Ruth Ann Phelps' Obituary
It is with peace and love that the family of Ruth Ann Phelps, born October 8, 1945, in Memphis, TN, announces her serene passing on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at the age of 77 years. Ruth Ann is lovingly remembered by her family.
Ruth Ann is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Ruth Floyd and her brother Robert Floyd III. She is survived by her three daughters: Mary Cook (Steve), Judy Britton (Mike), and Lea Ann Phelps; and her niece Kerri Floyd. She has 5 grandchildren: Dustin Britton (Kera), Bo Britton (Kayla), Daniel Cook (Kristine), Amy McGroarty (Matthew), and Paul Cook; and 2 great-grandchildren, Augustus Britton and Wyatt Cook.
Ruth Ann worked as a clerk for the Shelby County Election Commission until retiring to enjoy her hobbies of gardening, walking, and visiting the zoo. She helped raise three beautiful daughters. From making matching outfits to taking them to lessons to fixing hair she was a shining example of a caring mother. She was loyal, kind, and willing to fight for her children.
Spending time with her niece Kerri was another of her favorite things. Kerri is the only child of her loving brother Robert and was much loved. Life was never dull. They went on many adventures together from going out, listening to music, spending time together, and taking her to her first concert to see Prince. They enjoyed going to Overton Square and Downtown to ride the trolley. She was a good travelling companion and went with the flow. She would stop working in the yard and walk to the square to eat. She loved the tamales on Beale Street!
Playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was her joy. Spending time with them always brought a smile to her face. If any of the grandchildren wanted to come by to visit, her door was always open. She took them to movies, concerts, restaurants, and anywhere else they wanted to go. It was always easy to talk with her about anything. She was always ready to spend time outdoors whether it was piddling in her gardens, raking leaves (especially when she had help), swinging on the swing, and/or just sitting in the backyard.
She loved Memphis! Walking around Midtown, the Greenline, Overton Park, and the Memphis Zoo were some of her favorite places to visit. Spending a day with her usually involved visiting the zoo. Seeing all the Zoo Babies always brought a smile to her face (especially the hippo!). She enjoyed the various festivals and concerts in the city. The Greek Festival, the Cooper Young Festival, and the Memphis in May Music Festival were a few of her favorites. She enjoyed good food whether it was homemade or from a festival. She always had to have her corn dog!
Ruth Ann was an avid music lover. Going to concerts was one of the things she enjoyed. She was always ready and willing to take grandchildren to a concert their parents didn’t want to take them to. Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Prince were her favorites. She enjoyed a wide variety of artists from all genres of music and loved sharing it.
Visitation for Ruth Ann will be Tuesday, November 22, 2022, beginning at 10am until the service starting at 11am at Memphis Memorial Park, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, followed by a grave side service. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Ronald McDonald House.
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