Ruth Inez Puckett

Ruth Inez Smith Puckett, 89 of Gainesville died Monday, May 30, 2022 at her residence in Gainesville.

Ruth was born on October 6, 1932 in Lincolnton, GA to Russell Alvin and Gladys Elizabeth Wright Smith. At a young age, her family moved to Gainesville where she eventually met the love of her life at a square dance. She was united in marriage to E.W. Puckett on November 24th, 1951. She graduated from Air Line High School and worked as department head for the blood bank in the Laboratory at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. She retired in 1986 to start her own business as a shopkeeper focused on country designs and crafts. After that adventure she worked for the Hall County Schools where she was affectionately known as “Nene”, (a name given to her by her grandchildren).

Always the life of the party, Nene was a friend to all and a stranger to none. Not because of how long she lived but because of how she loved. She had a unique ability to make anybody feel special. The warmth and acceptance she exuded instantly made anyone feel welcomed into our family. She spent her life pouring her love into her kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and her beloved, Pops. Nene spent most of her time outdoors, whether it be gardening, tending to her chickens, or enjoying a morning cup of coffee with Pops on their patio. Nene loved to cook, go to yard sales, craft, read, and quilt but she found the most joy sharing these hobbies with her grandkids and then great grandkids. If you are lucky enough to have a Nene quilt to wrap in on your bad days, you are lucky (and loved) enough!

No matter if it was going to Nene and Pops's for Sunday dinners or to spend the night, it was always a treat and the highlight of the week. The meals, so lovingly prepared, were delicious but the time spent together was even better. We knew we were loved (and spoiled) and her willful spirit and resilience made us feel like she would always be around to do so. Though her health had been declining this past year, Nene did not let it stop her from coloring, reading, or just goofing off with her great grands. They adored her but knew the feeling was mutual as she always lit up and had a smile just for them. They kept her young at heart, a quality that we will all truly miss. There will never be another like our Nene. Her family and friends were so very fortunate to have her in our life.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband E.W. Puckett, parents Russell & Gladys Smith, sister Marjorie Atkins and brothers Buddy and Bobby Smith. She is survived by her children Michael (Robbye) Puckett of Gainesville, Karen (A.J.) Miceli of Orlando, Florida and Beth (Tony) Webb of Gainesville, her grandchildren Ginny Puckett (Michael) of Gainesville, Alex (Sylvia) Puckett of Lula, Ley (B.J.) Ware of Gainesville, Russell Puckett of Macon, Christian (Lauren) Miceli of Union City, California, Sam (Shannon) Miceli, Tia (John) Pawlowski of Orlando, Ryan (Sarah) Webb of Cumming & Julie Webb of Gainesville, great-grandchildren Carter, Ragie, Cal & Nella Stump, Riley & Abbie Puckett, Noah, Tice, Izzy & Nate Ware, Nola Miceli, Sailor Miceli, Ollie Pawlowski, Ella & Lincoln Webb. She is also survived by brother Danny (Peggy) Smith, sister Ann Autry, and Brenda (Bill) Barker and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Ruth was a resident of Ashton Senior Living, and the family wishes to thank Ashton’s staff and Hospice of NE GA Medical Center for their excellent care of her during the final stages of her life. 

A Memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday June 14, 2022 in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home.  Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, June 14 from 3:00 p.m. until service time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Humane Society or the Big Brother, Big Sister program.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.