Gracelyn Ruth Calabrese
January 11, 1925 ~ February 9, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Gracelyn Ruth Cole Calabrese
Asheville – Gracelyn Ruth Cole Calabrese, 85, of Asheville, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center.
A native of Buncombe County, Ruth was a daughter of the late William McKinley Cole and Grace Spillars Cole. She was also preceded in death by her step-mother, Eva Miller Cole.
Ruth was a member of Biltmore Baptist Church and a former member of Oakley Baptist Church. She loved her family dearly and always looked forward to spring when she could get out and plant her flowers.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Carl Calabrese; two daughters, Carla C. Taylor and her husband, Larry, of Asheville and Kathy C. Rector and her husband, Ron, of Asheville; three grandchildren, Stephanie Taylor Harris and her husband, Tim, of Asheville, Tara Rector Bradley of Hickory and Heath Rector of Candler; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Tristan Harris and Caleb Bradley; four sisters, Betty Sorrells, Monica Smith, and Gloria Blankenship all of Asheville and Obera Currin of Birmingham, AL; six brothers, Herbert Cole, Dale Cole, Mack Cole, Gene Cole and Joe Cole all of Asheville and David Cole of Thompson, GA as well as several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 13, 2010 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Rev. Dr. Steve Harris officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 1:30 to 3:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Gashes Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with her brothers serving as pallbearers.
Flowers are appreciated, or for those who wish, memorial donations may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.
Carl, Kathy and Carla. My deepest sympathy in your loss. I have so many fond memories of your mother and all of you as you were always such a part of our life growing up when you spent so much time with us
when Mom and Dad were alive and we all went to church and you came home with us for dinner. One thing is that memories are precious and never fade. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you – Elaine and Charlie Piner
Telia and I are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy for to you and your family
Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your Mom, My heart goes out to you and your family at this sad time.
Love Janet
Carl, Carla and Kathy,
May your many memories of Ruth/Mom always comfort you. She was a great lady. Even though I hadn’t seen her in many years I will always remember her as the friend next door. Please accept my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Love,
Karen
Kathy,
You and your family are in my prayers. I love you.
Jill
Dear Carla,Larry,Stephanie and family,
Just wanted you to know you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy, I am very sorry to hear of the death of your Mother. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Carl, Carla, and Cathy,
I recall the times when I was a little girl when Carl and Ruth would visit on Friday nights to play cards with Mom and Dad, play a joke, or just share a laugh. The most vivid memories are of Ruth and Carl’s spontaneous, wholesome sense of humor…..and of Ruth’s beautiful, genuine broad smile.
She never treated me like I was a liitle girl, but like I was a little lady. I think that’s because that’s how she lived her life…….as a fine lady.
My kindest regards……
Marcia Lance Spencer
e-mail: JPSpencerMD@aol.com
kathy I was so sorry to hear of your Moms passing, I lost my mom in October, I remember my mom taking care of Tara in the hospital and your mom being so precious, my prayer are with you.
Kathy, May Jesus provide you with HIS peace during this time.HE is loving & gracious & has extended that much needed grace to your Mom just as HE did for mine. Mom past 7 years ago today & time does heal, but you never stop remembering. Don’s mom has been gone 40 years & he says he still see’s her from time to time-yet when he stops to take a good look, it wasn’t really her, but it made him remember. You will continue to see her face in a crowd, smell her perfume or see someone else wearing her favorite blouse–GOD’s little reminder that ‘The best is yet to come for those who believe in his appearing’ ! On those days when you feel alone, just remember you will have more days with her than you had without her. And she’s not suffering anymore. Hugs & prayers.
Debbie & Don Pruett
Dear Kathy,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mothers death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort and surround you with love and peace. Love, Linda
Kathy, We have alot of years between us since we first met in 70’s.Those days have flown by so quickly. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Mother. She and your Dad were so very kind/welcoming on my first visit to your home with you. My heart aches for you as I know that I too will one day pass this way and know that their love is irreplacable. Your sweet Mom will be greatly missed. Blessings to you my dear friend. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
In His Name,
Pat Grooms Forbes
Carl & Family,
I just heard of your loss. I pray that God will bring you comfort as only He can do. I am so thankful for what you meant to my mother. We will be in prayer for you all.
Joey Osborne
Kathy, Carla and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your Mom when we were kids, seeing her at school and church, always with a smile for us. If I can help in any way please call. May you seek God for His comfort and peace. In his name, Brenda Craven
so sorry to here of your loss i remember the old days when my mom and dad would all gab on the cb radio with yours they all had a good time stay strong u had her a long time mom has been gone sence1995 stay strong i still have my dad hes doing well