Ruth Gorman Hackney

Mrs. Ruth Murphy Hackney, age 100, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Ruth was born on April 23, 1922 at home on Hotel Avenue behind the Fountain City Duck Pond. She was the daughter of an itinerant famer and as a result, she saved her money to have her own property which she was able to purchase when she was 18. She was very devoted to her parents and was pleased she could provide a home for them in their older years. She spent her whole life in Knox County, mostly in the Gibbs Community. Ruth was a member of the Gibbs Community Club and helped build Christmas Floats for a few years. She was a room mother for the classes of her 3 children at Gibbs Elementary School. She was a Girl Scout leader, 4H leader, and Cub Scout Den Mother. Ruth enjoyed doing crafts with her scouts and teaching camping skills. Her scouts gave her many years of fun and pleasure. Ruth was active in her church and served as Chairman of the Administrative Board of Corinth UMC, and as Leader of the church’s United Methodist Women’s Unit for Corinth UMC and St. Paul’s UMC. For several years, Ruth served on the Knoxville District United Methodist Women’s Unit as the Resource Officer. She enjoyed preparing and presenting special programs for various meetings in the Knoxville District. Ruth enjoyed being a member of the quilting group for the Corryton Senior Center. She pieced quilt tops and shared tips with the members. One of Ruth’s greatest joys was being a member of the East Tennessee Doll Collections. She served in various officer positions including club president. She collected dolls from around the world and from all eras. She was particularly fond of China Dolls. Ruth enjoyed attending conventions and other programs. In the over 40 years she was a club member, she gave many programs. The most important part of her doll club membership was knowing and being with her fellow members. The ladies of the club were some of the most special people in her life. Ruth retired from T.V.A. after more than 20 years of service. Ruth was proud of her three children and her two grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She loved and was loved by her nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Being together at holidays was always special. She had a marvelous trip to the western United States with her nephew Guerry Murphy which included rafting the Snake River at the age of 82. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Aileen Gorman Murphy; her husband William (Bill) Hackney, her brothers Carl Murphy and wife Rose Murphy and Kenneth Murphy and wife Lorraine Murphy. Her niece Mary Aileen Murphy Peters Harless, and nephews Larry and James Murphy. She is survived by daughter Linda Jo (Rev. Samuel) Johnson, son W. Thomas Hackney, son Kerry G. (Debbie) Hackney, grandson Robert L. Johnson, granddaughter Laura Hackney Hambo and husband Emir Hambo, and great granddaughter Alexandria Johnson. Also, nephew Guerry Murphy, nieces Cathy Murphy Lemmons, Rosemary Peters, Larry Dean Murphy, Amy Kreis and Valerie Lemmons, and other great nieces and nephews. And especially her beloved dog Chole. The family wishes to thank UT Hospice and especially Chaplain Phil Groos and personal caregivers. A special thank you to Mynatt Funeral Home and Funeral Director Tim Wheeler (former Cub Scout.) The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2022 at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel followed by a 3:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service Chaplain Phil Groos and Rev. Samuel Johnson officiating. Family and friends will meet 10:45 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2022 at Greenwood cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to U. T. Hospice 4435 Valley View Drive NE Suite 104 Knoxville, Tn. 37917 Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com