Ruth Fanning Hale, 85, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at Crestwood Medical Center.

She was born on Sept. 13, 1938, to the late Sant and Stella Fanning. Ruth was a native of Elora and a 1957 graduate of Flintville High School. She worked for Teledyne Brown and later retired from Adtran. She was a lifelong member of the Mt. Fork Primitive Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one sister, Florence Head and one brother, Dwight Fanning.

Mrs. Hale is survived by her husband, Harless Hale of Huntsville, Alabama; sons, Max Curtis Hale (Nancy) of New Hope, Alabama, Dexter Arnold Hale (Kathy) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Darryl Gene Hale (Shelia) of Huntsville, Alabama; brother, John Earl Fanning (Patsy) of Elora, Tennessee; grandchildren, Jennifer Jones, Jason Hale, Jennifer Penney, Jacob Hale, Jessica Christensen, Alicia Kelly, Anna Hale, Jennifer Pinkerton, and John Honea; 20 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; nieces, Lisa Bohler and Kathy Murray; and nephew, John Fanning.

Graveside services were held Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in Miller Cemetery with Pastor Jacob Hale officiating.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Melba Ruth Fanning Hale.