Ruth Freeman

Ruth Elizabeth Ledbetter Freeman was born on May 26, 1932, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. She was the middle child, out of seven, born to Burgin and Otellia King Ledbetter. She departed this earthly home for her heavenly home on Friday, September 27, 2024, at home, surrounded by her two loving daughters, under Hospice care, in Lake Lure, NC.

Ruth attended Elementary and High School in Rutherford County. She furthered her education at Winston-Salem Teachers’ College, now known as Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC. While there, she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. After graduating, she taught school near Dunn, NC before returning to teach in Rutherford County. She taught school at New Hope Elementary and Green Hill Elementary before retiring. No matter where she was, her former students would often greet her and tell her how much they valued the lessons she taught them. Many stated to her that she was their favorite teacher.

Ruth joined Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully in various ministries. She married the love of her life, Charlie Freeman, on August 2, 1958, and enjoyed gardening, traveling, and cherished life with him until his death on March 26, 1998.

Ruth joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church with her husband where she served as a Sunday School teacher and the church secretary. She also had a role on the leadership team of The Mullen B. Bible Camp and served as treasurer. Ruth loved singing, leading devotionals and fellowshipping with her friends at the Shingle Hollow Senior Citizen group. She loved working puzzles, putting up vegetables in the freezer for the winter, watching her soap operas, and the Game Show Network. She loved going to church and if unable to attend, always made sure to watch as many services as she could on TV. She was a God-fearing Christian woman who also loved reading and teaching the Bible. She always put her family and friends before herself and did what she could for anyone as long as she was able. She was a sweet and angelic soul to all who loved, knew, and came in contact with her.

Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. Granny, as she was affectionately called, would do whatever she could by reading and playing with them when they were younger, and making sure to cook whatever special request was made. The highlight of her day was when she received a call from one of them. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, her parents, Burgin and Otellia K. Ledbetter, two brothers, John B. and Paul L. Ledbetter, and three sisters, Mary L. Dickerson, Esther L. Sanders, and Naomi L. Landrum.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Charlene F. (Eric) Douglas of Charlotte, NC, and Jennifer A. Freeman of Matthews, NC; two devoted grandchildren, Eric Eugene Douglas, II and Charlee Elizabeth Douglas, of Charlotte, NC; one bonus granddaughter, Endia L. Douglas of Huntsville, AL; one sister, Martha L. Baskin of Brevard, NC; three bonus daughters, Mary Jane Campbell of Lake Lure, NC, Tammy Sherer of Matthews, NC, and Jacqueline Coe of Winston-Salem, NC; two special cousins, Marvin and Tina Freeman of Lake Lure, NC, and a host of devoted nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

Services will be held at New Bethel Church on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.