The family of Ruth Amelia Stepp of Inez, KY announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
Ruth held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith gave Ruth a place to stand, and a place to return to.
Mrs. Ruth Amelia Stepp, born December 24, 1934 passed away on May 3, 2026 at her home in Inez, KY. She was named after longtime local physician Dr. William N. Keith's wife, Ruth A. Keith. Ruth attended Pikeville College and Morehead State College to obtain her teaching degree. Mrs. Stepp taught in a one-room schoolhouse at Buffalo Horn then moved to Turkey Elementary and finished her career teaching at Inez Middle School. She began teaching at age 19 and taught until 1992. Ruth was an accomplished, meticulous seamstress throughout her life until she lost her eyesight due to wet macular degeneration.
Ruth is survived by four children, John R. Stepp (Alice), R. Michelle Cassady (Mike), J. Keith Stepp (Frankie), and L. Renae Walter (Ronnie). She is also survived by her adored grandchildren Alex Cassady (Phyllis), Andrew Cassady (Sarah), Ben Stepp (Emily), Samuel Justice and Nicholas Justice. Also surviving are three step-granddaughters Alysa (Nick) Mitchell, Sierra (Dakota)Walter, Jaslyn Walter. She greatly loved her surviving great grandsons Camden Cassady, Cade Cassady, and her step-great granddaughters MacKenzie Sandlin and Kadence Sandlin
Ruth was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 62 years, John Boone Stepp, her mother, Telia Cassady, father, Granville Cassady, beloved granddaughter Margaret (Maggie) Stepp and step-great grandson Korbyn Thurner.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters Corrine Hamilton, June Phillips, Caroline Cassady and four brothers Dewey Cassady, Augustus (Gus) Cassady, Warren Cassady and Holmes Cassady.
Ruth loved the Lord and was a member of Inez First Baptist Church. She served many years as a Sunday School teacher at the church.
Her family expresses great appreciation to her devoted caregivers Angie Williams, Vicky Mayhan, and Nick Justice.
At Ruth's request, a graveside only service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, 11:00 a.m., at Riverview Memorial Gardens. Garmon Preece will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Inez First Baptist Church building fund.
Arrangements are under the direction of Callaham Funeral Home, Inez, KY.
