Articles have been edited by Suzanne Forte for brevity and to avoid mention of living individuals.

Mary Ruth Tanner Stevens passed away April 18, 1985 and is buried along side her husband at Bay Creek Cemetery, Loganville, GA

Mrs. Ruth Stevens, 83, is a rare blend of happiness, humility and humor.

Asked what her secret for living such a long life is, she replied, "When I get to be an old lady I'll tell you about it sometime.  Until then you'll have o wait."

Mrs. Stevens, daughter of the late Arch Tanner and Sarah Alice (Towler) Tanner was raised at the old home place on Piney Grove Road and went to school at Piney Grove and Between.

"We had good times when I was growing up", she says.  "There were six girls and three boys in our family.  My sister, Lillie Phillips of Cuthbert and I are the only two surviving members now.  One of my sisters, Florrie, died a tragic death when a bullet which that had been swept into the fire exploded into her face and later caused blood poisoning".

"My father", she continues, "was a missionary to the Indians in the Dakotas for a period of time.  He stayed there and taught them to read and write.  He later moved back home and then he and mother started a family."

About 1916 Ruth met James Wilson Stevens.  They were married for 47 years until his death in 1963 and had three children.  In addition she has five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

"My husband and I," she says, "moved here on Covington Street about 25 years ago.  He worked for Bell Bomber which is now Lockheed and later for Warren Refrigeration.  We always led actives lives."