Jessie "Ruth" Bringman, 87, of Mt. Dora, Florida passed away Monday, April 27, 2020. Ruth was born in Swannanoa, North Carolina, and grew up in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. She was very involved in school activities, including music, sports, and cheerleading.  She graduated as valedictorian of her class from Swannanoa High School and then earned a degree in Elementary Education from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. She married her college sweetheart, Ed, soon after graduation, and went on to teach first through third grades for many years.

Ruth was an avid golfer and loyal fan of the Orlando Magic. She was active in her church and community, serving as Secretary for the Garden Club and Treasurer of the Nine Holers group at The Country Club of Mount Dora. She also volunteered her time with the Parkview Hospital Auxiliary and Women for Hospice.

Ruth treasured her family and friends and especially loved her role as Nana. She was a kind, generous and beautiful soul, always ready with a listening ear and loving support. She was the daughter of the late Raymond Meeks and Eula Gregory Meeks of Swannanoa, North Carolina, and was also preceded in death by her husband, Edward Bringman of Mt. Dora, Florida, and two sisters, Mabel Mull of Drexel, North Carolina, and Annette Baber of Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Ruth is survived by two sons, Garry Bringman of Lady Lake, Florida and Eric Bringman of Mt. Dora, Florida; a daughter, Mary Funka and her husband, Tom Funka, of Vero Beach, Florida;  and two granddaughters, Lindsay Bringman of High Point, North Carolina, and Melanie Funka of Vero Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice in Lake County, Florida.