Ruth Secrest Kahler, 84, of Morganton, NC went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 27, 2023. She was born on July 12, 1938 in Burke County to the late Jacob Albert Secrest and Lois Dagenhart Secrest. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church. From 1962-1966, Ruth was a flight attendant with Delta Airlines. She graduated from nursing school in 1984 with her RN degree and certification as a CCRN. She worked at Grace Hospital until her retirement. She was an avid Tarheel fan.

Ruth said that she was here because of her mother’s prayers and Jon, Jeanne and their children are here because of Ruth’s prayers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Charles Norman Kahler and her sister, Nancy Elaine Cox.

Ruth is survived by her children, Dr. Jonathan E. C. Kahler (Caryn) and Jeanne Kahler Schlichting; grandchildren, William Charles Schlichting, Jonathan Charles Kahler, Joshua Curtis Kahler and Julia Cristyn Kahler; brother, Albert Wayne Secrest (Emma); several nieces and nephews; a special friend and caretaker for the past five years, Mary Fritts.

The funeral will be at 12:00pm Saturday, March 4, 2023 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan McKim officiating. Honors will be provided by the NC Nurses Honor Guard. The family will receive friends following the service in the Gathering Area. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cameron, TX. The service will be live-streamed beginning at 12 pm, on the Facebook page of First United Methodist Church Morganton (https://www.facebook.com/fumcmorganton) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@firstumcmorganton9267/streams).

Memorial contribution may be made to First United Methodist Church, Gifts & Memorials, 200 N. King St, Morganton, NC 28655 or to Amorem Hospice.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tribute Wall

Leave a tribute for Ruth Secrest Kahler.

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So very sorry for your loss. But, my friend and colleague is now in heaven with the Lord, the place that she was so ready to go. She just told me a few weeks ago that she wanted to go to a place where she did not have to remember a pass word. She was one of the most dedicated nurses that one could have ever had the privilege of working beside. We will miss her, but heaven just gained an angel.

—Janice Macopson

Dear Jon, Jeannie, Wayne and family members, My prayers are with you and I am praying for God to comfort you as only HE can. I’ve loved Ruth since we were little girls and will always cherish her memory and the relationship we shared together and with CHRIST! Ruth was an amazing, successful and beautiful Christian woman! I know as believers that JESUS, our SAVIOR, prepared a place for Ruth and is preparing a place for all of HIS believers! We will spend eternity with HIM and be reunited with the loved ones who HE has called are with HIM now. With much love and deepest sympathy, Anita

—Anita Secrest Ward
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I am very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family. Much love during this difficult time.

—Nickki Absher
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I am so sorry for your loss. You and your Family are in my thoughts and prayers. Kimberly Bentley

—Kimberly Bentley
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🙏🏾 praying for you and your family at this very difficult time! Trusting and believing God will see you through! Love 💗 and Hugs 🫂

—Anty Lipford
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So very sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family.

—Holly Wright

To know Ruth was to love her. Forever indebted to her for her mentorship during my early years of nursing. Heaven is certainly a little sweeter now. Love and prayers to her entire family. I am blessed and privileged to have known her.

—Melanie Hensley
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I graduated nursing school with Ruth. We lost touch over the years, but I tried to keep in touch with Ruth on Facebook. Ruth was a joy to be around in Nursing School. She had her fellow classmates respect. I will always remember her smile. I know she was a dedicated caring nurse and loved her family and friends. And is residing in Heaven with the angels now. Ruth will not be forgotten. Sincere condolences to all of Ruths family at this time.

—Margot Withrow

Oh how I loved talking to Ruth. Her "natural Living", nothing into her body unless it came from Mother Earth. She was a faithful woman & spread the word to all of us that worked with her. Job well done, my good & faithful servant.

—Katrina Anne Avery

Ruth was a special lady and a very special friend her life was dedicated to serving Jesus..she always depended on God for everything.. everyone she'd meet that had a problem her solution would be turn it over to Jesus..she prayed for me and my whole family we are very proud to be called her friends rest in peace Ruth Kahler... you're now at the place you've always dreamed of..Home

—Mary Sue fritts