Mrs. Ruth Lillian Fillers, 86, of Route 7, Greeneville, died Tuesday at 8:45 am in Laughlin Memorial Hospital.

She was one of 16 children born to the late Belle and Melvin Wilhoit of the Flag Branch Community. She valued her family and loved her brothers and sisters. This love was evidenced by her continued communication with them other the years.

Mrs. Fillers was a member of Solomon Lutheran Church where, for many years, she was actively involved. During her earlier years, it was not uncommon for Mrs. Fillers and her husband to entertain the church pastors with Sunday meals and lodging. She prided herself in her cooking and was known in the community as a gracious hostess.

She was a Christian lady who possessed a "motherly spirit" which constantly flowed in her home. Friends and relatives knew they were always welcome there because of her sincere hospitality.

Up until the last few months of her life, Mrs. Fillers remained active. She lived alone and maintained her household, and continured canning and gardening which brought her pleasure.

She will be remembered as a loving mother who delighted in the visits of her children and grandchildren. Because of her memory in the hearts of family and friends, she will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Junior S. Fillers, her parents Melvin and Belle Darnell Wilhoit; one daughter Mary Peterson, four sisters and one brother.

Survivors are four daughters and five sons-in-law: Clarence and Edna King, Clinton and Betty Waddell, H.C. and Madelyn Greene and Guy and Novella Ellenburg, all of Greene County, and Ray Peterson of Limestone; one son and on daughter-in-law: J.S. and Wanda Fillers of Greene County, nine grandchildern: David Lee Jones, Donald Waddell, Mrs. Tommy (Jeanne) Burns, Allen Greene, Chris Collette, Joetta Shelton and Loetta Jones, all of Greene County, Tammy Mathis and Jane Ellenburg Harmon of Knoxville; 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers: Lawrence, George and Robert Wilhoit, all of Greene County; five sisters: Stella Hixon, Veldena Miller, Dollie Seaton, and Margie Malone, all of Greene County, and Eurie Ward of Maryville; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held Thursday at 2pm at Kiser Funeral Cahpel with interment in Solomon Lutheran Cemetery. Dr. Ralph Heller will officiate.

Pallbeares will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law: Tommy Burns, Ricky Shelton, David Jones, Don Waddell, David L. Jones, Allen Greene, Ivan Harmon, and Dale Collette.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 this afternoon and from 7-9 this evening at Kiser Funeral Home.