Ruth Steele Stone, 87, of Covington, died peacefully at her home Aug. 11. The son of the late John James and Ada Kitchens Steele, she was born in 1920. She was employed by Belk Balland as a buyer for the women's and children's department before she and her sister Louise Johnson purchased Dietz Store and opened the R & L Shop. Her life was centered around God, her family and High Point Baptist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and faithful member of the choir. She never lost her loving spirit during her extended illness. Mrs. Stone was the youngest girl of 12 children. She is preceded in death by siblings Albert Steele, Emma Kate Steele Henry, Carl Steele, Robert Steele, Lila Steele Mobley, Lillyan Steele Callaway, Dewey Steele, J. Bryant Steele and husband of 68 years Louis Edward Stone.

Surviving are daughter Karen Stone Long; son and daughter-in-law Edward Phillip and Ivy Summers Stone, all of Covington, grandchildren Trey and Jennifer Long, Laura and Chip Harrison, Cham and Kelly Stone, Loy and Frank Turner Jr., Ida and Matt Harris, Tedo Stone; great-grandchildren Tommy Long, Wesley Long, Ada Harrison, Emily Harrison, Ivy Turner, Julia Turner, Abby Stone, Payton Stone, Parks Harris; sisters Louise Steele Johnson, Nellie Steele Johnson, both of Covington; brother and sisters-in-law J. Hugh and Dorothy Lassiter Steele of Covington, Mary Beth Christian Steele of Monroe, Sue Stone Sims of Conyers; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Aug. 13 at High Point Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Martin and the Rev. Thomas McElhaney officiating. Interment followed in High Point Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Music Department of High Point Baptist church, 12025 Ga. Highway 36, Covington, 30014.