Ruth Sasser Tribble

Lillian Ruth Sasser Tribble, of Umatilla, Fl. passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Dec. 31, 2025, at the age of 102. She was surrounded in body and spirit by her devoted family and was lovingly called “Gran” by many.

Ruth was born December 13th, 1923, to Fulton and Jewell Sutton McKnight in Dale County, Alabama. Her childhood was spent in that same area around a large extended family. She married her beloved Cager Sasser when she was fifteen years old. They moved to Umatilla, Fl. in 1953. Together they raised four children, two daughters, and two sons. They were married over forty years when Cager unexpectedly died in 1980. Although her heart was broken, God was definitely strengthening her for the many years ahead. She poured herself into ministering to others that tragically lost loved ones and always shared how Christ had lifted her up through those years. And then after some time, God had one more blessing for her in her last marriage to Bill Tribble. They were extremely devoted to each other, and she was able to hold his hand as he passed into heaven.

Ruth was known for many things. First and foremost, she was an avid prayer warrior who loved the Lord and who prayed for her family. She was able to see many of them come to accept Jesus as their savior.

Ruth was an excellent cook who could take the most basic ingredients and turn them into something wonderful. She wasted nothing. No Ziplock bags were beyond their realm of use if Ruth was around. She didn’t believe in throwing anything away.

Ruth loved to travel and made many friends on her trips throughout the United States.

Ruth’s talents in gardening were the envy of many, and you could frequently find her out working in her yard. She found a lot of pleasure in making things pretty.

Ruth was a pioneer for women in management and banking as she was vice president of Umatilla State Bank (USB) for many years. She was voted 2025 Umatilla Citizen of the Year for her many years of community involvement and dedication to helping others in need.

Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter Christine Kyte, her son-in-law, Lamar Tart, and her grandson Sammy Hipps. She is survived by her son Sam (Jeannie) Sasser, daughter Kaye Sasser, son Ken (Ella) Sasser, stepdaughter Jody Clark, eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren, and numerous great great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Umatilla, Fl. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. with viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the family plot in Ariton, Ala. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation may be made in Ruth’s memory to her grandson’s ministry, Trail Servants, P.O. Box 82, Louisville, Ala. 36048. A pavilion for hikers of the Appalachian Trail will be erected in her honor.

Ruth was a beacon of love for her family and a great influence in the lives of many.