Ruth Wyatt Harris Obituary: Troutman, NC Woman Dies at 86, Remembered for Faith, Family and a Life of Generosity

Ruth Wyatt Harris Obituary TROUTMAN, N.C. — Ruth Wyatt Harris, a beloved mother, grandmother and longtime Troutman resident whose life centered on faith, family and caring for others, died peacefully at her home on August 19, 2026. She was 86.

For those who knew Ruth, her legacy was built through everyday acts of love. Whether she was calling someone on their birthday, welcoming visitors with coffee and food, cheering for her grandchildren from the bleachers or leaving an encouraging message online, she found countless ways to remind people that they mattered.

Born January 31, 1940, in Wilkes County, North Carolina, Ruth was the daughter of Todd and Lillie Canzada Wyatt. Her roots in North Carolina remained an important part of a life that would eventually bring her to the Statesville and Troutman communities.

Ruth Harris and Her 53-Year Marriage

In 1956, Ruth married Ernest Gray Harris Jr., beginning a marriage that would span 53 years until his death.

Together, Ruth and Ernest established their family in Statesville and passed down values centered on loyalty, protection, unconditional love and standing beside one another through difficult times.

Those lessons became an important part of the family Ruth helped build and remained visible in the close relationships she shared with her children, grandchildren and extended relatives.

Family was never simply an obligation for Ruth. It was one of the defining joys of her life.

Career at Beaunit Textiles and Clark Equipment

Ruth spent part of her working life at Beaunit Textiles before joining Clark Equipment.

She eventually retired from Clark Equipment after working as a receiving administrator, closing one chapter of a life that balanced employment with her responsibilities and devotion to family.

Outside work, Ruth’s Christian faith remained a constant presence.

She was a longtime member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church, where Sunday worship became another opportunity to spend time with those she loved. Family members sometimes surprised her by attending church alongside her, creating moments she deeply appreciated.

Proudly Known as “Mamaw Ruthie”

Among the names Ruth carried throughout her life, few meant as much as “Mamaw Ruthie.”

She took enormous pride in her children and grandchildren and made an effort to be present for the moments that mattered to them.

Throughout Iredell County, Ruth could often be found sitting in the bleachers and cheering as younger members of her family participated in activities and celebrated accomplishments.

Her support extended well beyond major occasions.

Ruth was known for remembering birthdays and often made sure she was among the first to call. She also used text messages and Facebook comments to send encouragement and remind friends and relatives that they were loved.

These small gestures became part of what made her presence so meaningful.

Food, Coffee and Family Gatherings

Ruth’s home reflected the hospitality for which she was remembered.

Visitors could expect coffee, something to eat and a warm welcome. Her Southern-style cooking helped bring people together and created family memories that will continue long after her passing.

She also enjoyed finding a good bargain and reportedly kept a hidden supply of chocolate, one of the smaller personal details loved ones can now remember with affection.

These familiar routines tell an important part of Ruth’s story. Her legacy was found not only in major milestones, but in meals around the table, phone calls, church mornings, family gatherings and the simple pleasure of making others feel welcome.

Ruth Wyatt Harris Family

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Todd and Lillie Canzada Wyatt; her husband, Ernest Gray Harris Jr.; her children, William Roger Harris and Toni Lee Harris; and her siblings, Hazel Lunsford, Leonard Wyatt, Barbara Holloway, Arlee Spears and Ernest Wyatt.

She is survived by her sons, Jimmy Harris and his wife Cindy, and Timmy Harris and his wife Lisa.

Her grandchildren include Stephanie Harris, Jennifer Sexton and her husband Justin, Joseph Harris, Rowdy Harris and his wife Rachel, and Dillon Harris and his wife Lindsey.

Ruth is also remembered by her lifelong best friend and niece, Margie Lilies, along with numerous nieces and nephews in Wilkes County whom she loved deeply.

Ruth Harris Funeral and Visitation Arrangements

Family and friends will have an opportunity to gather and remember Ruth during scheduled services in Troutman.

Visitation is planned for Sunday, August 23, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Troutman Funeral Home.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 24, at Diamond Hill Baptist Church, with Rev. Larry Holleman officiating.

Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Park.

In accordance with Ruth’s wishes, those wishing to honor her memory may make memorial contributions to Diamond Hill Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

Remembering a Life Centered on Love

Ruth Wyatt Harris lived 86 years filled with family relationships, faith, work and countless gestures of kindness.

For her loved ones, memories of “Mamaw Ruthie” will remain in familiar places and traditions: Sunday mornings at church, family meals, birthday phone calls, cheering from the bleachers, coffee shared at her home and perhaps even the thought of that carefully hidden chocolate.

Her death leaves a painful absence, but the values she spent decades passing down remain with the generations she loved and supported.

Ruth Wyatt Harris will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart and determination to make the people around her feel valued. May her family and friends find comfort in the many memories created throughout her life.

Disclaimer

This obituary is based on the information available at the time of publication. Details concerning Ruth Wyatt Harris’s death, biography, surviving family members, visitation, funeral service, burial and memorial contributions should be confirmed through her family, funeral home or other authorized sources. Information may be updated if additional verified details become available. This article is intended for general informational and memorial purposes and should not be treated as a substitute for the family’s official obituary or funeral notice.