Ruth Hutchens Shively

September 13, 1943 – June 9, 2020

Ruth Hutchens-Shively was born in Yadkin County, NC on Friday the 13th of September 1943 to Wesley Gray and Mable Venable Hutchens. She grew up in a large family with 13 siblings in all. She had Rheumatic fever as a child and spent almost a year in bed. That’s when her heart problems began. She never ever let it slow her down. In 1963 she moved to California with the love of her life and husband, Paul Shively and daughter, Paulette “Billi”. A son, Don soon followed. Low and behold, 10 years later they welcomed another daughter, Renee into the family. They lived in the San Gabrial Valley areas for many years.

Although Ruth and Paul divorced, they still remained friends and enjoyed going to family events together. They were married for a total of 34 years, once for 17 years and then again 2 years later they remarried for another 17 years…that’s how much they loved each other! Unfortunately, Paul passed away on September 28, 2017.

Ruth is survived by her children, five grandchildren, Sean Ciccione, Amanda Ciccione, Dylan Fenton, Jonah Casper and Austin Casper and three great grandchildren, Cove Ciccione, Willow Fenton and Atlas Ciccione, a sister, Margie Williams of East Bend, a brother, Wesley Hutchens of Georgia and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was affectionately known as Nanee by all the kids, whether they were family or family she chose and Nanee-Nanee when the great grands came into her life. Everyone loved Ruth! She was giving, caring and always there to lend a hand or a shoulder and was the best confidant anyone could ever ask for.

Ruth and Paul shared a love for music. They enjoyed Barbershoppe music which Paul participated in and Ruth was a Sweet Adeline for many years. Ruth had many friends, some new, some lifelong! She was especially blessed that way! She loved spending time with family and friends, playing cards, dominos, her prayer group and was forever talking on the phone.

She worked and retired from J.C. Penny’s after 32 years. She was so proud as she never thought of herself as super smart or able to accomplish such an achievement. Ruth had a fear of flying for many years but once she decided to try it, you couldn’t keep her on the ground! She was also on a hot air balloon team for a while and really enjoyed the adventure. She loved many things in life but most of all her Lord and Savior. We know she is with Him now, having yet again the time of her life! She will be missed dearly by all who knew her! That bright smile and mischievous laugh will never fade from our hearts and minds. She truly was a beacon of light in this world that will never fade.

There will be a private memorial service on Sunday, September 13 which will also be her birthday celebration.

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