Mary "Ruth" Light Fox

Mary "Ruth" Light Fox passed away on April 4th at home in Maryville, TN. She was born on July 11, 1942, in Silva, North Carolina. As the daughter of a U.S. Park Ranger, she grew up and lived in several places including Ravensford next to the North Carolina headquarters of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Bryson City, NC; Gatlinburg, TN; and Tupelo, MS. She married James Roy Fox, and they lived in Portsmouth, VA; Guntersville, AL; Alcoa, TN; Chattanooga, TN; and settled in Maryville, TN.

Ruth was an active member of New Providence Presbyterian Church where she previously served as a Senior High School Youth Leader and the Director of Youth Programs for one season. She especially enjoyed caring for the 1- and 2-year-old children during worship service. She was an active participant of the New Providence Presbyterian Church Community Benefit Sale, the Welcome Table, and New Providence Presbyterian Women where she held several offices. She was an alumnus of Maryville College, served on the college alumni board, and was an active volunteer during the Maryville College Alumni KT week. She was a previous member of Junior Service League, a JSL sustainer, member of the Chilhowee Club, and a member of the Chilhowee Investment Club. For fun, she was a member of a sewing group, a knitting group, and a bridge club. She loved her flower and vegetable gardens and always found joy working in her yard.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, James Bartholomew and Mary Elizabeth Light, daughter Tina Marie Fox, and her sister Betty Harrell of Atlanta, Georgia. She is survived by her husband, James “Roy” Fox; son and daughter-in-law Dr. Lon and Sally Fox; daughter and son-in-law Greta and David Schwall; three grandsons: Barrett, Harrison, and Brody Schwall; two step grandchildren: Cassie and Drew Pedigo; a step great granddaughter: Emory Pedigo; nieces Kim and Elizabeth Harrell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ruth and Harry McCandless; nieces Shannon Ervin and Stephanie Herbert.

The family is very thankful and humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers of so many friends and family. Additionally, we are thankful for the staff at Blount Memorial Hospital, Morningview Rehabilitation Center, Blount Memorial Hospice staff, Dr. Schrock’s staff, caregivers Nisha and Rebecca from Right at Home who were all very kind to Ruth during her brave battle with cancer. Lastly, we would like to thank McCammon Ammons Click (Ruth’s grandfather, Roy “Pop” Ammons, was one of the original owners) for their assistance.

The grave side service will be held at Grandview Cemetery at 1:00 pm and a Celebration of Life service will be at New Providence Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Dr. Emily Anderson officiating the service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 15.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Welcome Table at New Providence Presbyterian Church.