Obituary: Ruth Jenkins Friar

Ruth Jenkins Friar, 89, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother who loved her family and friends unconditionally. Her grace, her generous spirit, her courageous approach to life, and her tenacious loyalty were all testimony to her love of Christ and His teachings.

Born in Middlesboro, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Arlie and Vida De Marcus .Jenkins. Ruth grew up in Kentucky and remained a loyal Kentucky basketball fan throughout life.

In 1942, she graduated from Pruden High School as class valedictorian. Then, after graduating from Knoxville Business College, she worked as a secretary for the Clearfork Coal Company until she married Dan and began to raise her four children.

Moving to Oak Ridge in 1954, Ruth and her family joined Robertsville Baptist Church, where she remained a member for 60 years. During those years, she served in a variety of positions, including those of Sunday school teacher, training union teacher, vacation Bible school director, Bible study leader and WMU President. Additionally, she was a faithful member of the church choir for many years.

She returned to work after all her children were in school, first working for the Anderson County Head Start Program. After a short time there she began to work for Martin Marietta at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In August of 1984 she was one of the first recipients of the Energy Division award for sustained contribution of excellence in the areas of administrative or technical support. She remained at ORNL until her retirement in 1987.

Ruth loved nature. She treasured the Cumberland Mountains of her youth and often spoke of the trees, birds, wildflowers, and wildlife that as a child she learned to honor and respect. For years she made beautiful bouquets from the flowers she and her husband grew in their yard, particularly their roses. She was naturally curious about everything, which made her a voracious reader who pored over every article in the newspaper. Her love of books spanned the range from biography and history to politics, medical journals and her much studied Barclay Bible commentaries. Her love of learning was life-long.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband Dan H. Friar; her sisters, Gladys Hensley, Henrietta Jenkins, Bertie Bostic, and Joyce Nicely; and her brother, Arlie Gene Jenkins.

She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Breazeale and her husband Earl of Knoxville; her sister-in-law, Esta Arnold of Halls; and by her children: Deborah Friar of Oak Ridge, Dan H. Friar and wife Brenda of Ringgold, Ga., Timothy Friar and his wife Rhonda of Knoxville; and Jeffrey Friar of Knoxville. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, her seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all whom she loved with pride and passion.

The family would like to particularly thank the staff “family” at The Courtyards at Briarcliff of Oak Ridge for the care and love shown to Ruth and her family for the past three months. You were a gift from God.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 3–5 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will follow at 5 p.m. with Pastor Mike Hensley officiating. A graveside service will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in memory of Ruth’s generous heart. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.