Ruth Vaughn Hester

Ruth Vaughn Hester, 88, of Charlotte, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 5th. Ruth was born on August 16, 1927 in Belews Creek, NC. She received her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and her graduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill. An active member of Delta Kappa Gamma education sorority for over 50 years, Ruth dedicated her life to educating young people. She began her 38-year-long career in Salisbury, NC. She then continued it in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System retiring after 30 years as a librarian at Eastway Junior High. A news “junkie,” Ruth loved books, rooting for the Tar Heels, trivia, and above all traveling. One of her goals was to see as much of the world as possible. She achieved that goal. After retiring from teaching Ruth and her life-long friend Mary Anne “Midge” Barrett traveled extensively throughout all 50 states as well as countries around the world. Ruth was a compassionate soul whose quiet spirit always shined. An eternal optimist, she kept a positive attitude throughout her long illness. She strived to live her life by Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” A woman of great faith Ruth loved God, her family, and friends. She was a long time member of Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church where she deeply loved her church community, taught Sunday school and enjoyed listening to the choir. She is survived by her brother William H. Hester (Alline), her sister Jean H. Cox, her nieces Anna McAllister (Craig), Susan Kincaid (Harold), Janet Marsh (Tim), her nephews H. L. Mitchell Jr. (Sue), James Lee Burr, and many great nieces and nephews as well as her special friend Mary Anne Barrett. She was preceded in death by her parents Byrd Iola Fulton and Virgil Lee Hester, her brother Robert Lee Hester, and her sisters Mildred Mitchell and Evelyn Burr. There will be a celebration of Ruth’s life on Saturday, December 12 at 11 am at Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church, 501 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte. Reverend Dr. Thomas Steagald and Reverend Elizabeth Graves will officiate. A reception will follow in Evans Hall. Contributions may be made in her memory to Hawthorne Lane United Methodist Church designated for the children’s ministry. Ruth’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her. Thank you for keeping her family in friends in thought and prayer. Please take a moment to visit her tribute wall and share a favorite memory, photo or video of Ruth.

Ruth Vaughn Hester

August 16, 1927 - December 5, 2015