Ruth Neal

January 2, 1929 - January 10, 2022

SHELBY: Ruth Elliott Neal, 93, died Monday, January 10, 2022 at White Oak Manor in Shelby. Born in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Ocie Ella Willis Elliott. Ruth attended Limestone College and Mars Hill College for her undergraduate education, and later attended Winthrop College, where she obtained her Master’s Degree. She enjoyed her work in the library at Shelby High School and working at Richmond Drive Elementary in Rock Hill as a librarian. She loved books and working with children. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, James I. Neal; brothers, Carl Warren Elliott and Kenneth Raeford Elliott; and sister, Mary Latain Pearson. She is survived by her sons, Jimmy Neal and wife Amanda of Shelby and Rob Neal and wife Susan of Beaufort, SC; daughters, Lenora Neal Godfrey of Charlotte and Melanie Neal Morrison and husband Ace of Shelby; and grandchildren, Richie Sparrow, Kevin Neal, Katherine Neal and Casey, and Jesse Neal. A graveside service will be held 2:00P.M., Thursday, January, 13, 2022 in Sunset Cemetery, The Revs. Tony Tench and Carol Ann Hoard officiating. Visitation will be held 12:30-1:30P.M. Thursday, prior to the graveside, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Extension Department or Collie Rescue of Carolina’s, PO Box 1313 Kernersville, NC 27285 FUNERAL HOME: Arrangements are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center