Ruth Parker Penley

Ruth Parker Penley, 95, passed away on January 31, 2026. Ruth was born in Asheville, NC, in March of 1930. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Penley, and infant daughter, Pamela Ann; her parents, James Virgil and Annie Mae Bowlin Parker; sisters Vergie Parker Stubbs, Frances Parker Stubbs, Pauline Parker, Barbara Parker Rogers and Peggy Parker Powell; and brothers James Virgil Parker, Jr., Porter Parker, George Parker, and Clarence Parker.

Ruth is a graduate of Sand Hill High School. She graduated from Mars Hill Junior College in 1950 and later finished her BA degree in 1972 at the University of North Carolina-Asheville.

Ruth was a lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she served in many leadership capacities. Her community involvement included volunteering for 11 years with The Council on Aging’s annual tax preparation program, as well as, serving on their board of directors. Ruth was an election worker, serving as a registrar and a judge. SHe was a member of the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Ruth retired from Buncombe County’s Employment & Training office as a counselor, interviewer, and monitor for the Job Training Partnership Act program.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Penley Watts, son-in-law, John A. Watts, and grandson, Andrew Parker Watts.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1056 Riceville Rd., Asheville, NC, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. that same day.

Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to the Bethel UMC Cemetery Fund.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.