Ruth Tannehill

We mourn the loss of Ruth Appleton Tannehill who passed away April 25, 2022.  She was born in Minor Hill, Tennessee in 1935 to Thomas and Bessie Appleton.  Ruth went to Lauderdale County High School in Rogersville, AL and attended Florence State College, Florence, AL.  In the late 1950s, Ruth went to work for Eastern Airlines.  It was during this time she met her late husband, Hugh Lawrence Tannehill, a navy pilot.  They were married on April 23, 1960.  They moved around quite a bit in the early years of their marriage but subsequently settled in Atlanta, GA then eventually in Scottsboro, AL to raise their two daughters Meg and Liz.  Ruth and Hugh then moved to Nashville in 1988 after both their girls were grown. Ruth was creative and had a strong entrepreneurial spirit.  She was best known for her residential interior design.  She had incredible taste and a keen eye for color. She owned Ruth Tannehill Interiors in Belle Meade from 1989-2001.  After closing the store she continued practicing interior design from her home well into her 70s.  Many of her dearest friendships were made during this special time of her life. Additionally, Ruth loved cooking and entertaining.  She was most happy with a houseful of friends and family.  She hosted many gatherings and her door was always open to those who wanted to come by for a visit.  She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend. Ruth is survived by her daughters Meg Tannehill Justice and husband Jerry Justice of Scottsboro, AL and Liz Tannehill Cook of Franklin, TN; grandchildren Evonne Elizabeth Cook and Dylan Steele Cook; sibling Willie Kelley and husband Carlton Kelley of Rogersville, AL; and loving nieces, nephews, cousins and many circles of friends the world over.  May her memory be a blessing. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Ruth’s name to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205 or Scottsboro Presbyterian Church 315 South Kyle Street, Scottsboro, Al 35768.  Ruth had a very strong faith and loved her church. Services are scheduled for June 3, 2022 at 11am at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.