Ruth Evelyn Edwards

Birth Date: 09/27/1944
Deceased Date: 08/26/2025

Ruth Evelyn Fields Edwards, age 80, of Newton Grove, NC, passed away on Tuesday, August 26th, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born on September 27, 1944, in Grantham, NC, to James and Mary Fields, Ruth grew up surrounded by family and community. She was known for her contagious smile and zest for life. Ruth loved the beach and could spend hours collecting seashells; she enjoyed rockhounding with her late husband, shopping trips with her daughters, hitting the town with her sister, caring for animals, playing Bingo, and watching the birds. She treasured her family most of all and filled every gathering with laughter and warmth.

Determined and hardworking, Ruth earned her GED in her 60s, a milestone that made her family proud. Over the years, she worked as a long-haul trucker and welder, but her favorite jobs were in retail, where she could meet new people and brighten their days.

Family and friends will remember Ruth’s spunky spirit, the way she called everyone her “baby,” and her joy in being surrounded by the people she loved most.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Gail Campbell and husband Scott, and Glenda Westbrook and husband Kirk; her grandchildren, Rileigh Wilkins and fiancé James, and Cullen Campbell; her “granddogs” Oliver, Crickett, Colt, Cassie, and Snow; and her special furbaby, Blue Eyes. She is also survived by her siblings and shared a particularly close relationship with her sister, Shirley Nave, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Paula Kay Westbrook; her husband, David Edwards; her parents, James and Mary Fields; and her brothers, “Junior” and Dean.

A service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home in Newton Grove, NC. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Ruth’s wonderful neighbors for their kindness and support, as well as to all who cared for and loved her throughout her life. A room blooming with colorful flowers and laughter from her loved ones is exactly where Ruth would want to be.

Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove is honored to serve the family of Ms. Ruth Evelyn Edwards.