Ruth Whitney Graves Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Funeral services for Ruth Graves age 67 of Knoxville will be held on Friday, August 8 at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will begin after 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family and online condolences may be left at BertrandFuneralHomes.com. Ruth Whitney Graves was born December 24, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of George Whitney Richards and Ruth Arlene (Herron) Richards. She was raised in Des Moines and graduated from East High School with the Class of 1964. Ruth graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1968 and then moved to Knoxville. She worked at the Knoxville V.A. Hospital until 1984. In 2000 Ruth retired from the Knoxville Area Community Hospital as Director of Nursing. Ruth was passionate about her career and was on the forefront of teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support training and was on the National Emeritus Faculty. Ruth also served on the Safety Crew at the Knoxville Raceway for 25 years. She trained medical personal at the racetrack and made sure the safety of the drivers was always top priority. In her spare time, Ruth loved going to the cabin in Nebraska, fishing, shopping and playing games. Ruth never knew a stranger and she touched many lives through her professional and personal relationships. Her greatest pride and joy were her two daughters and best friends, Shannon and Allison. Ruth passed away on Monday, August 4, 2014 at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital at the age of 67 years. She was preceded in death by her parents. Those left to mourn Ruth’s passing include her daughters: Shannon Murphy (Jeff) and Allison Dittmer (Kurt); 3 grandchildren: Alex, Malloree and Avery; 1 great-grandchild; 2 step-children: Alan Graves (Bobby) and Lisa Graves 6 step-grandchildren all of Knoxville; life-long best friend, Mahala Cox and many other family members and friends.

Ruth Whitney Graves

December 24, 1946 - August 4, 2014