Ruth Holder Brake
March 10, 1917 ~ May 5, 2011
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Ruth Holder Brake, 94, was united with her family and God in Heaven on May 5, 2011. She was the daughter of Thomas Newton Holder and Etta Mae Pope Holder. Ruth was born and reared in Buncombe County, North Carolina along with her seven siblings. She graduated from Sand Hill High School and went on to obtain a BA degree in Mathematics from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. While there, she was named ping-pong champion and met her future husband, E. Keith Brake of Petersburg, West Virginia.
Ruth and Keith married on May 31, 1943. After graduating from Berea, the two moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where Keith attended Dental School at Washington University. While her husband was going to dental school Ruth worked for the United States Navy as an inspector in a torpedo plant.
After returning to Asheville, Keith set up dental practice in Black Mountain and Ruth enjoyed the outdoor life with their children. She enjoyed growing flowers, breeding and showing bloodhounds, and breeding Tennessee walking horses. Ruth was the breeder of the 1988 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse.
Ruth is survived by her husband, E. Keith Brake, four children, Jerry R. Brake of Asheville, NC, Toni L. Brake (husband Bob Lindt) of Roanoke, VA, Nicki Brake Wall (husband Richard) of Shelbyville, TN, and Jeffrey K. Brake (wife Elizabeth) of Jackson, GA; and grandchildren, Robbie Brake (wife Kina), Tracy W. Wilkinson, Rebecca Brake Colangelo (husband David), Jackie Brake, Dwayne Brake (wife Kelli) and Jennifer Brake, six great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, send memorial gifts to Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805, or to the Asheville, North Branch of the Salvation Army, 204 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801.
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Dear Tony, Tracy, Jerry and other family members,
I was so sorry to hear about Ruth’s passing. I have such fond memories of our sleep overs at the motel in Beverly Hills when we were in hs. Your parents were always so kind and welcoming to me. I know she will be so missed as she has been such a fighter all her life. My prayers and thoughts are with you and I truly wish I was closer to be there to give all of you hugs and support.
With love,
Susan
You all have our deepest sympathy. Your family is in our prayers.
Creola & Ed Seivers
I love you Aunt Ruth.
Dear Uncle Keith, Jerry, Toni, Nicki and Jeff,
I have such wonderful memories growing up and spending many Sundays (and other times) with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Keith and my cousins. A special memory is Aunt Ruth and her sisters sitting around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and talking. I am happy they are all together now. Bill and I pray that God will comfort all of you. We love you!
Love, Marilyn
Jerry, our deepest condolences for your loss. We are praying for you all. Call us if you need anything.
I will remember my Aunt Ruth as a woman of beautiful Christian faith who loved family so dearly. Aunt Ruth and Uncle Keith allowed me to have so many precious memories with my other Holder aunts, uncles and cousins, by having so many family gatherings at their home throughout the years. It is comforting to know that Aunt Ruth, my Mom and all of their brothers and sisters are rejoicing in Heaven.
Doc and Jerry, Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Keith, We are thinking of you and your family in your time of loss and will continue, in the future, to offer our prayers. Joe Hensley and daughter Kathryn Hensley
Dear Keith,Robbie,Jeff,Toni,& Nicki.
Sorry to read about Ruth’s home going. Your family have been my friends since we moved across the street at #9, in 1979. I will miss her, even though I still own the house, but live elsewhere, with wife #2. It’s a long story about why that has happened. Will have you folks in my thoughts and prayers, this week especially.
Walt Lewis
Doc…Sorry for your loss. We thought a lot of Ruth. Take care.
Doc and family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeff and family,
May God give you peace and comfort in your time of grief. As I drive up Haw Creek Road daily, I often recall adventures we had as we grew up together. Your mom (and all our mom’s) had a hand in creating those adventures and raising us up to be the men we have become. I’m grateful to have known her.
Doc and Jerry,
Remembering the two of you and the rest of your family in prayer in your grief. Just know that you both have meant a lot to me over these many years.
Doc: So sorry and my prayers are with you for the loss of your wife.
Martha Spurrier
Doc, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Ruth was a very sweet person. If there is anything you need or if I can help you in any way, please let me know.
Keith: just recently found out Ruth died a few years ago. If you get this message, am sorry for your loss. If you are able I would love to hear from you as you retired before I had time to say goodbye. I am now a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at the Mt. Home VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. If possible I would love to visit and talk with you again. Please let me hear from you!