Annie Ruth Wells Evans

Magnolia - Annie Ruth Wells Evans, 87, passed away January 9, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin in Kenansville, NC. Mrs. Evans was born July 5, 1936 in Duplin County, NC to the late Henry Z. Wells and Annie Mae Knowles Wells.

Ruth enjoyed working beside her husband in the family business of Evans Garage and Upholstery, while providing a home for foster children during their time of need. With a servant’s heart, Ruth supported the community of Magnolia as an active member of the Magnolia Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, joining the Magnolia Baptist Church in 1961, the Magnolia Women’s Civic Club and the Magnolia Baptist Women’s Mission Circle. Realizing a need in the community for Medical care, she and Clarence, along with a few other citizens started the Magnolia Rescue in the sixties and set the standard for the volunteer squads of Duplin County. Both remained active members until the county transferred to paid services 45 years later.

Her favorite time of year was Christmas, continuing a tradition that was started by her mother years before. Dressing her home, yard and porch with an abundance of Christmas décor, her home was on display for the community to enjoy. On Christmas night food spread across several tables, her home was open to her family, and extended family and anyone that wanted to come were always welcomed.

Her life centered on the family, the Magnolia Rescue and her pets. For spice, square dancing, traveling and working in her yard balanced her life.

Mrs. Evans is survived by children, Kathy E. Quinn of Magnolia, Carolyn Quinn of Magnolia, Barbara Harris of Beulaville, Jimmy Hartley and wife, Sandra of Magnolia, Patsy Kelly of Beulaville and Ted Kelly of Beulaville; grandchildren, Ryan Evans Harris, Christina Quinn Atkins and husband, David, Adam Hartley, and Danielle Harris; great grandchildren, Austin and Brantley Atkins; sister Edith Merritt of Wallace; brother-in-law, Carl Murray of Burgaw.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Evans was preceded in death by husband, Clarence Evans, brothers, Henry Z (H Z) Wells Jr, Frank Wells, James "Jay" Wells, sisters, Louise Murray and Betty Brown.

Visitation will begin 10:00am, Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Magnolia Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am and burial will follow the service in Knowles Family Cemetery in Rose Hill, NC. Family and friends will have the opportunity to visit, share stories and express their condolences in her home on Thursday. Jan 11 and Friday, Jan 12th at 208 South Rail Road Street, Magnolia NC 6 – 8 p.m.