Obituary: Ruth Privette

Munden Funeral Home

Ruth Privette, 88, of Newport, formerly of Kinston, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport. Her service will be Saturday, November 18 at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Kinston.

The family will receive visitors following the service. Ruth was born in Colonial Heights, Virginia, on December 23, 1934, to the late Robert Nelson Partin, Jr. and Jeanie Bruce Halliday Partin. She was the youngest of three girls. Ruth was married to the love of her life, Dr. James (Jim) A. Privette for 60 years before his passing in 2016.

While Jim was in dental school, Ruth worked as a telephone operator at the Carolina Inn and as a receptionist at an insurance company. After Jim opened his dental practice in Kinston, Ruth was a stay-at-home mom until her children were older. She then worked in Jim's office as the office manager and bookkeeper until their retirement. Ruth and Jim's marriage was a true partnership. They not only worked together rearing their children and building their business, but they worked together serving the Lord. They were faithful members of First Presbyterian Church both in Kinston and Morehead City.

Ruth taught Sunday School and served on various committees at church. She also enjoyed cooking, playing bridge, playing tennis, and going for long walks. In both word and deed, Ruth's love of the Lord was obvious throughout her life. She was a sweet and gracious Southern lady who took great pleasure in helping others.

Ruth is survived by her son, Jim Privette and wife Beth of Minnesott Beach and their children, Taylor and Cameron; daughter, Julie Privette of the home; sisters, Jeanie Sutton of Burlington, NC, and Davidina Tutwiler of Prince George, VA; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. James A. Privette, and her brothers-in-law, Dr. Edward Sutton and Richard Tutwiler.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale in Morehead City for their care over the last couple of years. Also, a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Carteret Health Care and the Crystal Coast Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Kinston, First Presbyterian Church of Morehead City, or the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport. Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.