Wednesday, December 30, 2015 8:06 am

Ruth Wilkerson VanDyke, age 96, a former longtime resident of Alexander Mills passed away Thursday, December 24, 2015.

Ruth was born August 24, 1919 in Rutherford County and was the daughter of the late M. J. and Eva Moore Wilkerson. She was a lifelong member of the former Alexander Baptist Church and retired from Tanner Companies. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul VanDyke, brothers, Millard "Sooner" Wilkerson, Boyce Wilkerson, and her son-in-law, Clifford Hope.

Survivors include her son, Jerry VanDyke and wife Mary of Marion, NC, two daughters, Paulette VanDyke White and husband, T.C., of Forest City, and Patricia "Chee Chee" VanDyke Hope of Beverly Hills, Florida. There are also six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held in The Padgett and King Chapel with Reverend Kevin Rohm officiating. Interment followed in the Alexander Cemetery. Her grandsons served as pallbearers.

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.