Ruth Elizabeth Lee Hamilton, 87, of Athens, died Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at Willow Acres in Riceville.

A native of Knoxville, and a resident of McMinn County for 75 years, she was a daughter of the late Louis Sylvester Lee Sr. and Johnnie Mae Bradshaw Lee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Sullivan Hamilton, on Oct. 10, 1965; and four sisters, Helen, Blanche, Martha and Joan. She was retired from Proffitt\'s Department Store after 46 years of service, and was a member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Martha Jo and Barry Wilhelm of Louisville, Ky., and Becky and Mac Osborne of Rockledge, Fla.; one son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Debbie Hamilton of Athens; two brothers and one sister-in-law, L.S. Lee Jr. of Niota, and Jack and Geneva Lee of Ooltewah; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Jane Lee of Niota, and Sue and Lawrance Hamrick of Hixson; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Keith Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Hubble and the Rev. Jason Gattis officiating. Family and Friends will gather prior to the memorial service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at McMinn Memory Gardens for graveside services.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer\'s Association, 7625 Hamilton Park Dr., Suite 8, Chattanooga, TN 37421, or Willow Acres, 255 County Road 730, Riceville, TN 37370.

The family wishes to thank Willow Acres for all the care during her time of residence there.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com