Ruth Young

April 16, 1930 - September 26, 2025

Ruth Young, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 26, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, William (Bill) Young, her mother and father, the Reverend Robert & Marilyn Pettigrew, her son-in-law Don Critcher, and her sister-in-law Fran Pettigrew.

She was born in 1930 in Miami FL the proud daughter of Nathalie Dell Fuller.

Ruth met the love of her life, Bill Young while attending Florida State University. After graduating they married and began the great adventures of their life.

Ruth taught school in Orange County FL. After moving to Shelby, she became the librarian at Polkville elementary school. She was a dedicated teacher for over 20 years and cared about each of her students. She and Bill were members of Aldersgate Methodist Church for over 50 years. In retirement, Ruth spent countless hours volunteering for Cleveland Regional Health Center/Atrium Health and traveled across the world with Bill with the Friendship Force, the Red Cross Disaster Relief team and the Boy Scouts of America. In her last years she resided in western NC near family with her husband. She was a proud and loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

She is survived by her sisters Diane Holt (Ted) and Jean Grey, her brother Dale Pettigrew, her son Bruce Young (Jan), her daughters Marilynn Patterson (Scott), Beth Critcher and Nancy Satterfield (Phil), as well as 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Ruth's love, patience, guidance, strength and especially her sense of humor will remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Medi-Home Hospice of Boone or donations for school supplies may be made to your local school classrooms in honor of Ms. Ruth's love of learning.

A private service was held earlier.

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.