Ruth Wyatt Harris Obituary, TROUTMAN, N.C. — Ruth Wyatt Harris, a longtime Troutman resident known for her deep faith, love for family, and kindness toward others, passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2026, at the age of 86.
Ruth was born on January 31, 1940, in Wilkes County, North Carolina. She later married Ernest Gray Harris Jr. in 1956, and the couple moved to Statesville, where they built a life together for 53 years until his passing. Their marriage was marked by devotion and a commitment to teaching their relatives the importance of protection, loyalty, standing up for one another, and unconditional love.
Throughout her working years, Ruth was employed at Beaunit Textiles and later worked for Clark Equipment, where she retired as a receiving administrator. She was also a longtime member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church and enjoyed sharing Sunday mornings with family people who would often surprise her by joining her for worship.
Ruth will be remembered for the way she made others feel valued and loved. She regularly reached out through texts and Facebook comments to remind people how much they mattered, and she was often the first person to call on birthdays to make sure loved ones felt celebrated. Visitors to her home were welcomed with coffee, food, and the warmth of her hospitality.
She took great pride in being known as Mamaw Ruthie and cherished every opportunity to support her children and grandchildren. She spent countless hours cheering them on from the bleachers throughout Iredell County and enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments. Known for finding a good deal, preparing Southern-style meals, and keeping a hidden stash of chocolate, Ruth created a number of treasured loved ones memories around her cooking and gatherings.
Ruth was preceded in passing by her parents, Todd and Lillie Canzada Wyatt; her husband, Ernest Gray Harris Jr.; two of her children, William Roger Harris and Toni Lee Harris; and her siblings, Hazel Lunsford, Leonard Wyatt, Barbara Holloway, Arlee Spears, and Ernest Wyatt.
She is survived by her sons, Jimmy (Cindy) Harris and Timmy (Lisa) Harris; grandchildren Stephanie Harris, Jennifer (Justin) Sexton, Joseph Harris, Rowdy (Rachel) Harris, and Dillon (Lindsey) Harris; as well as her lifelong best friend and niece, Margie Lilies. She is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews in Wilkes County who were deeply loved by her.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, at Troutman Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24, at Diamond Hill Baptist Church, with Rev. Larry Holleman officiating. Burial will take place at Iredell Memorial Park.
Ruth Harris will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, and the numerous ways she showed love to those around her. As her family honors her memory, condolences may be shared with those who knew and loved her. In keeping with her wishes, memorial contributions may be made to Diamond Hill Baptist Church in place of flowers.
