Ruth Phillips Parrish, age 82, of Winchester, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at her residence. Born October 4, 1931, in Morgan County, she was a daughter of Willie H. and Verna Fannin Phillips. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John R. Phillips, and brother-in-law, Gene R. Waggoner. Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Ramon B. Parrish; two sisters, Dolores Waggoner of Olive Hill and Loretta D'Anniballe and husband Edward of Ashland; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Phillips of Three Oaks, Michigan, and Mary Clements of Atlanta, Georgia; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves extended family members; special caregivers; Carol, Kim, Mary, Stella, and Sue; her beloved cat of nine years, Stowie; and numerous friends who will sadly miss her. Ruth graduated from Breckinridge Training School in 1949, received a bachelor's degree in education from Morehead State College, and began her profession as a teacher in Minerva, Kentucky. In 1958, she received the Master of Arts in Education from the University of Kentucky specializing in speech therapy and spent the remainder of her career as a speech therapist and school administrator. Working first at the University of Kentucky, her 55-year career included a diversity of schools: the Boyle County schools, Danville School for the Deaf, Clark County schools, Eastern Kentucky State College, and Jefferson County Public schools, where she retired. A lifelong learner, Ruth was an avid reader, became a master gardener, and especially enjoyed family gatherings. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Allan Hutchinson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Hospice East, 407 Shoppers Drive, Winchester, KY 40391 Visitation: Saturday, April 5, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral: Saturday, April 5, 2014, at 1 p.m. Interment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens