Ruth Lemon

Ruth Edda Lemon passed to her rest on June 15, 2025 in Chattanooga, TN. The youngest of six children, Ruth was born into World War II on June 15, 1941, in East Prussia, to Georg and Helene Betat. Her mother continually moved the children westward to stay ahead of advancing Russian forces, as her father and oldest brother were pressed into German Army service. At war's end, the refugee family reunited in Northern Germany. In 1952, they secured sponsorship and passage to immigrate to the United States, settling in Detroit, MI, where her father went to work for General Motors.

Ruth entered elementary school in Detroit, where she learned English, and later transferred to Gobles Junior Academy, where she completed the 10th grade. She spent her last two high school years at Adelphian Academy, where she met her future husband, Duane Lemon.

Duane and Ruth married in 1961. She earned her LPN degree from Hinsdale School of Nursing, and worked as a nurse, while Duane completed his degree in Chemistry and Math. In 1966, the couple welcomed son, Jeffrey, and in 1970, daughter Juli. Ruth was a stay-at-home mother until 1976, when both children were in school. She then returned to nursing. Following many moves around the country for Duane's teaching career, they chose to retire in Ooltewah, TN where they have resided since 2007.

Ruth was a faithful member of the McDonald Road Seventh-Day Adventist church. She enjoyed volunteering for Network 7 Media Center and the Samaritan Center. She invested herself in her husband, children and grandchildren. Ruth was a kind and loving person, whose radiant smile lit up the room.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 63 years, Duane Lemon, son Jeffrey Lemon [Cindy (Peel) Lemon] and grandsons, Shawn and Jordan Lemon; daughter Juli Hansen [Brandon Hansen] and grandchildren, Emily, Jacob, Alexander and Sarah Figge, as well as Riley Hansen. Ruth is also survived by her sister, Helga Folkes, along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation at McDonald Road Church (5440 McDonald Road, McDonald, TN) will be July 26 at 3 p.m., followed by the service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Network 7 Media Center for its production of "Mission Sonlight" at https://n7mc.org/ (Scholarships is the area of most need.) Expand the "Write a Note" field to mention, "In Memory of Ruth Lemon."