Ruth "Ms. Rooster" Stuart Parrish

Ruth "Ms. Rooster" Stuart Parrish, 85, of Franklin, died May 29.

A native of Troy, N.C., she was the daughter of the late George Washington Stuart and Mamie Gilchrist Stuart. She was also preceded in death by two brothers.

She was a career teacher and a former Reading Teacher of the Year for the state of Virginia; she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands where she was active in Women's Circle, Seekers Bible Study and Women of the Church. She was a partner in ministry with her husband, serving in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Because of her passion for reading, she loved reading to the Great Beginnings and Kindergarten classes at Highlands School (for about 12 years); enjoyed every minute with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved being a part of her "Sisters" group in Cashiers; and was an avid ACC basketball fan.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, the Rev. Charles Edward Parrish of Franklin; two daughters, Mary Beth Houston and husband, Steve, of Franklin, and Margaret Calloway and husband, Doyle, of Highlands; and one son, Stuart Parrish and wife, Dianne, of Acworth, Ga. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. June 10, at First Presbyterian Church in Highlands. The Rev. Hunter Coleman will officiate with prayer and scripture being shared by the Rev. Grant Sharp and Travis Goodloe.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mission Fund, Highlands Day Care or Building Fund, all at First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com