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Obituaries

BETTY RUTH CRABTREE

Betty Ruth Crabtree, age 83 of Clinton, Tennessee went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, November 20, 2023 following a period of declining health.

Born in Robbins, Tennessee on May 12, 1940 she was the daughter of the late Shelby Coin Gunter and Clansy Louise Hamby Gunter. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Walter Crabtree. Betty had lived in Wartburg and later moved to Clinton where she made her home the last twelve years. She was a member of Covenant Life Church.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Michael Crabtree of Harriman, Tennessee; her daughters, Katherine Osborne of Clinton, Tennessee and Scyleesa Crabtree of Wartburg, Tennessee; her brothers, Bill Gunter and wife Sue and Bacel Gunter and wife Pam both of Wartburg, Tennessee; her sister, Sue Russell of Wartburg, Tennessee; grandchildren, Alan Bostley, Josh Crabtree, Nicole Bostley, Taylor Hughes, Shelbi Osborne, Jayden Chatmon and Madison Chatmon; great-grandchildren, Riley Bostley, Mason Bostley, Jake Crabtree, Kylie Crabtree, Natalie Hughes, Austin Bostley and other nieces and nephews and relatives and friends.

Friends visited with the Crabtree Family on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in the Jones Mortuary Chapel. Graveside rites followed in the Oak Ridge Memorial Park at 1501 Bethel Valley Road in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Pallbearers were Michael Crabtree, Alan Bostley, Joshua Crabtree, Taylor Hughes, Jayden Chatmon and Jake Crabtree.

Jones Mortuary of Clinton, Tennessee is serving the family of Betty Ruth Crabtree.

BETTY RUTH HARNESS KELLY

Betty Ruth Harness Kelly, aged 92 of Clinton, TN went to be with the Lord Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her children. Betty was a loving wife, mother and mamaw.  She was also a steadfast friend. Betty was a Christian and never wavered on her beliefs.  She was strong willed, independent and devoted to her family. Betty always saw the best in people. She enjoyed traveling, live music, singing, camping and was working on a cookbook at the time of her death.


In this time of profound loss, we find solace in the memories we shared and in her unwavering faith through Jesus. Her absence will leave an indescribable void, but her spirit will forever be in our hearts. As we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, may we also celebrate the gift of her life, the impact she had on us and her enduring legacy. She taught us the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering love. We will miss her immensely but we will see her again.


Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Carroll Jack Kelly; son, David Wayne Kelly; parents, Stella McDaniel and Hubert Harness; step-father O.C. (Mack) McDaniel; brother, Walter L. Harness, and son-in-law Tommy Hendricks. She is survived by son George Jack Kelly of Clinton; daughters, Kathy Branham & Danny of Clinton, and Nancy Hendricks of Clinton; grandchildren, Jacque Hendricks, Kim H. Van Valkenburgh & Charles, Dr. Daniel G. Branham & Cassidy, Joshua George Kelly, Katie Ruth Branham Kerr & Andy; great grandchildren, Makenzy & Mallory Van Valkenburgh; Jack, Luke & Gunner Branham; Sam & Piper Kerr; Rosita Van Valkenburgh Hembree & Hunter, many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends.


Services was held on Friday, Dec. 1st, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Black Oak Baptist Church in Clinton, TN. Her interment will be at Anderson Memorial Gardens immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Black Oak Baptist Church. A memorial will also be held in the spring to celebrate Betty’s life. Jones Mortuary LLC in Clinton, TN is honored to serve the family of Betty Ruth Harness Kelly.

BOB E. FOUST, SR.

Robert E. Foust, Sr., age 94 of Rocky Top, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2023 at his home. He was born on December 10, 1928 to the late Edward K. and Minnie Lee Bowman Foust in Anderson County.

Bob was a member and deacon of Clinch River Baptist Church. He sang in the church choir and for many years participated in the Mission by Faith work crew. He was a member of the Coal Creek Masonic Lodge 492. Bob took pride in writing poetry and gardening. His greatest joy was sharing his words and his vegetables with family and friends. He was a true fisherman who could be found on the river below Norris Dam when the water was down. In his younger days he and his brothers, wherever they were working, would gather on opening day of trout season in the Tellico/Citico streams of Cherokee National Forest to see who could catch the biggest fish. He came out on top many times. He was a hardworking man who never understood the meaning of “vacation” but was always ready to tackle any project that needed to be done {even if it was something he had never done before}. He was quick to make friends and start up a conversation. Bob will be dearly missed by family and all those he called friend.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lucille Braden Foust; daughter Barbara Gayle Lively and husband Vic Lively; brothers, Edward K. Foust, Jr., Warren K. Foust, Laurence E Foust and Walter Foust; sisters, Helen Holler, Ruthie Eloise Lopstitich, Marie Amerine, and Edna Lee Hyder. Grandchildren, Adam Payne, Jonathan Dustin Payne and Ashley Henning. Great grandchildren Drew Payne and Maleigha Henning.

