Ruth Waldrop Davis, age 85, of Fayetteville, TN, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro. Born on January 24, 1941, in Blount County, Alabama, Ruth was one of thirteen children born to the late John Erivin Waldrop, Jr. and Arizona Isabelle Barnett Waldrop.
As the owner and operator of the beloved Ruth’s Restaurant in Fayetteville, Ruth was known for a passion for service that defined her career. She later worked for Eagle Snacks and, subsequently, Frito Lay. While she was known for her business sense and her skill as a master seamstress and quilter, her truest pride was her family. She was a devoted mother and a cherished “Nanny” who poured her heart into those she loved.
Survivors include her sons, Richard “Ricky” (Mary) Pittenger of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Larry (Lucy) Pittenger of Murfreesboro, TN, Jeff (Linda) Pittenger of Jacksonville, FL, James Pittenger of Fayetteville, TN, and Jerry (Shawn) Pittenger of Gallatin, TN; grandchildren, Erica Edwards, Morgan Pittenger, Jon Pittenger, Justin Pittenger, Caleb (Alyanna) Pittenger, and Conner (Hannah) Pittenger; great-grandchildren, Travis Edwards, Zack Edwards, Riley Pittenger, and Rhett Pittenger; sister, Debra Lee Rutherford; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Davis; and her siblings Mary Helen Thomas, Betty Lou Martin, John Anne Thomas, Nora Earlene Wade, James Vance Waldrop, Norma Jean Carlisle, Roy Lee Waldrop, Franklin MacArthur Waldrop, Ruby Ellender “Ellen” Terry, Wallace Jerry Waldrop, and Edgar “Eddie” Harold Waldrop.
Funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, February 24, at 12 PM at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Wayne Hollingsworth officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens. There will be no visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Ruth Davis.
So sorry to hear about your mom so many memories
Ruth was like a second mom for me. Hung out with Larry at her house in the early days. Loved her at Eagle Snacks. Used to frequent her restaurant after second shift was over. Loved her at Frito Lay she was so much fun to work with and always happy. She will be missed
She was always kind and really loved her boys. Her house was always filled with constant motion created by 5 very active boys – yet I don’t remember her ever doing anything but accept the chaos and love her boys through it all.