Ruth Layne Conder

Myrtle Ruth Layne Conder, 97, of Sanford, North Carolina went to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Ruth as born on April 23, 1927, in Surry County to the late James Oscar and Vera Banner Layne. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her eight siblings, Frances Foushee, Peggy McGee, Mozelle Coggins, Jimmy Layne, Ada Finley, Wade Layne, Johnny Layne, Jerry Layne, and her loving husband of 50 years, Howard L. Conder.

 Ruth is survived by three daughters, Donna C. Jackson, Sharon C. Gordon, and Ann C. Apple (Ronnie) all of Sanford. Six grandchildren— Rodney Apple, Christopher Jackson, Brian Apple, Brande Roberts, Candice Ray, and Matthew Jackson, and nine great grandchildren— Luke Jackson, Brandon Ray, Margaret Jackson, Kate Jackson, Hannah Ray, Oscar Jackson, Rowan Apple, Ansley Apple, and Elliott Apple, as well as a number of nephews and nieces, and sisters-in-law.

Ruth was a homemaker while her daughters were young, then worked in the family paint store, drycleaners on Wicker Street, and later retired from Trion. She loved her garden, freezing and canning its produce every year. She also loved her blueberry bushes sharing with numerous friends, neighbors, and family who would stop by to visit her in later years.

Ruth was a long-time member of Grace Chapel Christian Church and a founding member of the Annie Belle Register Missionary Society. She also volunteered at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, the Sanford Bread Basket, and was an original member of the Cookie Cutters at the Lee County Enrichment Center. She was awarded the Governor’s Award for her volunteer service in 2016. She also loved visiting with friends and relatives every chance she got.

The family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers, Claudette Wicker, Veronica Griffin, Julie Tarquin, Debra Smith, and Diann Nichols, as well as the staff at Parkview Retirement Village Memory unit, her Hospice caregivers, and to those who visited her, brought food, and sent cards.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity or organization or consider the relief effort for the people in the mountains of North Carolina.

A celebration of life will be held at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home on Friday, 10/25, with visitation from 2-3pm, service beginning at 3pm. Mike Tannenbaum and Travis Corley will preside. Burial to follow in Grace Chapel Cemetery.