Annie Ruth Terry, 84, of Lafayette, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 1, 2018.  She was born December 17, 1933, in Gadsden, Alabama to the late James Clanton and Rosie (Reynolds) Clanton.

On June 3, 1950, she married D. C. Terry who preceded her in death, July 28, 1976.  She was also preceded by 2 sons, Kenneth Terry and Daniel Terry, 1 Granddaughter Trisha Gochenour, 1 brother Monroe Clanton, and 2 sisters Grace Brown and Maebell Crossley.

Ruth and D. C. moved from Courtland, Alabama, to Lafayette in the early 60’s and she raised their 8 children.  She lived on the same piece of property for over 50 years.  Ruth was so proud of her sons when they tore down her old house and built her a new one 16 years ago.  She was extremely proud of all her children, they were her world!

She loved holidays, especially Christmas.  Her house was “the gathering place”, always full for celebrations and dinners.  You never left hungry.  She loved to cook.

With her green thumb, she could make anything grow, always planting and taking care of her beautiful flowers.  Watching and feeding the birds outside her windows was another of her favorite things.

Ruth also had a passion for helping others and was very proud of her occupation as a Nurse’s Aide.  She was able to share this passion when she was employed at the old St. Elizabeth Hospital, Potters Mansion and the Knights of Pythian Home for many years.  Her firm belief in God gave her strength and peace.

Surviving are her children, Mary Davis (Junior) of Moulton, Alabama; Ann Gochenour of Rossville; Jim Terry (Connie), Loria Aschenberg (Mike), Regina Frier (Ed), and Linda Love (Keith) all of Lafayette.  Two brothers, James and Bobby Clanton and three sisters, Betty Jean Cintron, Inez Hardy and Shirley Burnette, all in Alabama; 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and her dearest and best friend of 50 years, Ella Massey and family.  Ruth had so many more family members who loved her deeply, too many to mention by name.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd.  Service 10:00 am Friday at Soller-Baker Lafayette, Fr. Gregory Allard officiating. Interment will be at Meadow View Cemetery.