Ruth Earnest

Norma “Ruth” Canterl Earnest, of Clarksville, TN, passed from this life on May 26, 2024 at the age of, 87, Ruth was born in Gruny, Buchanan County, VA on 16 May 1937 to Thomas Jean Canterl and Grace Goldie Keene Canterl, who precedes her in death. 

She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 65 years and best friend since high school, John Delano Earnest. One son Brian Shane Earnest and wife, Missy of Woodstock, GA, two grandsons, Gabriel “Gabe” Shane Tilson Earnest and wife, Christine of Canton, GA and Brody Luke Earnest and wife, Emma of Johnson City, TN. One great granddaughter, Rory of Johnson City, TN; two sisters, Gaynell Morris of Charlottesville, VA and Helen Matney (J.D.) of Lebanon, VA.

Ruth was a graduate of Radford University, Radford, VA, class of 1954 with a bachelor's degree of Business Administration. She retired from the Tennessee Department of Human Services as an Eligibility Counselor in 1997. 

Ruth was a member of Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Clarksville, TN. 

Sykes Funeral Home of Clarksville, TN is honored to provide services to the family of Ruth Canterl Earnest. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Sykes Funeral Home with Pastor John Richardson presiding. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Friends will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be Monday, June 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM EST. with Pastor Mike Carrier presiding  in Bristol, TN in the Chapel Mausoleum at Glenwood Cemetery, 839 Bluff City Hwy, Bristol, TN 37620.

Remembrance donations may be made to the building fund at Mount Hermon Baptist Church, 2204 Jarrell Ridge Road, Clarksville, TN 37043.