Ruth Slusher passed away Friday, December 5.
She was born in Pineville, Kentucky, in 1925. She was later a resident of Rhea County, where she owned a home on Watts Barr Lake and also in Oak Ridge.
She was predeceased by her father, Otis Violet Slusher, and mother, Nancy Samples Slucher; and sisters, Mary Hale, Rose Montgomery, Sarah Jordan, and Cordelia Shepherd.
She is survived by her husband, Grimes Slaughter, and many nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Mark Jordan of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Ruth earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Berea College in 1946. After graduation, she moved with her family to Knoxville. A college friend visited her there for the purpose of going to Oak Ridge to apply for a job. Ruth went with her, and when the interviewer asked Ruth about her education, Ruth was given an application and was told to come back the next day for an interview. Ruth did, and obtained a position in the Y-12 Biology Division. Later she transferred to the ORNL Reactor Chemistry Division. When that division was dissolved in 1973, she obtained a position in the Computer Science Division, which she held until her retirement in 1982.
Ruth was an avid hiker with her husband. She hiked the Cumberland Trail from Signal Point in Chattanooga to the Kentucky-Tennessee line, and has spent many hours helping build and maintain the Tennessee portion of the trail. She was also a passionate reader, especially of mysteries. Occasionally, she would give a “sack full” of mystery pocket books to a friend!
She was a resident of Greenfield in Oak Ridge from June 2, 2014, where she remained until her death. The staff there kept her safe, secure, and comfortable, and they loved her.
A memorial service was held for Ruth at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oak Ridge on Friday, December 12.
Jackson Funeral Service in Oliver Springs was honored to serve the Slusher Family. They invite you to share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.jacksonfuneralservices.com.
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