Ruth Taylor Garrett

“It all started in Genesis”. These are the words Ruth used when announcing she was writing down memories for her granddaughter.

She was born 7/14/1940 Genesis Station Tennessee.

Ruth died 11/13/2025 at her Morgan County home of 41 years, unexpectedly.

She was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Mary Taylor, husband Robert H. Garrett and sisters Agnes Hatcher & Shelby Gene Janow

She is survived by her son Michael Garrett, daughter Debra Garrett Campbell (Rick), granddaughter Erica Carson (Bryan), stray cats turned beloved pet kitties Lady and Onyx, a host of beloved friends and extended family.

Ruth was a hardworking lady that lived life as a wife, mother, grandmother, story-teller, volunteer, gardener, animal lover and best friend. A strong woman who never stopped learning. A woman who found ways to help her family and friends learn. Sewing techniques and ceramics with Kathy at the office, drawing and painting classes for her granddaughter, gardening with her son, cooking and food preservation with her daughter, driving a manual transmission vehicle (just ask her granddaughter and grandson-in-law about taking turn about weeding in Ruth’s big garden and driving the old Toyota truck in the fields to practice)…

A mom and best friend to her son.

A woman who was still volunteering her time with the Morgan County Archives, as she did from the program’s beginning. She enjoyed the time with the other volunteers, turned beloved friends, as they made progress preserving parts of Morgan County’s history for all.

Earlier this year Ruth instigated the 2025 Mt LeConte Death March. Erica and Bryan survived and Debra mostly survived the 2 day hike. Ruth was insistent they stay at the Lodge during its 100th anniversary. A repeat of her, Robert, Erica and Debra’s hike during the 75th anniversary year. Rick did the transport and Ruth accompanied them to and from rally points while cheering everyone on.

Thank you to the all the folks that participated in giving Ruth some serious joy this year. For her 85th birthday, she was regaled with birthday wishes from across the country and Germany – folks she had met over time and many she only heard tell of. She was surprised and thrilled.

A suggested way to honor Ruth is to support her passion with a donation to the Morgan County Archives in her honor or carve out time to volunteer:

Morgan County Archives

PO box 862

Wartburg, TN 37887

In honoring Ruth’s wishes, there will not be a service. Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and understanding.