Annie Ruth Ponder Hopkins

Annie Ruth Hopkins, 96, of Ashburn, GA passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Pruitt Healthcare of Ashburn, surrounded by her beloved family. 

A lifelong resident of Turner County, Annie Ruth was born to George C. and Winnie Kendrick Ponder on February 8, 1927. She was a very caring, well-loved and friendly person throughout her life. She adored her family and especially loved to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Ma-Ma.” She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed taking her lovingly prepared dishes to the sick and bereaved and to church events. Annie Ruth was a member of Ashburn First United Methodist Church, where she served as steward for many years. She loved to play canasta and had a very special group of long-time friends known as the “Canasta Grannies”. She was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and called them her “boys” and while she and her fellow Canasta Grannies played cards, they all cheered for their Braves. In her final years spent at Pruitt Healthcare, she got quite spunky and became known as the “Princess of Pruitt” by her excellent caregivers. 

Annie Ruth is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Allen) Blue of Ashburn and her three granddaughters, Dee (Edd) Cunningham of Ashburn, Dawn (Donnie) Starling of Nashville, and Jaclyn (Matt) Myers of Ashburn. She is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren; Sara, Lochlan, and Kathryn Cunningham, Ansley and Austin Starling, and Ella Kay and Jaxon Myers. In addition, she also is survived by several very special nieces and nephews and cousins. 

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Emory Hopkins, as well as her first husband, Milton Cravey. She is also preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Cravey Geoghagan and her son-in-law, Randy Geoghagan, as well as her three brothers, R.L. Ponder, Carlton Ponder, and Hubert Ponder. She is also preceded in death by a sister, Jewel Ponder, who died as a child, and an infant brother, J.T. Ponder and also three sisters-in-law. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Ashburn First United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends beginning at 1:15 PM in the church sanctuary. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Ashburn. 

While flowers are appreciated, donations can be made to Ashburn First United Methodist Church memorial fund, PO BOX 69, Ashburn, GA 31714.