Evelene Ruth Wilder Francis

Evelene Ruth “Wilder” Francis, 85, unexpectedly entered the “Gates of Heaven” while in her home on Monday, March 24, 2025. She peacefully gained her wings while surrounded by the love of her two youngest granddaughters. Ruth was a kind and loving wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandma, and great- grandma. She was a 58+ year resident of Kingston, born and raised in Sneedville, TN, until just before her 5th birthday when her family moved to Oak Ridge -back when it was called “The Secret City”. Ruth loved her family dearly, and although she did not get to visit as much as she wished in her later years, she always cherished her memories of family get-togethers, cooking the families’ favorite baked beans, deviled eggs and lemon pie, fishing and boating trips to catch a glimpse of the eagles, and camping trips to sand island, state parks and the Smokies. We were fascinated to hear her reminisce about the good-old-days of walking to school, out-running the rooster to get to and from the out-house, carrying water from the well-house and creek to cook and wash clothes, working at the Snow White Drive-in Restaurant (where she met Dad), having a black-and-white TV, making and sewing jerseys for the teams Dad coached, and of course, the memories of “breaking beans” and canning vegetables in the hottest parts of summer when you’d rather be fishing. She loved tending her wildflowers and feeding the hummingbirds (she had over 22 little hummers one year), along with enjoying her grandbabies every opportunity she was given. Although Ruth’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, may the memory of her beautiful and warm smile, her kind and gentle heart, and her unwavering desire to fill your belly while in her presence be a blessing, inspiring us to live with the same kindness, love and generosity. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 67+ years; parents, Nola Garcia Greene Wilder and Milom Harvey Wilder of Sneedville; sisters, Kate Thomas (David), Ellen Neal (Ernest), Rhonda Ekdahl; brother, Charles Wilder; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Coffey, Alvin Brummett, Eugene Burcham, and James Francis. Survivors include her daughter, Carmen Denise “Francis” Davis (husband: Tony; children: Charlie Ella, Eva Danielle); son, Donald Eugene Francis (children: Alyssa, Tyler, Samantha); son, Danny Lee Francis (wife: Elaine; children: Matthew, Claire, Danny Jr.); and stepson, Raymond Francis; along with 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Shirley Burcham, Dorothy Coffey, Judy Hicks (Hollis), Fran Brummett; sister-in-law, Jeanie Chamberlain; brother-in-law, Carl Ekdahl, along with many other loved family members and friends. The family will not have a funeral service but will honor her by hanging hummingbird feeders, planting wildflowers and having a family Celebration of Life. She wished to be cremated, sprinkled amongst the wildflowers and buried with her loving husband at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, 110 Liberty Rd, Wartburg, TN 37887. We would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone involved, from the emergency response and medical teams to the chaplain, for doing everything they could for our mom and our family. We are thankful that Kyker Funeral Home of Kingston is serving the Francis Family and would be honored if you wish to share memories of Ruth. We can only imagine the family reunion she had that day, being greeted by her loving husband, mom, siblings and friends who were patiently awaiting her arrival, welcoming her with open arms. What a blessing.

Evelene Ruth Wilder Francis

March 13, 1940 - March 24, 2025