Ruth Drake Carter

Ruth Drake Carter, 85, of Hendersonville, passed away Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Lodge at Mills River.

A native of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Vernon and Flossie Buckner Clayton. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Hal Lewis Drake, Jr; one sister, Faye Cadwallader and four brothers, Earl F. Clayton, Robert G. Clayton, Vernon E. Clayton and Leonard G. Clayton.

Ruth loved Jesus and was a devoted Christian. She was talented throughout her life, having been voted most athletic female in her senior class at Owen High School before going on to work a variety of jobs, from a fashion model to a wedding planner to an orthodontic assistant. She was a great cook and enjoyed organizing large family gatherings and working outside in the yard.

Ruth is survived by her loving husband, Raymond Carter; one son, Doug Drake (his wife, Cindy); three grandchildren, Matthew Jacob Drake (his wife, Olivia), Kris Cox and Lori Stoopman (her husband, Chris); two great-grandchildren, Jac Chapman and Kiki Chapman; one sister, Mary Frances Shelton and one brother, Arthur D. Clayton.

A graveside service will be held at Piney Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that memorial donations are made to either St Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org).

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.