Mrs. Ruth Ward, age 88, of Dahlonega passed away Friday, May 17, 2019.

Mrs. Ward was born in Fannin County on June 5, 1930 to the late William and Nancy Kendall Hughes.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Freeman Ward, sisters Chloe Culley, Odell Hicks, Dean Dean, and Owa Allen.  Mrs. Ward retired from Pinetree/Burlington Industries with 36 years of dedicated work.  She was a member of Sugar Hill Baptist Church in Fannin County and she attended Philippi Baptist Church.  Mrs. Ward was deeply loved by her family and her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Granny Ruth".  She loved quilting and bird watching.  When her health allowed, Mrs. Ward loved gardening.

Survivors include her children Roger and Shirley Ward, and Charles Randall "Randy" and Joanne Ward, all of Dahlonega; grandchildren Lisa and Clark Rider and Michelle and Shane Whitehead; great-grandchildren Chelseay and Chris Frith, and Avery Whitehead; great-great-grandson Austin Frith; and brother Clyde Hughes.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.  The Rev. Jason Fuller will officiate.  Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Mrs. Ward or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega