Mary Ruth Horsley, 73, of Grantville, known affectionately as Ruth by her friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Born on September 1, 1950, in Tampa, Florida, she was a daughter of the late Robert Levi Hayes and the late Mary Adaleen Hanson Hayes. Ruth dedicated many years of her life to her role as a store manager at Big Lots, where her colleagues remember her as a friend who brought out the best in those around her. Outside of work, Ruth's passions were close to home. She found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Visits with her beloved aunt were always a highlight, filled with laughter and shared stories. Ruth's culinary skills were a treat for all who had the pleasure of tasting her home-cooked meals, and her love for cooking was only matched by her enthusiasm for playing dice with her sisters, a pastime that brought them closer together. Ruth had a creative spirit, often seen in the way she liked to rearrange the furniture in her home, a reflection of her desire to make every space warm and welcoming. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by a daughter, Amanda Horsley, and sisters, Vivian Brown, and Hope Drake.

Survivors include her children, Chris Chapman, Shane Chapman, Bobby Chapman (Mary Lee), Steven Chapman (Sarah), Calvin Horsley, Denise Scott (Brian), Tonya Knight (Russell), and Krystal Strickland (Troy); brother, Bobby Hayes, sisters, Janet Haynes, and Joyce Chapman; husband, Charles Horsley; grandchildren, Traci, James, Chase, Cody, Corey, Ava, Ashley, Josh, Debra, Haley, Gavin, Mark, Cameron, Cassie, Clint, Tapanga, Charslie, Gage, Matthew, Dylan, Theo, Dawson, and Kiera; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, JR, Jaden, Jaylen, Harper, Hexley, Aubrey, Addie, Emory, Bexley, Keaton, Bentley, Mariana, Aurora, Aubrey, Levi, and Presley; several nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Diane Horsley Spurling (Ken).

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church in Whitesburg with Pastor Larry Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Hillcrest Chapel.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Ruth Horsley, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.