Mrs. Ruth Yates King, age 102, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, surrounded by her family. A devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her life was defined by faith, hard work, and deep love for her family.
Ruth was well-known in the community for her strong work ethic and dedication as the owner and operator of a family grocery store for 19 years. She found great joy in gardening, tending to her flowers, and watching the birds – simple pleasures that brought her happiness throughout her life.
Ruth was baptized at the age of 15 by Reverend W.M. Hull and later became a member of Redbud Springs Cornerstone Church of Kosciusko, MS.
Ruth is survived by her children, Haggard Yates (Elizabeth), Allese Martin, Travis Yates (Cathy), and Rita Neergaard (Richard); her stepchildren, Doug King (Nancy), Barbara King, and Barbara Galligan (Mike); fifteen grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Nolie Yates; her second husband, Herbert King; her stepson, Larry King; her son-in-law, Glynn Martin; and her parents and siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Rev. Finis Beauchamp will officiate the services. Burial will follow in Winona Garden of Memory.
Pallbearers will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or online at www.stjude.org/donate.