He is survived by: children, Robert “Butch” Foust, Jr., Michael Foust, and wife Debbie, and James “Chuck” Foust, and wife Delores.

Loving Papaw of nine grandchildren, Amber Reese, and husband Bryan, Travis Foust, and wife Holly, Joshua Foust, and wife Kerri, Heather Holder, and husband Todd, Jessica Middleton, and husband Nic, Trevor Foust, Jason Lively and wife Jessica, and Melissa Lively Baker. There are seventeen great grandchildren.

If you had the pleasure of meeting Bob you would never forget him.

The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 5-7pm with the funeral service to follow at 7pm with Robbie Leach, Travis Foust, and Darryl Arrender officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home at 10:30am on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 and will go in funeral procession to Leach Cemetery for an 11:00am graveside service. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

GWEN LITTLETON

Gwen Littleton, age 81 of Clinton went home to be with her heavenly father on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.  Gwen was born February 21, 1942, in Jefferson County to the late Roy and Ethel Sherwood.  Gwen was a member of Greenway Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and was a selfless servant of Christ. Throughout her life, she loved cooking, sightseeing, flowers, and most of all spending time with her family. She held several titles…..wife, mother, sister, and friend…..the icing on the cake was her job as a grandmother and great-grandmother. For many years she worked at Modine in Clinton and later worked at Methodist Medical Center. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Jilda Lynn Littleton; brothers, Billy Sherwood, Jack Sherwood, Ancil Sherwood, Ken Sherwood, and Donnie Sherwood.

She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Franklin Littleton of Clinton; sons, Franklin Matthew Littleton & wife Susie of Clinton and Andrew Mark Littleton & wife Nikki of Clinton; grandchildren, Whitley and Alyssa Littleton and Katelyn and Landon; great-grandchildren, Kolton and Damon Fields; sister, Sue Moore & husband Greg of Heiskell; brother-in-law, Charles Littleton of Dayton, OH; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family received friends from 3-5 pm on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at Greenway Baptist Church.  Her funeral services followed with Pastor Danny Light officiating.  Her graveside was at 1:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 4 at Greenway Baptist Church Cemetery.  Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. 

holleygamble.com

DOROTHY JEAN HUTCHESON

Dorothy Jean Hutcheson née Graham was born December 16, 1930, and completed her earthly race peacefully at her home on Nov. 30, 2023, just short of turning 93 by 16 days. She was born in Clinton, TN, and lived in the local community in Clinton, Andersonville, and Norris, as a child.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Howard Adams Hutcheson, parents John Richard Graham and Roxie Graham née Cox, brother, Edward Boyd Graham, and grandson Zachary Andrew Stephenson. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Mary Jeannine Stephenson née Hutcheson (William Howard Stephenson, Jr.), grandchildren, Laura Elizabeth Morefield née Stephenson (William Joe Morefield, Jr.), Rebecca Christine Dahlberg née Stephenson (Cole Alexander Dahlberg), William Howard Stephenson, III (Codi Lorine Stephenson née Branam), Abigayl Kathryn Stephenson, Lilly Analiese Meinke née Stephenson (Benjamin Dakota Meinke) and great-grandchildren, Payzley Grace Dahlberg, Isaac Gabriel Dahlberg, Autumn Aviyah Dahlberg, Andi Jean Stephenson, Ryland Annalee Stephenson, and Lincoln Mayes Morefield.

Dorothy Jean’s passion was working in the church and sharing Christian principles. She was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church for 69 years. Her work in the faith was accomplished by becoming a lay-leader and working in both the Holston Conference and local church in United Methodist Women. During this time, she served terms as president and secretary of United Methodist Women for the Holston Conference and president of her local church United Methodist Women. She would often remind everyone that “this too shall pass” and “God’s in control”. Her relationship with Jesus was her forefront and primary focus for many years.

She was a dedicated professional entering the workforce in 1949 for Atomic Energy Commission, which later became Department of Energy, retiring in 1989. She began her career in the typing pool and retired in as an Administrative Assistant in the Managers Office in Oak Ridge, TN.

