Ruth Plott

Ruth Benham Plott passed away in Arlington, VA on February 6, 2021. She was born in Joliet, IL on April 16, 1939, the eighth of ten children to Rev. Charles Orville and Helen Florence (Mason) Benham. Her family moved to Santa Rosa County, FL, Clifton and Arlington, VA, and finally to Topton, NC, where her father retired. She attended Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, VA, and graduated from Andrews High School in Andrews, NC. Ruth attended Bob Jones University before moving to Asheville, NC.

Over the years she held administrative positions at the Pentagon, the Asheville Social Security Office, Dayco, and Mountain Projects.

She was creatively gifted. She excelled in painting, sewing, needlepoint, crochet, macramé, and baking; even winning blue ribbons in the county fair for her talents. She frequently gifted her one of a kind handmade creations and desserts to family and friends over the years.

Ruth loved to travel and visit her siblings and children. Vacations to the South Pacific, Bermuda and Europe were highlights. A mission trip to China combined her love for travel with the opportunity to create a mural at an orphanage, a project for which she was very proud to have participated.

She enjoyed walks on the beach and drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway to view the mountain scenery.  The discovery of a sand dollar, four leaf clover, or large pinecone was an invitation for her to create a gift to share.  She filled her windows with beautiful orchids and African violets that thrived under the care of her green thumb. In keeping with her Scottish heritage, she lived simply and frugally, but she sacrificed regularly so others could have things she herself lacked. Ruth gave generously to anyone who presented a need.  First with her father-in-law Von, and lastly with her husband Bill, she became the primary caregiver as their lives drew to a close.  She served as a hospice volunteer after Bill’s death as a show of gratitude for the hospice care provided him.  So much of her life was spent providing care to others. Her work is now done and she is at rest in her Father’s house.  John 14:1-4 "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.”

Ruth faithfully attended the Hazelwood Presbyterian Church for many years. She taught Sunday School and led an elementary Bible club.  She used her talents to create crafts and delicious treats for children whenever she could, serving frequently as a classroom volunteer at Hazelwood Elementary School when her children were young. She scavenged the Dollar Store annually to pack dozens of shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Most recently, before a move to be nearer to her children, she attended Dellwood Baptist Church with her dear friend, Lisa Allen, who helped with her care. There, she rekindled her love for the music she grew up with and added her beautiful alto voice to the choir. Her love for children reached its pinnacle with the birth of her beloved granddaughter Chloe and then the arrival of five grandsons, leading to her favorite role and title: “Mimi”. She challenged them in surprisingly competitive games of Scrabble and showed great creativity in tallying the highest scores.  Even as dementia stole her memories, the mention of her grandchildren brought a smile to her face.

Ruth is predeceased by her husband, Bill Plott, two brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughter, Patty Holt (Mike) of Alexandria, VA, and her son, Bill Plott (Tracie) of Springfield, VA; one granddaughter, Chloe Edwards of Falls Church, VA, and five grandsons Caleb, Joseph, Noah, Aaron, and Andrew Plott of Springfield, VA. Her siblings include Betty Brandt of Milwaukee, WI, Grace Webb of Silver Spring, MD, James M. Benham of Incline Village, NV, Gloria Sewell of Minneapolis, MN, George D. Benham of Clearwater, FL, and Charles J. Benham of Jacksonville, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following:

The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or www.act.alz.org/donation.
Hospice Foundation of America, 1707 L. Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC  20036.
“For Such A Time Is This” Esther 4:14

A ministry in memory of Ruth “Mimi” Plott who loved and served us well.

Donations should be sent to:

Dellwood Baptist Church

115 Hall Drive

Waynesville, NC 28785

Attention: Lisa Allen

A memorial service will be held at a later time in North Carolina when it is safe to gather together.