Ruth Amelia Stepp
1934—2026

Mrs. Ruth Amelia Stepp, 91, of Inez, passed away May 3, 2026, at her home.

Born Dec. 24, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Granville Cassady and Telia Cassady.

Ruth was named after longtime local physician Dr. William N. Keith’s wife, Ruth A. Keith.

She 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 loved the Lord and was a member of Inez First Baptist Church. She served for many years as a Sunday School teacher at the church.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years and the love of her life, John Boone Stepp; her beloved granddaughter, Margaret (Maggie) Stepp; and her beloved step-great-grandson, Korbyn Thurner. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Corrine Hamilton, June Phillips and Caroline Cassady and four brothers, Dewey Cassady, Augustus (Gus) Cassady, Warren Cassady and Holmes Cassady.

Survivors include her four children: John R. (Alice) Stepp, R. Michelle (Mike) Cassady, J. Keith (Frankie) Stepp and L. Renae (Ronnie) Walter. She also leaves behind her adored grandchildren Alex (Phyllis) Cassady, Andrew (Sarah) Cassady, Ben (Emily) Stepp, Samuel Justice and Nicholas Justice. Additionally, she leaves behind three step-granddaughters Alysa (Nick) Mitchell, Sierra (Dakota) Walter and Jaslyn Walter. She greatly loved her surviving great-grandsons Camden Cassady and Cade Cassady and her step-great-granddaughters MacKenzie Sandlin and Kadence Sandlin.

Ruth’s family expresses great appreciation to her devoted caregivers Angie Williams, Vicky Mayhan and Nick Justice.

At Ruth’s request, a graveside only service was held Friday, May 8, 2026, at Riverview Memorial Gardens with Garmon Preece officiating. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Inez First Baptist Church building fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Callaham Funeral Home, Inez.