Ruth Breedlove Gay, 88, died peacefully at her home on Monday, February 1, 2016 after months of declining health. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend, who will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Ruth was born on August 4, 1927 to the late James and Rosa Woods. Ruth's father drowned in June before she was born in August and her aunt and uncle, the late Arthur and Mollie Breedlove, adopted and raised her.

She worked at the NC Department of Revenue and NC State University as
a key punch operator and ended her career as a receptionist for Wilkerson Obstetrics and Gynecology. In earlier years, Ruth was a member of North Street Baptist Church and New Hope Baptist Church. In later years she attended Crossroads Fellowship in Raleigh. Ruth devoted her life to her family and serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Both devotions inspired her to be a shining example of faith and kindness. Ruth also loved her friends and enjoyed serving the community as a member of the Sunshine Seniors.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 69 years, Earl Hampton Gay; three children, Mike Gay (Debbie), Carolyn Beaver (Tim), and Michelle Pearce (Robert); five grandchildren, Michael Gay, Jr. (Dana), Adam Beaver (Linda), Andrew Beaver (Heather), Morgan Harrington (Clark), and Zach Pearce; two great-grandchildren, Addison and Aiden Beaver. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Delbert Gay; a sister-in-law, Joan Gay; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by eleven brothers and sisters. She was the last surviving family member of her generation.

The family will receive friends at Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 11:30 - 12:45 pm. A funeral service that celebrates her life will begin at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Phillip Rabon officiating. Interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.

Ruth's family would like to offer special thanks to her wonderful caregivers, Rethea Egbunine, Tammie Hodge, Priscilla Warren, and Carrie Rivers and to Barbara Gibbs, her Transitions Lifecare nurse, and to the many friends and family who consistently sent cards, made visits, phone calls, and above all, prayed for her during this time of transition from her earthly home to her heavenly home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Fellowship, 2721 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27604, Triune Holiness Church, 137 Smith Lane, Maysville, NC 28555, or Transitions Lifecare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.montlawn.com