Ruth Nell Miller Kinnison

Ruth Nell Kinnison, 81, passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at North Oaks Hospital in Hammond, Louisiana. She was born on January 27, 1942 in Mt. Hermon, Louisiana to David and Hester Wascom Miller. Ruth Nell graduated from Mt. Hermon High School as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1960. After high school, she attended college at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana where she received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She also attended Mississippi State University from 1968-1969 receiving her Master’s in Business Administration. Ruth began her career at Southeastern Louisiana University in 1969 serving as an associate professor for 28 years, retiring in 1997. She also co-owned Kinnison and Kinnison, CPA in Hammond. 

Ruth Nell married Jimmie Kinnison in 1963 in Mt. Hermon, Louisiana. They were happily married for 53 years. Ruth attended First Baptist Church, Woodland Park Baptist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church where she was a charter member. She volunteered alongside Jim with the Volunteer Christian Builders. She enjoyed attending outings with the Red Hat Society, working with Positive Role Models Involved in the Development of Excellence (PRIDE) with the SLU Women’s Basketball Team, working with F.E. Lions at Southeastern, and traveling with her cruise buddies. She was an avid Southeastern Fan.

Ruth is survived by her daughter JoAn Cook of Denham Springs, Louisiana; her son David Kinnison (wife Shonda) of Dahlonega, Georgia; and her daughter Kathy Kinnison of Fredericksburg, Virginia; her grandchildren, Brady Cook (wife Carmen), Laken Cook Tujague (husband Billy), Courtney Kinnison, Payton Cook Jernigan (husband Taylor), and Taylor Kinnison; her great-grandchildren Cadence, Brayden, Evron, William, Carson, Jordyn, and Madeleine; her brother, Dwayne Randall Miller; and her sister-in-law, Anelia.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Jimmie G Kinnison, an infant daughter, parents, David H and Hester Miller, brothers, Walden and David Miller, in-laws, Linda and Mary Miller.

The family would like to thank the staff of Summerfield Senior Living of Hammond and her friends for taking care of her this past year.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to Immanuel Baptist Church (1503 Pecan Street, Hammond, LA 70401) or a charity of your choice.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, 2000 N. Morrison Boulevard, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM. 

Interment will follow in Mt. Hermon Cemetery, Mount Hermon, Louisiana.