Mary Ruth McCormick Bridges, age 88, of Cadiz, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at her home.
She was born on March 17, 1937, in Difficult, Tennessee, in Smith County, to H.F. McCormick and Amanda Cook McCormick.
Ruth graduated from Trigg County High School in 1955. She married her beloved husband, Denzil Bridges, on June 8, 1958. She built a career with the civil service at Fort Campbell, where she worked in clerical positions and ultimately retired. Ruth and Denzil were also co-owners of Hilltop Kash Market, a cherished local business on old Hwy 68 between Cadiz and Canton, which they ran together from 1967. Miss Ruth, as she was known, was the heart of the store, always rising before dawn to greet customers with a smile, serving the many fishermen, hunters, farmers, and locals who relied on her warmth and dedication. She operated the cash register, kept the books, made the best deli sandwiches, and sold everything from fishing supplies to the kitchen sink. Her kindness and friendly demeanor meant she knew her customers by name, making Hilltop a beloved gathering place in the community.
Ruth was a longtime member of Wallonia Baptist Church. She loved working on the family farm, tended to a large garden, and enjoyed nurturing her flowers and front yard. She had a special affection for all of her animals, including her beloved cats, dogs, and guineas.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Denzil Bridges, on May 11, 2002; her parents, H.F. and Amanda McCormick; her brothers, Lewis, Lawrence, and Gene McCormick; her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Julee, Dottie McCormick, and Ruby Dean McCormick; and her brother-in-law, Sid Curtis.
She is survived by her son, Scott Bridges of Cadiz; her brother, Jerry McCormick of Trigg County; and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Stan and Deborah Bridges of Cadiz and Margaret Curtis of Princeton.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 17, 2025, at Starkie Thomas Cemetery, 114 Tom Sumner Road, Cadiz, Kentucky, with Bro. Wesley Curtis and Bro. Jeff Boone officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Goodwin Funeral Home, Inc., 138 Main Street in Cadiz.
Memorial contributions can be made to Pennyroyal Hospice, 220 Burley Ave, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.
