Ruth Elizabeth Blacker Thompson

Ruth Elizabeth Blacker Thompson, age 87, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at her home following an extended illness.

Mrs. Thompson was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, July 2, 1926 to the late Robert V. Blacker, Sr. and Laura Hettlinger Blacker. She married her beloved husband, the late John Francis Thompson in September 1945. Eleven years later they made an adventurous move to Clarkesville, Georgia with their two young children. Together they were instrumental in the founding of St. Mark Catholic Church. Ruth was a member of the Ladies Guild and an active participant in fund raising activities of the church. It can be truly said that service in the church played an important role in the life of Ruth and John Thompson.

Ruth served her community as a volunteer with Sharing and Caring, Habersham Medical Center, Habersham Nursing Homes. She attended North Georgia Technical and Vocational School, obtained a degree in cosmetology and opened her own shop, "The Little Beauty Box". Later she worked as a secretary at Hamby State Farm Insurance Agency, in Clarkesville. Her greatest role in life however, was being a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all. An accomplished seamstress, she also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing cards, bird watching, music and gardening. Nurturing azaleas was a springtime passion.

In addition to her parents and husband she is also preceded in death by her brother Robert V. Blacker, Jr.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Carol and Leon Womack, Toccoa, Jane Ellen Thompson and Robert Gordon, Webster, MA; grandsons, Tom Craton, Atlanta and John Craton, Flowery Branch; sisters-in-law, Marion T. Orsini, Waterbury, CT, Elaine M. Blacker, Watertown, CT.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at St. Mark Catholic Church, with Father Jose Luis Hernandez-Ayala officiating. A private interment will be held later at Yonah Memorial Gardens. Immediately following the service a reception will be held in St. John Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church, Building Fund, 5410 Highway 197 S, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523, United Hospice Of Gainesville, 700 S. Enota NE Suite 202 Gainesville, Georgia 30501, or American Cancer Society, 2565 Thompson Bridge Road, Suite 114 Gainesville, Georgia 30501.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia. (706) 778-1700.

Those wishing to express online condolences to the Thompson family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.