Chattanooga Community Mourns Loss of Educator Mary Ruth Venable

News Summary

Chattanooga is in mourning following the passing of Mary Ruth Venable, a cherished educator and community member, who died on January 23, 2025, at 95. Known for her dedication to teaching and community service, she touched many lives throughout her remarkable journey. A memorial service will be held on February 12, 2025, to honor her legacy.

Chattanooga Community Bids Farewell to Beloved Educator and Friend, Mary Ruth Venable

Chattanooga is feeling a deep sense of loss as the community mourns the passing of a beloved educator and community member, Mary Ruth Venable, who peacefully departed this life on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in her cherished home on Signal Mountain, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a remarkable 95 years, each one filled with a passion for learning and service to others.

A Life Rooted in Chattanooga

Mary Ruth was born to Walter Griffith Davies and Ruth Johnson Davies, and she spent her early years in the vibrant neighborhood of North Chattanooga. A proud alumna of Girls Preparatory School (GPS), when it was still located on Vine Street, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in teaching from the University of Chattanooga. While there, she became a beloved member of the Chi Omega sorority, a testament to her lifelong commitment to education and sisterhood.

Teaching Journey and Family Life

After graduating, Mary Ruth dove headfirst into her passion for teaching, starting her career at an elementary school in East Lake. It was during her years as an educator that she met the love of her life, Robert Hann Venable. They were married after a heartfelt courtship that included Robert’s military service. The couple poured their hearts into raising four wonderful children: Bob Jr., Ruth, Dan, and Samuel Byrd.

This adventurous family cherished their time together exploring the Eastern United States, often with a cozy pop-up camper and a basket filled with picnic goodies. Mary Ruth instilled in her kids a genuine love for learning, history, and culture, traits that have shaped their lives and continue their mother’s legacy.

Adventures and Traditions

Mary Ruth had an infectious spirit for adventure. She loved hiking and camping with family friends, including the Chesters, Franklins, Joneses, McKinseys, Roses, and Vieths. For 40 years, Mary Ruth’s heart belonged to Periwinkle Park on Sanibel Island, where family memories were made each summer.

A Steadfast Community Member

In her steadfast commitment to community service, Mary Ruth was an active and devoted member of First Presbyterian Church. She took her engagement to the next level by participating in Women in the Church, even serving as president. Her welcoming home was the setting for the beloved annual Singles Ministry Christmas party that attendees fondly remember, filled with joy and community spirit.

A Lifelong Learner and Culinary Adventurer

Mary Ruth’s passion for education didn’t fade away with retirement. She returned to school in her 50s to renew her teaching certification, demonstrating her dedication to lifelong learning. Upon retirement, she and Bob had the chance to live in Thailand, where she immersed herself in the rich culture, learning to navigate the busy streets using tuk-tuks and water taxis. Her love for Thai cuisine blossomed during this time, as she skillfully concocted flavorful dishes full of spices and rice that she shared with her family.

Elegance and Generosity

Known for her timeless elegance, Mary Ruth was a talented seamstress, crafting her own clothing without patterns. She highlighted her graciousness and generosity through her interactions with others, always putting others first. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life; she practiced it diligently through study and prayer, demonstrating a profound dependence on God.

A Community Remembered

Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. While the family mourns her loss, they find solace in her enduring legacy, leaving behind a brother, three children, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. They have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and medical professionals who supported Mary Ruth during her later years.

Memorial Service Information

In honor of Mary Ruth’s extraordinary life, a memorial service will be held on February 12, 2025, at noon at First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, her family encourages donations to be made for First Presbyterian’s Camp Vesper Point or the Bible in the Schools program, continuing her love for education and community.

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Additional Resources

• Heritage Battlefield: Mary Ruth Venable
• Wikipedia: Chattanooga
• Heritage Chattanooga: Samuel Venable
• Google Search: Mary Ruth Venable
• Chattanoogan: Margaret Browder Venable
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
• Lane Funeral Home: Walter Davies
• Google News: Chattanooga community news
• Tribute Archive: Robert Hann Venable Sr.
• Google Scholar: Education in Chattanooga
• Chattanoogan: Lanita Gail Doll
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Community