Ruth Butler Cantrell, 90, of Tryon, N.C., died Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Hospice House of Rutherford County, Forest City, N.C.

Born in Tryon, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Archie and Florence Bumgarner Butler. She was the widow of G. Paul Cantrell. The profession of nursing was life to Ruth. She graduated from Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. with a degree in nursing, and began her nursing career at St. Luke’s Hospital in 1948. Ruth retired at the age of 85, but still volunteered at St. Luke’s until a month ago. Ruth truly loved her profession. She also loved animals and music. She was a member of Tryon First Baptist Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Julie Cantrell of Tryon, N.C. and Linda Leake (Michael) of Tryon, N.C.; a step son, Glenn Cantrell (Donna) of Green Creek, N.C.; a granddaughter, Melinda Leake; two great grandchildren, Alex and Jonathan. Also surviving are step grandchildren, Reuben Dedmondt (Henrietta) and his children, and George Dedmondt and his son.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was predeceased by a brother, A. Paul Butler, Jr., Lt. Commander, U.S. Navy.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018 in McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, N.C., with Dr. Jeff Harris officiating.

Burial will be in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus, N.C.

Memorials may be made to Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Rd., Columbus, NC 28722 or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory
Tryon, N.C.