Our mother, Dorothy Jane Ruddell (Dot) Thomas, age 89, passed away the morning of May 26, 2022. She had battled heart and kidney problems for several years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie and Leslie Ruddell, her husband of 63 years, James Oliver (J.O.) Thomas, her siblings, Frank Ruddell, Kate Bagley, Evelyn Ruddell, and Broughton Ruddell, and her step-daughter, Faye Hall. She is survived by her brother, Ford (Martha) Ruddell of Resaca, Georgia, her step-daughter Terry (George) Farr, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, her four children- Nancy (James) Ross of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, Greta (Bruce) Yandle, of Opelika, Alabama, David Thomas (Hallie Schodowsky), of Ashland, Ohio, and Mark (Bridget) Thomas, of Dalton, Georgia- and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Our mother was a remarkable woman of whom we are very proud. She was a homemaker, a scout leader, a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer, a seamstress, a golfer, a band booster, a farmer, a horse racing aficionado, a renowned cook, and much more. She was a walking Foxfire encyclopedia of practical knowledge. We will forever miss her humor, her energy, and her love, which she expressed eloquently through acts of service to others.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Dalton First United Methodist Church.