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Mary Ruth (Troutman) Barnett, 91, of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Ruth was born in Roan Mountain to the late Jess and Pauline (Shell) Troutman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted Marshall Barnett, and two brothers, William “Bill” Carl Troutman and Donald “Don” Neal Troutman.

Ruth retired as a beloved Elementary School Teacher in the Carter County School System. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Elizabethton where she served as a member of the Messenger Sunday School Class and also the Women on Mission Group.

Ruth had formerly been a member of Burbank Free Will Baptist Church in Roan Mountain where she was the church pianist, had served as secretary and was very involved in church play programs and Bible School. 

Ruth was a wonderful cook and everyone in the family and in her church family looked forward to her cooking for special occasions. She had a heart for missions and those less fortunate. Ruth was very faithful to the Lord, was a great prayer warrior and always set a Christian example to everyone. She prayed for her family daily and called them every day.

Those left to remember Ruth and cherish her many wonderful memories include her daughter, Terri Ann Barnett Blevins and husband Carter Lee Blevins of Elizabethton; two granddaughters, Sarah Leanne Blevins Putland and husband Steve, and Atalee McDonald, all of Elizabethton; her brother, Jim Troutman of Elizabethton; her sister, Ella Mae Street and husband Richard of Gray; her nieces and nephews, Tammy Daniel and husband Gary of Gray, Bill Troutman and wife Karri of Kingsport, Brad Street and wife Alana of Gray, Todd Troutman and wife Sandy of Flowery Branch, Ga., Tim Troutman and wife Tammy of Elizabethton, Tina Arwood and husband Neal of Knoxville, Jamey Troutman of Elizabethton, Tabetha Troutman of Nashville, Jessica King and husband Ben of Pulaski, Va., Justin Barnette and wife Carla of Roan Mountain, and Gordon Barnette and wife Bridgette of Roan Mountain. Several great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

A service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 24, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Todd Hallman and Pastor Richard Blevins officiating. Music will be under the direction of Todd and Tabby Hallman, Chris Hughes and June Oaks. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service.

The graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Brad Street, Tim Troutman, Steven Putland, Gordon Barnette, Danny Putland and C.J. Blevins. Honorary pallbearers will be Mary’s beloved Messenger Sunday School Class, her lunch bunch friends, the Women on Mission Group, and her entire church family. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in honor of Ruth to the Gideons International (Carter County Camp), P.O. Box 652, Elizabethton, TN 37643-0652. Words of sympathy may be shared by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Barnett family. Office Phone: (423) 542-2232.