Ruth Bingham

Mrs. Ruth Evangeline Bingham, age 94 of Clemmons, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan 26, 2023. She was born February 16, 1928 to the late Robert and Nettie Wright Phelps in Clemmons, where she would grow up, meet her loving husband of 67 years Max Bingham, and spend most of her adult life.

To know Ruth was to know Mother Nature. Plants, animals, family, friends - “Mama Ruth” loved and cared for them all, from the many children (not just her own) raised in her kitchen to tiny Monarch caterpillars…also raised in her kitchen. Ruth’s garden was never neat, but carefully and patiently tended. She coaxed an endless bounty from the ground around her home, which she crafted into persimmon puddings, homemade applesauce, and beautiful flower arrangements.

Ruth could make just about anything grow. She had a knack for knowing just what something (or someone) needed to flourish. Practical but gentle, endlessly and unconditionally loving, she was the perfect partner to her sweetheart Max–she matched his gentle nature and balanced his mischief with her steadiness. She led a faithful and Christ-centered life, with a true servant's heart.

Ruth is survived by her three children Jeannie Yarbrough (John), Ken Bingham (Sissy), and Sharon McGuire (Tom); grandchildren Chad (Jessie), Rebecca and Stephen Yarbrough, Michael (Kelsey) and Timothy (Logan) Bingham, Max McGuire, and Allison (Mark) Baumgarten; and great-grandchildren Carter, Libby, David, Ruthie, and Hallie. She was preceded in death by her husband Max Carter Bingham.

Ruth will be laid to rest in a private graveside service at First Christian Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Hayworth Miller Kinderton Chapel, on Sunday, January 29th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 6131 Frye Bridge Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com