Claruth "Ruth" Ladner Hetherington

Claruth (Ruth) Ladner Hetherington, 92 years old of Long Beach, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025. She was born in Gulfport on May 13, 1932 and was married for 61 years to Robert (Bob) Hetherington, who predeceased her by 20 years. They were the light of each other’s lives.

Claruth grew up in the Lizana Community next to Lizana Elementary School. She attended school there when it was a one-room schoolhouse and the teachers were Dominican Nuns. She graduated from Lyman High School and later attended Phillips Business College in Gulfport.

She worked in retail management at TG&Y in Long Beach for many years. TG&Y was then the hub of the community, and Claruth hardly went anywhere without being approached by someone who she did not recognize straightaway but knew because of her job. Her most rewarding job came after her retirement. For over 40 years, she managed the gift shop at Garden Park Hospital in Gulfport as a volunteer. Because of her experience and skills, the gift ship earned profits used to fund nursing scholarships.

She had many hobbies including crocheting, oil painting, and ceramics. She donated almost all of her handmade crafts to charity fundraisers. An avid gardener, she spent many joyful hours at home tending her flower beds. She and Bob enjoyed squared and round dancing with the Belles and Buoys Square Dance Club in Gulfport.

Claruth is predeceased by her parents, Clinton and Vernice (Cuevas) Ladner; her husband, Bob; and her son, Kerry Hetherington.

She is survived by her children; Ed Hetherington (Rhonda), Monica Litke (Mike), and Rachel Lenoir (Michael); eight grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:00 am, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach, 720 Beach Blvd E, Long Beach, MS, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am at the church, and a reception to follow.

Graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach is proud to serve the Hetherington family.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .