Wanda "Ruth" Nave

Wanda “Ruth” Nave, age 87, of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on June 7, 2024. Ruth accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was a member of Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church for over 76 years. Ruth grew up in the Gray and Johnson City areas and graduated from Sulphur Springs School. Following High School she graduated from Steed Business College. Ruth began her career as a secretary at Moore and Walker, and later retired as an inspector from Baxter Pharmaceutical. 

Ruth will be remembered for her smile that would light up a room, and all who knew her loved her. 

Ruth was preceded in death by father, Jessie Jenkins, mother, Georgia Jenkins, first husband, George Steadman, and brother, Jimmy Jenkins. 

Ruth is survived by husband of 17 years, Roger Nave, daughter, Debra (Bill) Neal, son, Mike (Ginger) Steadman, step-sons, Keith (Emily) Nave, Shawn (Kelsey) Nave; Grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah) Neal, Hunter (Mariah) Steadman, Tabitha (Steven) Davidson, Leah Nave, Kylie Strickland and Aubrey Pierson; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Neal (Ethan), Penelope Neal, Cooper Steadman, Kingslee Davidson; great, great-granddaughter,  Margo Neal, brother, Howell Jenkins, and Sister, Paulette Street White, as well as a host of other family and friends. 

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church (197 Suncrest Sr. Gray, Tennessee 37615) from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, a funeral service will immediately follow with Pastors Gene Lasley and John Herdman officiating. A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10:00am in Washington County Memory Gardens. All those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery by 9:50am.  

Pallbearers will be Matthew Neal, Hunter Steadman, Keith Nave, Mark Fergeson, Ethan Moates, and Kim Birchfield. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is serving the Nave family. (423) 282-1521