Ruth Clark Saunders, 93, of Lumberton, NC passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2021. Born in Rocky Mount, NC, she was the daughter of the late Frank Hart and Ruth Clark Saunders.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law and sister, James E. and Eunice S. Ramsey; two nephews, Frank T. and David C. Ramsey; and a great-niece, Erin S. Ramsey.

Surviving are niece, Linda Ramsey; her nephew, Carl Ramsey and wife Jodie; three great-nieces: Stacy Ramsey, Lisa Sanders, and Jordan Ramsey; and four great-nephews: John, Alex, Michael, and Adam Ramsey.

After graduation from Lumberton High School, Ruth graduated from Saint Mary's College as well as UNC-Chapel Hill. She earned her master's degree from Columbia University in NY. Before returning to teach locally, she taught at Goldsboro High School, alongside Andy Griffith, and as a college professor at Atlantic Christian College.

Ms. Ruth Saunders was a history teacher at Lumberton High School, where she had a talent for making history come alive. Throughout her teaching career, she received the Teacher of the Year Award on three occasions. She had an active personality in the classroom, truly showing her passion for history and teaching. Ms. Saunders influenced countless peers and students to which some became educators themselves. She always enjoyed seeing and hearing from her students after retirement.

Ms. Saunders was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church. She served on the Vestry, she was a Choir member, Senior Warden, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and she spent many hours volunteering in various capacities. She loved her church and fellow members.

Ruth enjoyed volunteering and being active in her community. She recently celebrated 70 years of membership with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She provided leadership to the 7th Congressional District Youth Summit, having served more than 10 years. Ms. Saunders was an active volunteer with the Southeastern Regional Medical Center and the Southeastern Health Lifestyle Fitness Center. She was a lifetime leader of The Phi Beta Kappa Society whose motto is "Love of Learning is the Guide of Life". She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women Educators and Lumberton Book Club. In the community of Lumberton, she will always be revered.

Ms. Saunders was also an avid traveler. Her travel experiences added both interest and depth to her teaching. Some of her favorite tours were of the western United States, New England, Canada, Nova Scotia, Hawaii, Europe, India, Korea, Egypt, and Mexico, along with her annual trips down to the NC coast. Ms. Saunders wanted her life to count; she wanted to use her talents for the betterment of others and to please God. Her lifetime goals were achieved. She will be remembered for her convictions for quality education, high moral standards, volunteering, and friendship.

The family would like to extend thanks to Wesley Pines and Trinity Episcopal Church.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1202 N. Chestnut Street in Lumberton, NC. The family will receive friends and loved ones following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to either: Trinity Episcopal Church Building Fund, Faculty at Lumberton High School, or the Robeson County Public Library.