Ruth Ellen Smith McKinney

Ruth Ellen Smith McKinney, 66, of Marion, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Ruth was born on July 4, 1956 to the late Cloyd Vestal Smith and Jennie Gurley Smith. She is also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Kayla Bowling and three brothers, Rex Smith, Buddy Smith and Tommy Smith.

Ruth was known as a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was loved by her many friends around the world. She enjoyed teaching music and her work at the Toe River Arts Council. Ruth was a huge part of her husband’s music career where she toured many countries. She will be missed by her family and many friends who loved her dearly.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Terry Hughes McKinney; three children, Debra Parker (Jonathan), Jennie Lynn Upton (Jason) and Rana Newton (Paul); a brother Wren Smith (Katie); sisters, Judy Buchanan (David), Ruby Barlowe, Gail Patterson (Rick), Vickie Sanders and Jennie Jo Kreigh; six grandchildren, Courtney Sexton, Dylan Parker, Rylan Parker, Samantha Pruitt, Cody Harwood and Allen Newton along with six great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Beam Funeral Service at 3:00 pm on Monday, February 27, 2023. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm in the chapel. There will be an additional receiving of friends at Altapass Church of God on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Burial will take place on Tuesday following receiving of friends at McKinney Gap Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the McKinney Family at 35 Whitson Road, Marion, NC 28752 for assistance with expenses.