Annie Ruth Pickens, 93, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Ruth was born near Fayetteville, Tennessee, the second youngest of six children of Allan and Elva Fite. She graduated as salutatorian from West Huntsville High School in Huntsville, AL in 1950, and went on to work as a secretary for Thiokol at Redstone Arsenal. She was on the girls’ basketball team in high school and later on a women’s team at Thiokol.
After moving to Nashville, Ruth worked as an administrative assistant for the United Methodist Church for over 30 years. While working full time, she attended Tennessee State University at night, and in 1986 earned a B.S. in Accounting, with highest distinction.
Ruth was a member of Crieve Hall Church of Christ for over 50 years. She loved spending time with the women’s group and going on trips around the country with her church friends. She also enjoyed country dancing and was an avid fan of the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team.
Ruth was preceded in death by parents Allan and Elva Fite, siblings Faye (Fite) Mann, Allan Fite Jr., Juanita Fite, Marilyn (Fite) Allen, and Gwen (Fite) Frazier, nephew Terry Frazier and niece Melanie (Mann) Harding. She was survived by son Kevin, and by nieces and nephews Larry Fite, Michael Fite, Jeffrey Frazier, Glenn Mann, Stephen Mann, Tony Worley, Richard Parvin, Sherry Kenney, Donna Ferguson, Teresa Carlson, and Dierdre Fowler.
There will be an informal visitation for anyone who wishes to pay respects on Thursday evening, April 2, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at Woodbine Funeral Home- Hickory Chapel on 5852 Nolensville Road in Nashville, Tennessee. A private burial by family members will follow on April 4 in Fayetteville, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crieve Hall Church of Christ.
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This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
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