Anna Ruth Sims Lafollette

Anna Ruth Sims Lafollette, age 85 of Knoxville, passed into Heaven’s Gate after a long illness on Tuesday, June 20, 2006, as she lived her life: quietly and peacefully, at her daughter’s home, with her loving family around her. A loving wife, mother, and Mommaw, she devoted her life to her family, her church, and her love of gardening. She was the oldest member of Meadow View Baptist Church on Island Home Pike in Knoxville. She was preceded in death by her husband Otha C. Lafollette, parents Mack D. and Lucy Belle Fowler Sims, and brother Ralph Sims. Survivors: Daughters: Bettye Lafollette Maples of Powell, Karen Lafollette Thomas of Knoxville Grandchildren: Joshua Andrew Maples and wife Beth of Glasgow, KY, Heather Thomas Orren and husband Brant of Johnson City, TN Great-grandson: Jackson Steely Maples of Glasgow, KY Brothers and sister-in-law: Roy and Joy Sims Several nieces and nephews Extended family and special friends: Jay Wells, Richard Miller, Ina Treadway, and many special friends in Knox and Sevier Counties A special thanks to Sue, Dr. Khan and Suzanne of the GAP office at Baptist Hospital and Dr. James Gleaver and his staff for their loving care and support. Funeral service 7:30 PM Thursday in the East Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Rev. Taylor Smith officiating. Interment 10 AM Friday in Providence Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Richard Miller, Jay Wells, Josh Maples, and Brant Orren. The family will receive friends 5:30-7:30 PM Thursday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)