April 12, 1935 — Dec. 25, 2017

Ruth Laughlin, 82, of Boone, passed away Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at Watauga Medical Center.

Ruth was born April 12, 1935, in Roanoke, Virginia, daughter of the late Earnest and Vercie Wood Laughlin. She was a retired Executive Training Consultant for Xerox Corporation and attended High Country Church of Christ. Ruth was a 1953 graduate of Dowagiac Central High School going on to earn a Masters Degree from Michigan State.

Ruth retired to Boone to own and operate Big Sky Lodge fulfilling a lifelong dream. She loved the Boone community and the many friends that she has in Boone. Ruth was an honored member and supporter of The Watauga Democratic Organization. She gave much of her time volunteering for the Hospitality House and various other service charities. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Celeste A. Fortier and her grandson, Louis Mark Fortier, V, both of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. A Celebration of the Life of Ruth Laughlin will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Chestnut Street, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, 28605. The memorial service will begin at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Hospitality House of Boone, 338 Brook Hollow Road, Boone, North Carolina, 28607, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105. Direct correspondence may be made with the family at ruthjlfoundation@gmail.com Online condolences may be sent to the Laughlin family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.comHampton Funeral and Cremation Service, in Boone, NC, is in charge of the arrangements.