Fanny Ruth (Paris) Vanover

Ms. Fanny Ruth (Paris) Vanover, 85, of Brandenburg, KY, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at her residence.  She was born on June 8, 1941, in Owensboro, KY, the daughter of Franklin and Melba Azaline (Nichols) Paris.

Fanny Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; four siblings. Margaret Goldman, Priscilla Bartlett, Dyann Manion, and Paul Paris; and her loving husband of 50 years, Arthur Ray Vanover.

Fanny Ruth is survived by her partner, James Carson Godby; three siblings, Franklin Paris, Jr, Elizabeth Fonda Owen, and Jerry Lynn Paris; three children, Cheryl Vanover (Joey Lawson), Robin Moore (Mark), and Eric Vanover (Dana); six grandchildren, Brittney, Brooke, Joshua, Taylor, Lauren, and Devon; and five great grandchildren.

Fanny Ruth was a bookkeeper for several different businesses and retired as a Deputy Sheriff for the Meade County Sheriff’s Department, after 12 years of dedicated service.

Ruth, as she preferred to be known in later years, loved the outdoors, her flowers, and golf with Ray.  She had many talents, including painting, sewing, singing, crafting, and playing the piano.  Ruth bowled for many years and enjoyed leading children’s group activities, such as the Brownies, youth bowling leagues, and was a very active band booster when her children were in band.

Ruth was a follower of Jesus Christ and sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and worked with Girls-in-Action.

After Ray passed away in 2010, Ruth met her second love, Carson Godby.  They lived happily for several years until Vascular Dementia began to rob them of their precious time.  Carson was a devoted and tender caregiver, who gave generously to make sure Ruth was able to live out her life in their home until her passing.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the chapel of the Hager Funeral Home, with Ruth’s grandson-in-law, Rev. Cameron Debity officiating.  Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, and from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Friday.  Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Hosparus of Central Kentucky.