Ruth Mildred Cairnes, 91, of Elizabethton, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2012, at Pineridge Care and Rehabilitation Center.
She was a native of Buncombe County, NC, and was of the Baptist faith. She was a daughter of the late Joshua Bud Lyda and Pearl Owens Lyda.
During the course of her years, she was employed by The Biltmore House as a housekeeper, Crossnore School as a caregiver, Dietary Aide at Memorial Mission Hospital, and Beacon Manufacturing Company of Asheville, NC. For the last 40 years, she has resided in Tennessee with family. Her hobbies included watching TV, crossword puzzles and visits from her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Leonard, Ray and Grady Lyda; ex-husband, A.J. Cairnes; sisters Mary Fortune and Essie Robinson, all of Buncombe County; and daughter, Patricia Gillis, of Elizabethton.
She is survived by daughters, Peggy Aldridge, of Elizabethton, and Louise Carpenter, of Limestone. Grandchildren include Lisa Abdullah and Tammy Lester, of Elizabethton, Balinda Gillis, of Greeneville, Laura Byrd, of Charlotte, NC, and Michelle Carter, from Limestone. Great grandchildren include Daphne and Kyle Wilson, Tyler Tipton, Faith Stout, Elijah Lester, Chelsea and Lindsey Isaacs. Great-great grandchildren include Michelle Shields and Lillian Wilson.
The family would like to express appreciation for Amedysis Hospice Care, Ann Davis with Heavenly Sunshine Senior Services, Peggy Leach with Hillview Health Center and all of the friends and family that provided her care and companionship.
After cremation, she will be placed at Happy Valley Memorial Park.
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