Ruth Eberley Stonestreet

Dr. Ruth Horning Stonestreet, 77, of Valdosta, GA, passed away on October 22nd 2024, after battling a lengthy illness. Ruth was born April 12th , 1947 in Evansville, IN, the daughter of Mr. Ralph Horning and Catherine Davis Horning. Ruth graduated from Union County High School in 1965, then went on to Mississippi University for Women, earning a B.S in Drama and Speech Correction and M.S in Speech Pathology. At Southern Illinois University she earned her Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Rehabilitation Administration. During her 53 years in the field, Dr. Ruth, as she was affectionately known, earned many awards and accommodations in her field such as ASHA Fellow, Distinguished Fellow from National Academies of Practices, Golden Nugget Award from Michigan Council for Exceptional Children, Honors of the Georgia Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Dr. Robert Hull Leadership Award, Professor Emerita, Distinguished Alumnus Award in Communication Disorders from Southern Illinois University. Served as President of the Board for Lowndes Advocacy Resource Center and Georgia Parent to Parent. Served on ASHA Speech-Language Pathology Council. Ruth was also proud of the over 350 presentations made during her career with many great colleagues and friends. Ruth married William G. Stonestreet, Jr. on November 27th , 1971 in Sturgis, KY. Settling in Rochester, MI, Ruth and Bill worked and raised two sons, William G. Stonestreet III and Eberley D. Stonestreet. Ruth worked as a Speech Therapist for Sanders School for Cerebral Palsy in Jackson, MS, Instructor and Supervisor at Brescia College, Owensboro, KY, Consultant for Speech-Language Pathology Macomb Oakland Regional Center in Mt. Clemens, MI, Speech-Language Pathologist: Assistant Principal of Macomb Infant-Toddler-Preschool Program at Macomb Intermediate School District, Professor Emerita; ASHA Fellow; Fellow-NAP at Valdosta State University, Speech-Language Pathologist/Area Supervisor/Consultant/Mentor for private practices. She loved spending time with her students and colleagues. Ruth especially loved being involved in Daughters of the American Revolution and researching family history. She loved attending any VSU sporting event, especially football games, as her father was a Kentucky High School Hall of Fame football coach. She spent 12 years as a camper and counselor at Camp Merrimac in Black Mountain, NC. She made lifelong friends during this special time and cherished the memories of her time at Merrimac. Ruth was an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, GA. She served as Clerk of the Session and loved being involved in the church in many other ways. Favorite memories of Ruth include … Family trips to Black Mountain, NC in the summers. Visits to the Family farm in Sturgis, KY. Ruth was a sports nut. She also supported her husband and both of her sons in their love of the game of golf. Remaining to cherish Ruth’s memory are husband, William G. Stonestreet, Jr.; children, William G. Stonestreet III and Eberley D. Stonestreet; brother Joel Horning; Preceding Ruth in death are Mr. Ralph and Catherine Horning, and Mr. William G. and Birdie Mae Stonestreet. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, GA at a time yet to be determined. Memorial donations in Ruth’s memory may be directed to American Speech/Language and Hearing Association.

Ruth Eberley Stonestreet

April 12, 1947 - October 22, 2024