November 2, 2024
Ruth Turner Van Horn was born in Long Branch, NJ in 1940 and died November 2, 2024.
She resided in West Long Branch for her first 18 years. She was the daughter of Ernest and Esther Turner. When her father sold his nursery business the family moved to Corona del Mar, CA. After attending Orange Coast College for two years she chose to go north to Humboldt State University. She received her B.A. Degree in Elementary Education and it was there that she met her husband of 62 years, Gene Van Horn.
Ruthie and Gene visited all 50 states and the 7 continents. Some highlights were Patagonia, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Basin, the Serengeti Plains, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, and the major European cities.
Ruthie taught third grade for 2 years in Eureka, CA. She spent the next 14 years raising their 3 children. The family moved to Signal Mountain in 1971 where she taught second grade at Signal Mountain Elementary and Thrasher Elementary for 25 years. She enjoyed working with her students, their parents, and colleagues.
Her lifelong appreciation of nature was reflected in her teaching, and in 2002 an outdoor classroom at Thrasher Elementary was dedicated in her honor for teaching and work in environmental pursuits.
Ruthie was a remarkable person who played the guitar and was an accomplished potter.
Gene and Ruthie moved to Spring City after they had both retired in 2006.
She is survived by her husband, Gene S. Van Horn and three children: Jody Lynn Bacon (David) of Brentwood, TN; Diane Van Horn Hendrix of Maryville, TN; and David Glenn Van Horn (Lena) of Palmer, TN. Her 6 grandchildren are: D. Foster Bacon, Turner Bacon, Anna Burroughs, Emma Hendrix, Grover Van Horn, and Rupert Van Horn. Her sister, Carolyn Propp, lives in Oregon.
There will not be a funeral service. Those who would have attended are asked to please take the time to do an act of kindness. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sierra Club, another environmental group, or a charity of your choice.
Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of Ruth Turner Van Horn and asks that friends share condolences and memories of her with them on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com.