Ruth Gaynell Stepp Hutchins, age 81, of Rutherfordton, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 6, 2018, surrounded by her family at residence.

Born February 18, 1937 in Transylvania County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charles Homer Moore and Hazel Lena Ward Stepp. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church. She graduated from Flat Rock High School and worked at Baptist Children's Home in Thomasville, NC for 17 years. Ruth enjoyed cooking and loved her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Perry Hutchins; one brother, Bobby Stepp; step-father, Plato Stepp; and one grandson, Darmey Langley.

Those left to cherish her memory include three daughters, Martha Gordon and husband Steve of Bakersville, Cindy Heatherly and husband Buck of Flat Rock, Theresa Barnette of Rutherfordton; two sons, Roger Barnette and wife Suzanne of Hendersonville, Heath Maybin and wife Melissa of Rutherfordton; one step-daughter, Valerie Lail and husband Tim of Ellenboro; one step-son, Robbie Hutchins and wife Jennifer of Mauldin; two brothers, Donald Morris and wife Linda of Greer, SC, Phillip Morris of Hendersonville; and one sister, Peggy Conner and husband Mike of Hendersonville. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at the Victory Baptist Church with Reverend Johnny McCarty officiating. Interment will follow in Victory Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Harrelson Funeral Home.

Memorial donations are respectfully requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com