Ruth Eileen Payne Ashe, 90, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord Friday July 31, 2020.
A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Estes J. Payne and Nina Reece Payne, and wife of the late Fred Vincent Ashe. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Dempsey Payne and Rev. Billy Joe Payne; one sister, Velma Lois Orr, and Step-mother, Estelene Payne.
Ruth was very proud to have graduated from Blanton’s Business College in 1951. After graduation she worked as a secretary in Washington, DC. She also attended the Evangelistic Tabernacle Church in Bryson City.
She is survived by two sisters, Millie Myers, and Gladys Bryant both of Michigan, and one brother, John Payne of Stokesdale, NC. Ruth had no children but was loved by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jerry Orr will officiate with burial at Swain Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.