Ruth Ellen (Rives) Orem

Ruth Ellen Rives Orem, age 86, of Sanford, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

She was born in Chatham County to the late Thomas H. Rives and Sarah Mozelle Whitt Rives. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Thomas H. Rives, Jr.; Josephine Smith; Charles “Mini Buck” Rives; Elizabeth Koury; and Frances “Fran” Gardner.

Ruth retired as a secretary for a trucking company. She enjoyed reading and watching her favorite Hallmark movies.

She is survived by her children: Debbie Abel of Carolina Beach, NC; Teresa Clontz (Ronald) of Wilmington, NC; Jimmy Abel of Sanford, NC; and Susie Lancaster (Freddie) of Lake Norman, NC. She is also survived by her brother, Melvin Rives of Chatham County, NC; four grandchildren, Kelli Kernodle (Ricky), Lindsey Treece (Brian), Sarah Joffee (Ben), and Nikki Young (Marcus); seven great-grandchildren, special nieces and nephews Carol Ann Rives, Michelle Rives, Marvel Koury, Pat Koury, Steven Funston, Brian Rives, and Ann (Rives) Pinson; and her special caregiver, Mandi Jenkins.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

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