Ruth W. Norton, 87, of Black Mountain, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 20, 2021.
Ruth was born August 30, 1933 in Black Mountain to the late Joseph Clyde Watkins, Sr. and Pearl Burgess Watkins. She had a 54-year nursing career that included working with the physically and mentally challenged, as well as for Beacon Manufacturing and the City of Asheville. Ruth and her husband, Bud, were instrumental in building the ball fields at Black Mountain Primary School. She was a Girl Scout leader for 10 years and a Boy Scout Den mother. Ruth was an active member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, and she loved traveling and her Dachshunds.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Norton who passed away in 1975; and brothers, Joseph Clyde Watkins, Jr., Howard Grant Watkins, and Robert Lee Watkins.
Ruth is survived by her children, Pamela Norton, Robert Norton (Elizabeth) and Brad Norton; grandchildren, Ryan, Josh, Jessica and Briana Norton; great grandchildren, Liam and Ella Norton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private celebration of life service and burial will be in Mountain View Memorial Park. A public celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruth’s memory to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 385 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 or Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.