Ruth Dean Thompson, 88, of Huntsville, passed away January 1, 2026. Ruth was born on April 12, 1937 in Maplesville, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Delano Thompson, and by her son, Gary Thomas Thompson.

Survivors include her son, Bruce Thompson (Jacquie), of Huntsville; Daughter-in-law Anne Thompson, of Huntsville; granddaughters, Tara Clayton (Zach), of Madison; Natalie Brewer (Adam), of Jonesboro, AR; Anna Parks (William), of Huntsville; Caroline Thompson of Huntsville; great grandchildren, Rylie, Thea, and Tori Clayton, of Madison; Beau and Leighton Brewer, of Jonesboro, AR; Ellie Wren, Wheeler, and Sarah Kate Parks, of Huntsville; Brooks Eiermann, of Huntsville.

A beautiful lady both inside and out, she was full of grace and kindness. She was a devoted wife and mother, and loved spending time with her friends. Shortly after moving to Huntsville in 1961, her family made their church home at Highlands Baptist Church. She remained a committed member at Highlands until 2021 before moving to Willowbrook Baptist Church to be closer to home. She quickly became engaged at Willowbrook becoming an active member in class and Senior events.

She enjoyed a 43 year career with Humana/Huntsville Hospital and remained in contact with a few of her former co-workers by regularly joining them on Fridays for lunch and a movie. As an avid golfer who began shooting her age several years ago, it was not unusual for her to play two or three rounds of golf per week at Valley Hill CC with her friends. On her "off" days from the course, you'd likely find her with her neighborhood friends on a 3 mile walk. She also loved reading, watching sports (especially Auburn and the Braves), and, most of all, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday (January 5, 2026) at Berryhill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. with Adam Brewer officiating. A private graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests charitable donations or other acts of remembrance be made to Friends, Inc., P.O. Box 608, Huntsville, AL 35804 (Friendsinc.net/donate), His Way Recover Center, 582 Shields Road, Huntsville, AL 35811 (hiswayinc.org/ways-to-give) or Willowbrook Baptist Church, 7625 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL 35802.