Ruth Harris Peet

Ruth Harris Peet passed away Sunday morning, May 3, 2015 at the Cloverdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scottsboro, Alabama. Her love of life and family and her distinctive giggle will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was born 94 years ago in Prattville, AL on January 13, 1921, the only daughter of Reverend M.L. Harris Sr. and Annie D. Jacobs Harris. Ruth had four brothers – John Clinton Harris (deceased), Roderick Harris (killed in action in WWII), Elmer Harris (deceased), and M.L. Harris Jr. (age 87). Ruth was widowed in 1968 on the death of her husband, Ben E. Peet. Together they raised one son, Charles Mitchell Peet (husband of Suzanne Galligan), and two daughters, Martha V. Holmen (wife of Dale Holmen) and Judith Peet (wife of Rex Worley). She had seven grandchildren – Ben and Aaron Peet, Shannon Peoples, Amy and Mark Holmen, and Austin and Katelyn Worley. Ruth also had many beloved nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and co-workers too many to name who have all extended their love and support to her during the declining years of her long life. Ruth’s life of service and achievement has been an inspiration to all those who have known her. After her early childhood in Prattville, she attended high school in Guntersville, AL and went on to attend college at Samford University. She was the only woman in her class at Wake Forest University’s Bowman Gray School of Medicine, where she received her degree. Upon completion of her medical training, her parents gave her a trip to Peru as a graduation present. It was in Peru during Christmas time of that year that she met the love of her life, Ben E. Peet. They were married six months later. During 53 years of practicing family medicine, Dr. Peet delivered many babies and treated countless wounds and illnesses – from Cerro de Pasco, Peru, back home in Jackson County, AL, and later in Albuquerque, NM where she retired. A lifetime member of the American Academy of Family Practice, an active member in her community and church wherever she lived, Ruth had a sincere and caring demeanor that made her lovable and unforgettable. Ruth requested that her body be cremated and buried with her husband at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Scottsboro, AL. True to her wishes, there will be no visitation or church services, but only a small ceremony for close family and friends at the cemetery. Any memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church in Scottsboro, AL, to the Sheppard of the Valley Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, NM, or to the donor’s charity of choice. The family would like to thank all our friends, relatives, co-workers and caregivers who have helped and supported Ruth through the years. A special thanks to Alacare Hospice nurses, caregivers, chaplains and volunteers as well as the staff at Cloverdale Nursing Center. The family wants to give special thanks and recognition to her niece, Mary Anne Holland, who was extra faithful to her and was a true friend as well as a devoted niece. We also want to give special recognition to Ella Ruth Long who was her colleague and true friend for sixty years.

Ruth Harris Peet

January 13, 1921 - May 3, 2015