Nettie "Ruth" Keith, 88, of Navarre, Florida passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Nettie "Ruth" was born to the late Nettie Murl and Lamar Gatlin, Sr. in Panama City, Florida on November 19, 1936. At a young age, Ruth and her family moved from Port St. Joe, Florida to Tallahassee, Florida. She was a 1954 graduate of Leon High School. She married Lamar Keith in I961 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage before he preceded her in death.

As a career, Ruth held administrative assistant positions after beginning as a talented secretary. Ruth was a gifted pianist. She had been playing in church since her preteen years and was still enjoying playing the piano whenever there was an opportunity. She was also a talented organist and played in church for many years. Ruth loved people and made friends everywhere she went. She had a very genuine kindness that people were drawn to. She really loved to have a cup of coffee with a friend. Even in end stage dementia, she was still reaching out and encouraging those around her. One thing her family and friends know is that Ruth loved Jesus, her Savior. Her faith and love for God, His Word, His church, His people were deeply rooted and evident throughout her life. Her faith was not a separate compartment; it was infused in her very life. What a legacy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Keith; her son, Jonathan Keith; and son-in-law, Terry Walker; along with her parents; her sister and brother, Betty Gatlin and Lamar "Sonny" Gatlin, Jr.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Walker, and Julie (Jon) Skipper, both of Navarre, FL; daughter-in-law, Kristi Keith (Lawrence) Knowles, of Tallahassee, FL; six grandchildren, Lauren (Jon) Gann, Jonathan (Nichole) Skipper, Holly (Isaac) Librande, Connor (Christian) Jacobson, Will Walker, Gabriel Keith; and seven great-grandchildren, Brayden, Caroline, Jack, Joy, Rose, Jane, and Jonathan Ill.

A Family Directed Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Navarre 1st Assembly of God 9594 Navarre Parkway Navarre, Florida 32566, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM and service will be held at 11:00 AM. There will be a private burial at Barrancas National Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Trent Lewis and all of the team at Lewis Funeral Home for the great respect and care they have shown our mother and our family. Also, we would like to thank the VITAS hospice team. Ruth was under hospice care for less than a week, but their service was vital.

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