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.
My Aunt Ruth was the sweetest lady that knew how to keep things in line. Rest peacefully Aunt Ruth , I love you!
Nanny was the toughest lady I have ever known. She raised 5 boys!!! How could she not be? She took me as a daughter-in-law, but loved me like a daughter. She did the same to all of her family. Her heart knew no boundaries. She loved fiercely and was a pretty good novice at SKIP-BO. I love you, Nanny. I miss you already and will always remember how special you made me feel. Spread your wings and fly, Nanny, fly!
I loved my nanny as far as the road goes taught me how to play cards when I was a kid.
What a great lady! A few years ago she brought me a tulip bulb from her tree and helped me plant it. It’s huge now! Always kind and looking out for others. Ruth, you will be missed.
Ruth was a very good friend. I worked for her at the restaurant and we went vacation .we also worked at Eagle Snacks together. She was a great mother to 5 of the sweetest young men .Rest in peace!
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.