Ruth Swann Lyerly

Ruth Swann Lyerly, surrounded by her loving family, peacefully went to be with her precious Lord on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. The youngest daughter of Bascombe and Carrie Swann of Mars Hill, Ruth was born December 20, 1928. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Myron Black Lyerly of Kannapolis, her parents, and her siblings Gertrude (Gertie) Swann Suttles, Zeb V. Swann, and Alethia Yelton Ray. She is survived by her sister Hazel Lee Swann of Raleigh, daughter and son-in-law Myra and Andy Kautsky of Naples, Florida, daughter Linda Lyerly Childress of Concord, grandchildren Andrew Kautsky, Heather Childress, Joel Childress, Scott and Amanda Willis Childress, and great-grandson Lawson James Childress. A resident of the University Area for 40 years, Ruth was proud to be instrumental in the early development of UNC-Charlotte. In her 25 years of dedicated service to the college, she acted as Manager of the Bookstore and Assistant Director of Auxiliary Operations and Programs at Cone University Center. Since 1968, Ruth was an active member of Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church. Her greatest treasures were her family and friends, whom she loved well, and her faith, which she lived in both word and deed. An 11-year survivor of cancer, Ruth exemplified faith in God's healing and trust in His will for her life with an ever-optimistic outlook. Ruth's life will be honored on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church beginning at 3:00 pm. Dr. Larry Mitchell and Rev. James Murray will officiate. Prior to the celebration of life ceremony, the family will receive friends from 2 to 2:45 pm in the sanctuary. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Kannapolis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte, or Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church.