Dorothy Hutcheson will be laid to rest at a private interment at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton, TN on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her honor to the Memorial Fund at St. Mark United Methodist Church a charity near to your heart.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve Dorothy’s family.

www.holleygamble.com

DOROTHY CUNNINGHAM RUEHL

Dorothy Cunningham Ruehl, 91, of Indianapolis, Indiana, died peacefully on Nov. 10, 2023, surrounded by her family. She will be terribly missed by her family and friends. Dorothy was born Oct. 10, 1932, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Horace V. Wells and Dorothy Ann Overall. She spent her youth in Clinton, Tennessee, with her beloved sisters, Katrina Counts, the late Natalie Smith, and the late Nancy Townsend. Dorothy had fond memories of growing up with her three sisters, whose deep friendships and laughter continued throughout their lives.

Dorothy graduated from Maryville College and bravely relocated to Indianapolis, where she knew no one. She worked at the Irvington Public Library, where she met her first husband, Thomas Edward Cunningham. She married Tom in 1958 and earned her master’s in library science from Indiana University. Dorothy and Tom had three children: Anne M. Glaser (Scott), Dr. James Cunningham (Catherine), and the late Thomas W. Cunningham. Dorothy continued to enjoy her friendship with her daughter-in-law Kristin Cunningham Baker after her son Tom died in 2011.

Dorothy worked as a librarian for decades, sharing her love of books with her children and grandchildren. Dorothy and Tom enjoyed their long marriage; however, Dorothy was widowed in 2006.

After Tom died, she pursued her many interests, including family, golf, bridge, travel, line dancing, volunteering, and reading. She was a longtime member of Irvington Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon, and a member of PEO., Chapter P.

In 2016, she met Edward H. Ruehl, whom she married in August 2017. She enjoyed the last eight years of her life with Ed, a wonderful husband.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Edward, her children Anne and James, her grandchildren Will, Anna, Natalie Cunningham, Connor and Christopher Cunningham, and Audrey, Max, and Elise Glaser.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Westminster Village North, Foundation Hall (Door 4), 11050 Presbyterian Drive, Indianapolis, IN 43236.

Memorials may be made to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, Post Office Box 6134, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

LESLIE JEANNINE WILSON

Leslie Jeannine Wilson, 41, of Clinton, Tennessee, away suddenly on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, in Heiskell, Tennessee. She loved spending time with her children and grandbaby, to whom she was a Nenaw. She was very proud of her children. Leslie was so proud to watch her son Jimmy Smallwood graduate from boot camp for the U.S. Army.

Leslie was preceded in death by her father. James Wilson; brother Jimmy Solomon; sister Jamie Maples; grandparents Billy and Annette Braswell, and Roberta and James T. Wilson.

Leslie is survived by her mother Donna Wilson; sons Jimmie Lashawn Smallwood, and Issakiah Lynn Smallwood; daughters Demetra Kayann Smallwood, and Lakendra Dalton Smallwood; granddaughter Paisley Faith Marban; and uncle Billy Braswell Jr.

Family and friends will gather for a memorial service from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, in the Jones Mortuary chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jones Mortuary LLC. 375 N. Main St., Clinton, TN 37716. 865-457-1515.

Jones Mortuary LLC in Clinton, Tennessee, is honored to serve the family of Leslie Jeannine Wilson.

DONALD RHEA McGHEE

Donald Rhea McGhee, 79. May 7, 1944 - November 20th, 2023.

He left this Earth early Monday after a fierce and unforgiving battle with lung cancer.  He was preceded in death by his father Duncan McGhee, his mother Hazel McGhee, his sisters Joyce (spouse Larry), Nartella, and Brenda, his brothers Bob and Lavon, and his beloved son Duncan Mac McGhee.

Though cancer brought his death upon us, it is not this illness that will define him. Rather, it is his strength, fortitude and unwavering love for those he cared for that will be remembered.

Enlisting young, he served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne during Vietnam.

From there, he went on to serve his hometown as a paramedic. Eventually, his desire to travel took over and he successfully owned and operated a small-scale trucking company that would take him coast to coast. Having visited all of the lower 48 states, British Columbia, Quebec, and various parts of Mexico,  his knowledge was something that could only be gained through life experiences. He was willing to walk to the ends of the Earth for those he loved.  He was a husband, father, brother, son, and friend. His stories will continue to be told and shared among those who knew him best. He is gone but not forgotten, and will be forever in our hearts. We will be missing you. Until we meet again, all our love.

Don is survived by his loving wife Brigitte McGhee, his son’s Donnie McGhee (Vicky spouse), Jeff Hart (Nick spouse), Brian Hart, Ian McGhee (Calei spouse), his daughter’s Kim Hill (Jerry spouse), Nicolette Breeden, and Melanie Fall (Bouya spouse). Many beloved grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Lifelong friends Ed and Cheryl Mayes and numerous loved extended family members.

Graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at the Harness-McGhee Cemetery in Caryville, Tennessee.