Ruth Ponder Hudson

Ruth Ponder Hudson, 96, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Madison Health & Rehabilitation in Mars Hill, NC. 

Ruth was born to Ada Ponder Chandler and Stanley Robinson on April 25, 1926, in Mars Hill. 

Ruth’s early years were spent in Mars Hill with her maternal grandmother, Mary Jane Banks Ponder. Following graduation and at the end of World War II, Ruth was employed by Western Union, transcribing and delivering telegrams in Anderson, South Carolina and Elberton, Georgia where she met her husband, Carroll. The Hudsons married in the summer of 1946 and lived in the Fortsonia Community of Elbert County. Ruth was employed at Elberton Manufacturing Company and the silk mill for a number of years. In 2003 she relocated to Winterville to care for her daughter. In 2018, following a decline in her health, she moved to Weaverville, North Carolina to live with her brother, Ronnie. 

Ruth was a member of Fortsonia Baptist Church and later attended Winterville Baptist Church. Much of her Christian witness was through her work in Alcoholics Anonymous, of which she and Carroll were charter members of the Elberton group and Al-Anon. She was always willings to assist anyone who needed help and encouragement. 

Mrs. Hudson was never idle. She was a loving and devoted caregiver to her family members. She loved her flowers and gardening. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress, and crocheter who enjoyed sharing her skills with others. She was a talented artist and taught painting to other seniors at the Oglethorpe County Senior Center. Family members and friends treasure the hand-painted Christmas cards she designed in her last years. One of her great pleasures was camping with Carroll and friends. 

Ruth will be remembered and admired for her positive attitude, tenacity, and perseverance in times of adversity - life altering cancer at the age of 41, several relocations, and the deaths of her spouse and only child. 

Mrs. Hudson is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carroll A. Hudson; daughter, Judy Hudson Warren; brothers: Phil Chandler, L.C. Chandler, and David Chandler; and stepfather, Lewis Chandler. 

Ruth is survived by her brothers, Ronnie Chandler (Shirley), and Dwight Chandler; sisters-in-law: Betty Chandler, Barbara Chandler, and Deborah Chandler, all of Weaverville; son-in-law, Robert Warren of Winterville; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family will host a graveside service on Sunday, July 16, at 2:00pm. at Fortsonia Community Cemetery. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton.