Ruth Thames Andrew

Ruth Thames Andrew, 89, of Siler City, passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Mrs. Andrew was born in Harnett County on June 15, 1932, the daughter of William and Ethel Thames.

After High School, Ruth attended Mars Hill College, graduating in 1952, then became a 1954 graduate of Meredith College. She went on to receive her Master's Degree from UNC Chapel Hill in Speech Pathology. During her 21 years with the Chatham County School System, she was a classroom Teacher, Speech Clinician, and Audiologist, and finally taught a class for emotionally challenged children. 

Ruth was a heavily involved member of First Baptist Church. During her time there, she was a former Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Joy in the Morning Club, and sang in the Church Choir. Ruth loved her time spent as a Librarian for the church. She also served in the First Baptist Church WMU, and as the Associational Director of the Sandy Creek Association. She loved quilting, creating Chrismon decorations, and decorating the bulletin boards for the church. Ruth was heavily involved with the youth at First Baptist Church, and later involved with devotions at the Youth Detention Center. She was a member of the Siler City Lion's Club for several years. 

In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, H. Thomas Andrew; and sister, Susan T. Black.

She is survived by her son, Thomas William "Tommy" Andrew and wife Judy Greer of Rockville, MD, and his son, Thomas Edward "Teddy" Andrew of Rockville, MD; son, David Herbert Andrew and wife Lesley Long of Roswell, GA and his son, James Thomas Andrew of Roswell, GA; sister, Judy T. Brant; nieces Brenda Murillo, Jennifer Black and Susan Kimball; and nephew Fred Black.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, 230 N. Second Ave., Siler City. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at First Baptist Church, 314 N. 2nd Ave., Siler City, with Rev. Jason Brogan and  Rev. Jim Wall officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Ruth T. Andrew Endowment Fund c/o the NC Baptist Foundation, 201 Convention Drive, Cary, NC 27511, or to the First Baptist Church Rodgers Mission Group.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Andrew family.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com