Dorothy Ruth Blacklidge

Dorothy Ruth Scruggs Blacklidge died Friday, June 26, 2015, in Gulfport. She was born February 5, 1928 in Hattiesburg, MS to William Harve and Rosa J. Scruggs. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Long Beach. She was a graduate of Hattiesburg High School Valedictorian. She attended Mississippi Southern College and was a majorette. She was queen of the Gulfport Elks Lodge Mardi Gras. She and her husband, Ray Blacklidge were owners of Beta Enterprises until their retirement. Her hobbies included bridge, gardening and interior decorating. She was a wonderful cook and loved entertaining many friends and family. Mrs. Blacklidge was preceded in death by her parents; husband of fifty years, E. Ray Blacklidge; two brothers, William Clarence and Clifton Scruggs; two sisters, Mary Helen Scruggs Deanne and Marie Scruggs Fairchild. She is survived by two sons, Raymond (Randy) Allen Blacklidge, Sr. (Shirley) and Ronald Wayne (Ronnie) Blacklidge, Sr. (Becky); five grandchildren, Ronnie, Jr., Ginger Hyatt (Wade), Brittany(Courtney), Christy Chain (Bob), Allen, Jr.; two step grandchildren, Leeann Weaver (Ryan) and Brock Pittman; eight great grandchildren, Tanner Blacklidge, Catie and Ellie Chain, Sam, John and Will Hyatt, Patrick Blacklidge, Blakeley Blacklidge; one step great-grandchild, Alex Ward; her dear friend and caregiver Martha Williams; a special thanks to Debbie Smith. She was loved by all who knew her, and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 11:00 at BRADFORD-O’KEEFE FUNERAL HOME, 15th Street, Gulfport. Visitation one hour prior to service. Interment Evergreen Gardens. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com