Ruth Dixon Hurt of Sparta, formerly of Jefferson, NC passed away on Monday, March 4, 2019 at Alleghany Memorial Hospital at the age of 95.

Better known as "Ruthie", Ruth was born on December 27, 1923 in Middletown, Ohio to Lonnie and Ida Wells Brown.  She is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, sisters Virginia and Carolyn and brother, Robert.  She also preceded in death by husbands Leslie Dixon and A.B. Hurt, Jr., both of Ashe County, North Carolina.

Ruth was the epitome of living well and wisely.  As a child of the Great Depression and the daughter of a grocer, she learned early the importance of commitment to family, friends and her community.  Beginning with her responsibility for the selection of children's treats for food baskets in her 1930's hard-hit industrial community, her parents instilled a life lesson of sharing and contributing to the well-being of those around her.  This was the primary value which sustained her through her life and generously passed to her children, Don (Judy) Dixon of Middletown, Ohio; Beth Dixon of Sparta, NC; Kent Dixon of Sparta, NC and Tod(Cynthia)Dixon of Crumpler, NC.  Her family also includes 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Her life was dedicated, first and foremost, to her family.  She did, however, extend that dedication to her church, as a long-time member of the chancel choir and first president of the Christian Women's Fellowship.  Her community roles centered on the activities of her children in scouting, band, recitals,theater productions and athletic endeavors, always seen in either bleachers or auditorium seating in support of her children.  She was also active in local elections, serving on campaigns for important non-partisan leadership positions in the community she loved.

As her children grew, Ruth embarked on a career as a medical secretary at Middletown Hospital. After relocating to North Carolina, Ruth worked in the Ashe County Schools as a reading tutor and substitute teacher.  Lovingly referred to as "Grandma Teacher", she relished the opportunity to continue to mold the character of children over the course of two decades.

Ruth's energy, spirit, wit and wisdom shall be the qualities carrying her family forward.  May the same be true for her friends and acquaintances.  She touched many lives with her warmth and generosity.

Private graveside services will be held at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Jefferson, NC.

Her love of learning and her joy that came from reading may be memorialized through contributions to "Imagination Ashe" an affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  Your gifts may be addressed to PO Box 1745, Jefferson, North Carolina 28940.