Willie Ruth (Boyd) Ethridge

Willie Ruth Boyd Ethridge, 87, of Chattanooga, TN, died on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. 

She was a 1951 graduate of Chattanooga Central High School and a 1956 graduate of University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX. She was a long-time member of Woodland Park Baptist Church and was a member of First Baptist Church of Ringgold at the time of her death.

In 1991 she retired from Hamilton County Schools after a lengthy career as a music teacher at East Ridge High School, Westview Elementary, Anna B. Lacey Elementary, McBrien Elementary, Spring Creek Elementary, Apison Elementary, and Ooltewah Intermediate School.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Leonard C. Ethridge, Jr. and her parents, Charles and Alma Ruth Wilson Boyd, three sisters, two brothers, and a granddaughter Sophie.

She is survived by her children, Carol (Jim) Arnhart and Eric (Rachel) Ethridge; grandchildren, Wesley (Gabby) Arnhart and Julia Arnhart; Leah, Rena and Eli Ethridge; great-granddaughter Emily; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery following a private graveside service.

There will not be any visitation.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to First Baptist Church of Ringgold, 7611 Nashville St, Ringgold, GA 30736.

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.