Ruth Lackey Walker, a woman of unwavering faith and devoted family love, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Born to Thomas and Maude Lackey on August 27, 1930, Ruth lived a life rich in love and service. She shared 76 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Miller Walker, and together they built a cherished legacy of family. Ruth was a member of Rocky Face Baptist Church. Sundays were a cornerstone of her life, a day for worship and treasured time with loved ones. She ensured her home was a place of warmth and fellowship, where a bountiful feast was always prepared and shared with family and friends.
Ruth’s heart overflowed with love for her children, Diane Chapman of Stony Point, N.C., and Kim Stine (Joey) of Taylorsville, N.C., and her daughter-in-law, Diana Jolly. She was a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren, Johnny Chapman (Tracy), Tammy Chapman (Chad Byers), Kisha Barnes (Derrick), Shanae Collins (Wes Blackwelder), Julie Campbell (Travis), Jodi Brookshire (Barry), and Brett Walker (Samantha). Her joy multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Grayson Chapman (Macey Barnes), Tyler Campbell (Allie), Cassidy Campbell (Cole Bumgarner), Coleman Chapman (Natalie Mason), Jaci Collins, Jenner Barnes, Payton Campbell, Jeremiah Brookshire (Caroline Richardson), Dylan Collins, Bryson Brookshire, and Addison Barnes. She was anticipating the arrival of two great-great-grandchildren in September. She also leaves to cherish her memory her brothers, Waitsel Lackey (Donnie) and Grover Lackey (Jenny), and a brother-in-law, Jack Walker (Shirley) along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Steve Walker; her son-in-law, Johnny H. Chapman; her grandson-in-law, Larry Goble; her great-granddaughter, Ellie Walker; and her siblings, Hueston Lackey, Harlee Lackey, Austin Lackey, Donald Lackey, James Lackey, Buck Lackey, LV Heade, Eloise Hayes, Rozella West, Marie West, Vera Adams, Hazel McCurdy, and Brenda Mitchell.
Services for Ruth Walker will be as follows: Receiving of friends on Saturday, March 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rocky Face Baptist Church, and the funeral service on Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m. at Rocky Face Baptist Church. Officiating the funeral service will be Ryan Hodges, Brian Eades, and Barry Brookshire. Pallbearers will be her great-grandsons.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Iredell County, Jeannie Wilson and Crystal Moore for their wonderful care and compassion during her illness.
Memorial donations can be sent to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Chapman Funeral Home, Stony Point, is entrusted with the funeral arrangements for Ruth Lackey Walker.