Ruth Kloha

Ruth Kloha, 86, formerly of Holly Springs, died Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in Arlington Heights, Ill. A native of Pensacola, Fla., she graduated from Gulf Park High School in Gulfport, Miss., and received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University, where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority.

Ruth was executive director of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce during the 1990s, where she passionately promoted Holly Springs tourism. She was also a dedicated member of the Holly Springs Garden Club for more than four decades, where she served in a range of roles including president, pilgrimage chairman, and as arboretum chairman from its inception in 1981 through 2008. She was also a Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow.

A charter member of Zion Luthern Church (now Grace Lutheran) in Holly Springs, Ruth was the organist for more than 30 years.

She leaves a son, John F. Kloha; three daughters, Debbie Hallman (Ken) of Arlington Heights, Ill., Pam Barnett (Jimbo) of Los Angeles, Calif., and Carole Elliott of Tupelo; six grandchildren, Anna, Rick, and Blake Hallman; Allie Barnett; and Charlie and Jack Elliott. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, John Kloha.

Visitation was held at Grace Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, followed by services at 11 a.m. and a reception at Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery. Holly Springs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, c/o Sarah Liddy, 310 Cedar Hills Drive, Holly Springs, MS 38635 or the Arboretum at Montrose, P.O. Box 696, Holly Springs, MS 38635.

paid obituary