Ruth Helen Lyda Sloop

Ruth Helen Lyda Sloop, aged 96, of Etowah, NC, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, at home.

Ruth was born May 3, 1929 in Hendersonville, NC, to the late Grover Cleveland Lyda and Melissa Mae Blackwell Lyda. She enjoyed music, reading, spending time with family and traveling. She loved to tell stories, especially about her Grandpa, Issac Monroe Lyda, the legendary bear hunter in Henderson County. Ruth read her bible through every year and enjoyed sharing her faith with others.

In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in passing by her husband, J.D. Sloop of 41 years; sons, Gary Sloop and J.D. Sloop Jr.; and siblings, Paul Lyda, Roy Lyda, Kathleen Lyda and Raymond Lyda.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Lori (Terry) Smith of Etowah, NC; 2 sister-in-laws; 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, along with many beloved long-time friends who became family.

A Celebration of Life will be held November 2, 2025 at Horseshoe First Baptist Church, 5050 Brevard Rd, Horse Shoe, NC 28742. Clint McKnight will be officiating. Interment will take place at Ebenezer Church Cemetery, 2557 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792, at a later date.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Four Seasons Hospice, Henderson County, NC. The family states, ‘’they are the absolute best. We can’t say enough about them.’’ Additionally, the care she received from her long-time Doctor in IL, Philip Paulutsis, and Dr. Corey Anderson in NC. She considered them a son and a grandson.

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