Gwartney, Ruth Lavonne's Obituary
Ruth Lavonne (Kay) Gwartney
November 19, 1932 – July 19, 2025
Ruth Lavonne (Kay) Gwartney, age 92, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord, joining her beloved husband of 72 years, William Richard Gwartney, Jr., and their son, Richard Bryan Gwartney. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Robert Bryan Kay and Burnie Ann (Staton) Kay.
Born in Oklahoma on November 19, 1932, Ruth’s life was marked by steadfast faith, quiet strength, and a deep love for her family. She spent most of her career serving as a church secretary, first at Westbury Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and later at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She remained a faithful member of Southern Baptist churches throughout her life, with her final church home being Hilldale Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Ruth is survived by her daughter Cheryl (Lyndel) Littleton and her son Timothy (Vicki) Gwartney; grandchildren Andrew Littleton, Christy (Daniel) Davis, Bradley (June) Gwartney, Chad (Wendi) Gwartney, and Ashley (Matthew) Johnson; and 15 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy.
She loved playing cards and dominoes with her family, cheering everyone on at Bingo with her friends at Dogwood Bend Assisted Living, and sipping a Sonic Diet Coke. Above all, she loved her Lord, her devoted husband, and her family—leaving behind a legacy of faith, loyalty, and love.
A life well-lived, she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruth?
Share a story where Ruth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruth you’ll never forget.
How did Ruth make you smile?