September 26, 1927 – November 8, 2020

Ruth Phillips Grogan of Lewisburg, TN, passed away Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, from complications of Covid at the Maury Regional Medical Center, Columbia, TN.

The daughter of the late John Marvin and Carolina Virginia Phillips, Mrs. Grogan was born Sept. 26, 1927, in Chestnut Mound, TN. She is survived by her husband of nearly 75 years, Austin Peay Grogan.

Mrs. Grogan was raised in the hills of East Tennessee and was always a farm girl at heart. Some of her fondest memories were of growing up on the farm as a sharecropper’s daughter.

As a young girl she worked at the Eagle Cafe in Cookeville, TN, where she met the love of her life. On Dec. 29, 1945, they caught a bus during a rainstorm and eloped to Georgia while he was on leave from the Army.

They made their home in Cookeville and started their family there with son, Gary and daughter, Brenda. His work moved them to Lewisburg in 1959 where they welcomed daughter Kim a couple years later.

Mrs. Grogan was a homemaker who loved preparing meals for her family and friends. She enjoyed flower gardening and especially loved growing irises. She also enjoyed craft projects and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Tennessee Titans, as well as sending cards of good wishes and cheer to her cherished church family.

Her greatest joy though was taking care of and spending time with her family. She rarely missed an activity in which the grandchildren were involved. She was a regular at ballparks, and dance, or piano recitals, and always looked forward to babysitting the grandchildren.

During their retirement years, Ruth and Austin were often found frequenting yard sales, reminiscing years gone by. Ruth also kept Austin busy planting vegetable gardens which kept her busy canning vegetables, which she enjoyed sharing with others. Fellowship with friends at “The Krystal Breakfast Club,” often found them slicing Grogan tomatoes or enjoying homemade brownies!

Due to failing health, the Grogans have made their home at Merihil for the past several months, being cared for by a loving staff.

The passing of this precious lady leaves a void in the lives of her earthly family and fellow members of the Church Street Church of Christ, but also brings comfort that her earthly illnesses are healed with her journey to heaven.

Mrs. Grogan was pre-deceased by brothers, Robert, Henry, and Oliver Phillips; sisters, Ruby Dyer, Thursie Templeton, Neal Phillips, and Alta Martin; daughter, Brenda Smith, and a grandson, Grant.

In addition to her husband Austin, survivors include a sister, Faye Hill (Leon), Gallatin TN; children, Gary (Gloria), Kimberly (Wayne Patton); grandchildren, Greg (Natalie) and Ashley Smith Duvall (Jody).

Due to the current pandemic, a private family graveside service will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at the Lone Oak Cemetery, Lewisburg TN.

London Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.