Willa Ruth Sharp

Willa Ruth Sharp, age 88, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023, at NHC Columbia.

Ruth battled physical health obstacles for years, but her wit remained fit for her last name until the day she passed. She was surrounded by family when she peacefully took her final breath.

A graveside service for friends and family will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Maplewood Cemetery in Pulaski. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ruth was born on September 13, 1935, in Giles County, Tennessee to parents Sterlyn A. Bass and Elsie Irene Holt Bass. She earned her associate degree from UT Martin. Her professional journey spanned twenty-three years as a secretary at Rackley Insurance, followed by her role as an office manager with the Maury County Public School System for many years.

Ruth was a devoted sports enthusiast, with a special passion for the Tennessee Titans and Lady Vols basketball. She enjoyed reading her Bible and was a member of Pleasant Heights Baptist Church.

Above all, Ruth cherished her family, particularly her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Fruffie." The name came to be when her first grandchild could not pronounce the chosen 'grandmother' name "Ruthie" and stuck.

She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Rhonda) Sharp of Cookeville, TN, David (Tracy) Sharp of Bartlett, TN, grandchildren, Kaylee (Brian) Cook, Colton (Kristina) Sharp, Ashley Nicole Sharp, Anise Rhea Sharp, great grandchildren, Mason, Everett, and Charlie Cook, niece, Carol (Steve)
Gordon, great nephew, Stephen (Amanda) Gordon, and great niece, Karen Gordon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dolores Walters, brother, Charles Bass, sister in law, Wilma Bass Dunavant, niece, Patricia Bass Barr, and several cousins.