Ruth Burns Carland

Ruth Burns Carland, 95, of Asheville, died Sunday, October 23, 2016, at Carolinas HealthCare System in Morganton, following a brief illness. A native of Burke County and a longtime resident of Asheville, she was the daughter of the late Marshall Davis Burns and Nannie Clarke Burns. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas M. Carland, in addition to three brothers and three sisters. She retired from Kellwood Manufacturing Company and was a member of West Asheville Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. Ruth was a devout Christian, a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother and a faithful friend. She will be remembered for her joyful heart, loving spirit and beautiful flower gardens. Surviving are her daughter, Nancy Gatewood and husband Bill of Asheville; grandson, Brad Gatewood of Denver, Colorado; brother, Bobby Burns of Los Angeles, California; several nieces and nephews, including special niece and caregiver Judy Burns, of Morganton; and her constant canine companion, Honey. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Rev. Doris Valentine officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806.