Dr. Ruth (Lane) Carpenter

Dr. Ruth Carpenter, of Morristown, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 18, 2019 at the age of 88. Dr. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Allen “Santa AL” Carpenter; son, Steve; brother, Jay; and parents, Lily and William Lane. Her surviving family includes her daughter, Dr. June Darling (Dr. John Darling); grandsons, Hoby Darling (Alanna) and Sam Darling (Shu); great-grandchildren, Sierra Mckinsey and Sophia, Anna, and Eli John Darling; sisters, Deane Hawkes, Faris Brewster, and Julia Ecker; step-son, Don Carpenter; Dr. Ruth was especially close to her nephew, Dr. Gary “Rusty” Brewster (Yolanda) and children, Garrett, Liam, and Alyssa. Born and raised in East Tennessee, Dr. Ruth considered herself a “Valley Woman” through and through. She actively contributed to the community as an educator for thirty years. She was a speaker, therapist, hospital and police chaplain, Dean at Walter State Community College, and assistant pastor at Gateway Church. In 2009 (at the age of 79), she was recognized as a senior chaplain in the International Conference of Police Chaplains. She also served on several social service boards. She mentored, inspired, and spiritually nourished many young women and men. After official retirement, Dr. Ruth loved to arise at 5:30, read her favorite Psalm, go out for a ham biscuit and coffee, and dash to do devotions for her beloved friends at the police department. Then she was off to her office at Gateway Church where she continued to counsel and pray. Dr. Ruth loved to laugh and tease, as well as walk alongside the dispirited and broken-hearted. She prayed unceasingly for the place and the people of East Tennessee. Dr. Ruth suffered several strokes in the last couple of years. The family would like to thank her community of loyal friends who surrounded her and to thank her devoted caregivers, especially Holly Murphy, for her fierce and loving attention.  The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 p.m. Friday, February 22nd at Westside Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 23rd at Gateway Church with Rev. Sanford Cooper and Dr. Gary Brewster officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment with prayer and Scripture reading will follow at Hamblen Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Morristown Police Department Chaplain Division, MATS (homeless shelter provided by the Ministerial Association, run by Dr. Brewster), or the ministries of Gateway Church. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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