Ruth Drake Carter
September 11, 1940 ~ March 27, 2026
Born in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Resided in:
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailRuth 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.
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Sorry to hear about your moms passing
Ruth was my great aunt and I have such special memories of her growing up. She will be missed – sending lots of love and prayers to Ray, Doug, and the rest of the family.
Dear Ray, Doug,and Cindy, as well as Ruth’s entire family, sending much love, thoughts, and prayers your way. What a lovely and special lady she was. I have the sweetest memories of growing up at Beverly Hills Baptist Church and Ruth being one of my Sunday school teachers during our teenage years.She had such a kind and beautiful spirit inside and out and her love for Jesus radiated as she taught us scriptures of God’s word. I was blessed again that God placed her in my path while she was employed by Dr. Bill Turbyfill Sr. as she also landed me a job in his practice after Asheville Buncombe Tech Dental Assisting. Although I didn’t stay and while she loved Orthodontics, I went on to work for Dr. Worth Gregory in Endodontics. I will always be grateful for the opportunity she helped me achieve there. She will always hold a special place in my heart, as well as your Aunt Frances, Paula and Stan, your Aunt Betty and Leonard Clayton, and Gaye. Last but not least, you Doug and Cindy. Praying for God’s comfort in the coming days and sending much love to each of you.
Doug i am sadden to hear the death of your mother, our prayers for you and your family