Ann Ruth "Nana" Shelby

Ann Ruth “Nana” Shelby passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Thursday, August 22, 2024. Ruth was born on September 22, 1935, in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee to Porter and Pearl (Brooks) Smith.

Ruth was a true Christian woman, “Prayer Warrior”, and long-time member of Faith Baptist Church. She found joy spending time at the church and had a gentle loving heart for all she encountered. Her love for the Lord was only paralleled by her love for her family. Ruth's smile was contagious and would light up any room. She was the “model” grandmother, always allowing her love to wash over everyone she knew. Ruth had the gift of an open heart to grant all those she spent time with into her family. Upon her last years, she welcomed the staff and residents of Legacy Village of Hendersonville into her family. Her sweet spirit and loving heart will be missed.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Porter and Pearl Smith, her loving husband of 44 years, Jim (Papa), her grandson Tyler, and brothers Tommy, Al, and Charles Smith. She is survived by her sons Mike (Donna) Shelby and Phil (Brenda) Shelby; grandchildren Micah (Sarah) Shelby, Drew Shelby, and Rebekah (Andrew) Childs; great-grandchildren McKenna, Elijah, Ezekiel, Ezra, Reice, Wyatt, Charlotte, and JohnReed. In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, from 12pm-2pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2pm with her son, Pastor Mike Shelby officiating. Burial will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens