Alma Ruth (West) Keeton

Alma Ruth West Keeton, 76, of Helenwood, passed away at her home Saturday afternoon, December 9, 2023, surrounded by her immediate family.

Ruth, as she was known by her family because she disliked being called Alma, was born April 21, 1947, in Oneida.  She was the daughter of the late Beaty and Hilma Sheppard West. 

She is preceded in death by a special Aunt Bernice Sheppard Watson and special cousin Larry Watson. 

Ruth is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jack Austin Keeton, whom she married on a very snowy Christmas eve.  Christmas was her favorite holiday and she went all out to make each one special. Together, they cultivated a legacy on a cherished farm where they raised their children.  Ruth found a profound sense of home here and often remarked that it was the first place she ever felt at home.

She is also survived by brothers Marshall West and Bobby West and two very special friends Sharon Boyatt and Barbara Terry and devoted former son-in-law Chris Land. She “adopted” everyone she met and made them feel like part of the family.  

Through a combination of lots of delicious home-cooked meals, patience, and love she is survived by all three of her children. Son Wesley Keeton and wife Kimberly, of Knoxville, daughter Deana Keeton of Clinton, TN, son Keven Keeton and wife KC of Knoxville.

Ruth passionately relished her role as Mommaw and leaves behind four grandchildren; Alora Russell and husband, Nick of Clinton, Drew Keeton, Logan and Emma Keeton and one great-grandson, Elliott Russell whom she dearly loved and adored.  Throughout the years, you could often hear peals of children’s laughter at her many holiday gatherings.

For many years, she would stack the hay during hay season and she grew a large garden and canned vegetables annually.  She loved to sew and spent countless enjoyable hours in her craft room.  It’s likely that 50 percent of all newborn children in the surrounding counties received a personalized cross-stitch bib.  

Ruth was the kindest soul anyone could meet as her home was open to everyone and countless mouth-watering meals were made for all to consume.  For health concerns though, all steaks had to be very well-done. She didn’t want anyone to get sick! 

Her cakes had no rival, and she was known for making the best chocolate cake in Eastern Tennessee.  All birthday cakes had to be homemade and elaborately decorated.  On very rare occasions, she could be coaxed into dining at a fancy restaurant-like Cracker Barrel.  Attempts were made to broaden her cuisine horizons by bringing her different food which she would frequently request such as “orange chicken” or maybe one of those Chick-fil-A sandwiches. 

Above all else, Ruth cherished her role as wife and mother.  She was a spectacular mother and had no interest in other career considerations.  She was absurdly over-protective, but her children were raised unscathed for the most part.  Only one child managed to break a bone under her watch (twice actually, same child)!  

Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners were always made, and homework was completed lovingly.  She never failed to transport her kids from school or any activities, except for that one time when she had to catch the end of her soap opera.  VCRs were not a thing yet. Without a question, she raised her family well and she met her main objective.

She loved ABBA and her taste in TV shows was puzzling. To be the most peace-loving person, she loved to see the bad guys put down by the SWAT team. Her favorite shows were NCIS (all of them).

Ruth will forever be remembered for her incredible compassion, love, quick wit, caring nature, and family devotion.  She will be greatly missed. She was a beautiful soul who left a trail of beautiful memories.

She wasn’t just my wife, she was my best friend for over 57 years and I am lost without her. Now I must say goodbye with all my love forever. Love you Ruth.

Friends may visit with the Keeton family on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Jones and Son Funeral Home.

Committal service will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Daniel Memorial Cemetery with Chris Land officiating.

In Lieu of flowers, Ruth wanted donations made to the Scott County Homeless Shelter (pinnacleresourcecenter.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Alma Ruth West Keeton.

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