Ruth Naomi Carter Fitzgerald

Ruth Naomi Carter Fitzgerald, 87, of Big Island passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, at her residence while surrounded by her loving family. Ruth is a daughter of the late Norman Maynard Carter and Ada Bell Bradley Carter. In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Herby Walter “Bud” Fitzgerald, Jr.; son, Ricky Eugene McKinney; two brothers, Robert “Bobby” Carter, and Norman Maynard “TT” Carter Jr.; sister, Dorothy Ann Abel and a granddaughter at birth, Morgan Ashley Fitzgerald.

Ruth was a fun loving, caring, compassionate matriarch of her family. Being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to so many. Her love for her family was so evident, especially her children and grandchildren. Ruth was a giver of her time and loved to help anyone in a time of need. She enjoyed spending time in the outdoors while gardening and working in flowers, time spent on the parkway and always enjoyed sharing her cooking with her community and visiting shut ins. She was a member of Big Island Baptist church and was also a 50 plus year member of the Riverside Garden Club. She will be missed dearly by her family and all that knew her.

Ruth is survived by her children, Jeffrey Todd Fitzgerald, Herby W. “Buddy” Fitzgerald, III, Kimberly M. Fitzgerald, and Teresa Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Candice (Chris), Amber, Brittany (Burke), Josh, Lauren (Christian), Todd and Dianne; greatgrandchildren, Lauren, Alex, Sarah, Will, Wyatt, Delaney, Emery Ruth, Addison, Naomi, Shepard and Phoebe; Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and so many friends, especially Shirley Chilton and Rosa Fitzgerald.

A funeral service and celebration of Ruth’s life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Big Island Baptist Church with Rev. Bryon LePere officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Big Island. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. To send condolences online please visit Tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.