Mary Ruth Ellison

Mary Ruth Ellison, 83, of Kingsport, went to Heaven on the wings of many prayers and walked into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Born in Dungannon, VA, was a 1962 graduate of Dungannon High School and resided in Kingsport most of her life. She had worked as a telephone operator at Inter-Mountain, accounting and bookkeeper at Looney Chevrolet & JBR Buick. She closed out her working career at Cedar View Christian School as the bookkeeper. Mary was a member of Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church for over 20 years. She was a faithful wife, nurturing mother, selfless and caring mamaw, devoted sister, and wonderful aunt. Mary Ruth was the kindest, most loving, giving, and genuinely gracious person to everyone that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Canner and Bessie Gillenwater.

Mary is survived by her husband of 63 years, David Ellison; daughter, Kimberly Prillhart and husband Mark; granddaughters, Alaina Ripley and husband Caleb, Lauren Elswick and husband Logan; great-grandchildren, Brigette, Brielle, and Brynn; sister, Janice Butts; and nieces, Laurie Hubbard and husband Michael, Misty Howell; and several great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow with Pastor John Herdman, Pastor Jody Jenkins, and Pastor Daniel Wakefield officiating.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Logan Elswick, Caleb Ripley, Michael Hubbard, Nathan Hubbard, John Keen, and David Wampler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church (Youth Ministries), in honor of her great granddaughters 197 Suncrest St., Gray, TN 37615.