Ruth Anderson Quillen

Ruth Anderson Quillen, age 98, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Huntington, West Virginia, on May 27, 1928, Ruth was the daughter of James Clyde and Bertha Martin Anderson. She graduated from Church Hill High School in 1946. Ruth worked at Eastman, where she met her future husband, Joe R. Quillen. They were married for 62 years and shared a life devoted to one another, their family, and their faith.

Ruth later worked at the Colonial Heights Gift Shop & Pharmacy, where she remained until retiring at the age of 80.

Ruth was a woman of prayer whose gentle spirit, wisdom, and kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her warm smile and caring heart brought comfort and joy to those around her. She and Joe were faithful members of Colonial Heights Baptist Church for 65 years, worshiping, serving, and sharing fellowship with their church family. Their enduring faith was a meaningful part of the life they built together and the legacy Ruth leaves behind.

Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe R. Quillen; her parents, James Clyde and Bertha Martin Anderson; her sisters, Helen Edmonds and Anna Dodson; her brothers, James Clyde Jr., Stanley, Robert, Frank, Charles Lee, and Paul; and her great-granddaughter, Libby Jo Little.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Nancy Quillen Collins, and her husband, Tom Collins, of Jonesborough, Tennessee; her granddaughter, Katy Collins Little, and her husband, Will Little; her great-grandsons, William Max Little IV (Liam), Boone Thomas Little, and Beckham Worth Little; and her grandsons, Thomas Anderson Collins (Andy) and James Joseph Collins (Joey). She is also survived by her brother, Ralph Anderson, and his wife, Pat, as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and loved ones.

Ruth’s life was a quiet and enduring testimony to the power of faith, love, and faithful service. Through her devotion to God, her family, her church, and her community, she left a legacy that will continue in the lives of those she nurtured and encouraged. The kindness she offered, the wisdom she shared, and the love she gave so freely will be cherished for generations to come.

Though she will be deeply missed, Ruth’s family is comforted by the assurance that she is now resting in the presence of her Savior, reunited with Joe and those who went before her. They give thanks for her long and blessed life, for the memories they shared, and for the promise that, through faith, they will see her again.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Ruth finished her earthly journey with faithfulness and grace. Her life was a blessing, her memory is a treasure, and her legacy of love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Those who wish to pay their respects and sign the register may stop by Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes on Monday, August 31, 2026, between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parker’s Promise, P.O. Box 1641, Spring Hill, TN 37174.