ROCKY MOUNT - Ruth Dupree Pike, 89, of Rocky Mount, went to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 9, 2010, following a period of loving care at the Carolina House in Smithfield.
Ruth was born in Leggett, NC, on Wednesday, May 19, 1920, the daughter of the late Ernest and Mamie (Leigh) Dupree. In 1945, she married James Williamson Pike, who preceded her in death in 1981. She loved music, especially the piano, and taught many a student to play. She continued her God given talent with music as a servant to her church, West Mount Baptist Church in the music ministry. She was also an avid bridge player and loved doing yardwork. Most of all, she loved her family, and she will be sadly missed by them and all who knew her.
Ruth is survived by her two daughters, Sarah (Larry) Pike Brown of Raleigh and Mary (Lee) Pierce of Kenly, NC; two grandchildren, Jason and Mary Catherine Brown both of Raleigh; and a brother-in-law, Gene Schroeder of St. Cloud, MN. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her a sister, Mary Schroeder; and a brother, Earl Dupree.
A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Chapel. Friends may call upon the family at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until time of service. Following the service, the family will go privately with Ruth to her final place of earthly rest next to her husband at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and send the family condolences online by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com
Visitation
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 5/12, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Service
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 5/12, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I heard the news today and so many memories came flooding back. Most of all I remember Mama Ruth’s wonderful sense of humor and how much fun it was to include her in our fun. April’s fools day….one year we pimped her ride. She woke up Sunday morning to leave for church, with a red fur covered steering wheel, black fur on her seats, flames on the side of the car, curb feelers and a multi-colored bumber sticker on the back window that read ROCK ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF. She commented later that she did get a few funny looks as she drove down the street. The next year we made her beautifully manicured lawn a target, and this time she awoke to a phone call from a neighbor asking if she had seen her yard…..with the COLLARDS FOR SELL sign, pink flamingos and painted tires. She calmly replied no but I assume my daughter and her friend dropped by. There were SO many other times we laughed together, and she always treated me like one of the family. She was Mama Ruth to me always and I have missed her, Mary, Little Sorry and the rest of the family for many years. Now I know where she is forever, because she was one of the finest women I have ever known, Bye Mama Ruth. I just know heaven will be much more fun with you there. Love always, Cindy Merrifield Jones.
Growing up I remember Mrs. Pike from the Ist Southern Methodist Church many years ago. I can remember so well her playing those beautiful hymns every Sunday. I thought so much of her and Mr.Pike. I lost contact with her over the years but never forgot her. After learning she was in the nursing home here in Rocky Mount I went to see her one day and had a wonderful visit. She remembered me well and we talked and shared memories from the past. She played the piano for me that day and it was so special. I remember you also Sarah and Mary. I asked about you also. I feel so blessed to have known her and her husband. Both of them are rejoicing in Heaven now I know along with my mom and dad. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Lee Cooper
It was such a treat to go over to Mama Ruth’s with Mary during lunch. I always felt welcome and part of the family. She was an amazing lady with a sweet smile and wonderful sense of humor. My heart goes out to the family. Love, Emmy (Black) Isbell
Mary, what a wonderful legacy your Mother has! With the few times I was in her company, I have such fond memories of Mama Ruth. Her loving, humorous spirit was so contagious! No words of sympathy can ease the loss you bear, but may you be comforted by the thoughts and prayers shared by others. Love you, JJ Daniel, Greenville,NC