Ruth Coleman Gaither, age 78, of Statesville, N.C., passed away December 7, 2020, at her home after a long battle with health issues.

Ruth was born December 24, 1941, in Wilkes County, N.C., the daughter of the late Dana Coleman and Addie Johnson Coleman. Also preceding her in death are her brother, Edward Coleman; sisters, Gearldean Cook, Cledus Somers, Dorothy Prevette, and infant sister Nancy Coleman; brothers-in-law Clifford Cook and Worth Little; and sister-in-law Irene Coleman.

Ruth was a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church. She loved spending time in her garden, planting flowers, or relaxing on the beach. She loved her family and all her animals, especially her dog Maggie.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 56 years, Howard “Mickey” Ray Gaither; daughters, Cindy Johnson (Junior), Tori Gaither (TR Hiatt) and Heather Leazer (Shannon); brothers, Roger Coleman and Paul Coleman (Priscilla); sisters, Paulette Osborne (Jerry) and Diane Little; brothers-in-law, Don Somers and Don Prevette; sister-in-law Ruby Coleman; grandchildren, Addison Reavis, Coleman Hiatt and Kayden Leazer; along with numerous family and friends.

Due to COVID, the memorial service will be at a later date.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.