Etta Ruth (Watters) Sullivan

Enveloped in the gentle and loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Etta Ruth (Watters) Sullivan, age 79, of Rockbridge OH, was carried into her Heavenly home on March 5th, 2021. Born on September 17th, 1941, she was a member of the Logan Church of The Nazarene, and also attended Faith Memorial Church in Lancaster, OH, where she and her husband Rev. Lawrence Sullivan shared their first date.  They would later unite in marriage on April 20, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio.

Her life was filled with opportunities to fulfill her mission of servanthood and bringing others to Christ.  A very accomplished pianist, organist, accordionist, guitarist and gospel singer/song writer, she served alongside her husband Rev. Lawrence Sullivan for over 40 years providing pastoral ministry and evangelism.  Additionally, she had the privilege of serving others in the Environmental Services Department of Fairfield Medical Center where she worked until retiring after twelve years. Not finished with His work through Etta Ruth, God would then lead her to serve others through volunteerism at Hocking Valley Community Hospital until her most recent diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia.  She also spent time quilting, gardening and canning, oil painting, walking outdoors, tending to her beautiful flowers, and baking for others.

Waiting to welcome her to her new home are parents Rev. Clyde Owen and Ruby Frances (Fisher) Watters; baby brother Clyde Oliver Watters, infant sister Marguerite Watters; sisters Adrian (Jack) Pendleton, Helen (Carl) Roberts, Kathryn (Dale) Liller, and many nieces and nephews.

Now, eagerly awaiting their day of reunion with Etta Ruth are:  Her one and only life long husband Rev. Lawrence “Larry” Sullivan; her firstborn and only son Lawrence Harden Sullivan;  daughter Latricia Ruth (Steven) Johnston; grandsons Aaron Ray (Laura) Johnston, and Ridge Owen Johnston; her only great granddaughter Miss Laila Ann Johnston; and several nieces and nephews.  Come quickly for us Lord Jesus is our prayer.

The family wishes to give a special thank you to all who have sent prayers and condolences, and other tokens of comfort on her behalf; the staff at Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Hocking Valley Community Hospital who went above and beyond to care for our loving wife and mother throughout her illness; her special hair stylist Katie Echard of Ireland's Salon; Fairfield Center of Disabilities and Cerebral Palsy for transport services; and to her wonderful son-in-law Steve, who held her hand to the end when we could not.  To all people, we are grateful for the many ways you enhanced and lit up her life while here on earth.  She loved and prayed for everyone without conditions or reservations.

To honor and celebrate the life of Etta Ruth, you are invited to join the family for service at Faith Memorial Church, 2610 W. Fair Ave, Lancaster, OH, 43130, on Wednesday, March 10th, 2021, at 1:30 PM, officiated by Rev. Thomas Gates,  Pastor Aaron Johnston, and  Rev. Jonathan Morgan.  Family and friends may attend visitation beginning at 11:30 AM until time of service.  Etta Ruth spent her entire life giving to others and would encourage you to continue her mission through giving a generous donation to the Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation at 601 St. Rt. 664N, Logan, OH, 43138, in lieu of flowers.  Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com