Obituary of Ruth "Ruthie" Royston Wassom

In loving memory of Ruth “Ruthie” Royston Wassom, age 102 of Kingsport, who passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.  She was born in Sullivan County, TN to Roy and Doris Royston.  Ruthie moved to Kingsport in 2004 to live with her very caring and loving daughter, Christine McPhetridge. 

Ruthie was the oldest living member of the Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church.  Until she moved to Kingsport, she was active in church, especially in the nursery department.  She worked for the Chinquapin Grove Utility Department for several years.  Her most treasured and joy, of her working career, was her employment with the Sullivan County Education Department working with Title Three Children; she still talked about the things they would do and say.   

Ruthie was gifted with many talents. She was a master seamstress and could do any kind of needle work, to flower arranging and decorating.  She loved traveling with her Senior Adults, and she visited several countries and all but two of our United States. 

Ruthie will be remembered as a very loving, sweet, kind, and giving person.  She would always put others before herself.   

Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, I.A. Wassom Jr; son, Gary Wassom; son-in-law, O.R. “Mack” McPhetridge; brother, Paul Royston; and many friends.  She is survived by her daughter, Christine McPhetridge; granddaughter, Lori Parsons (Nick); great granddaughter, Natalie Parsons – all of California; sister-in-law, Dottie Royston; daughter-in-law, Lynn Wassom; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her new friends in Kingsport. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice. 

There will be an entombment service at the mausoleum at Glenwood Shelby Hills Cemetery, Bristol, TN, on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 12:00 pm.  Those wishing to attend the entombment service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 11:50 am on Monday.   

Carter Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Wassom family.