin please visit our Sympathy Store.