Ressa K. Stobaugh, a beautiful lady of remarkable style and grace, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at her home in Saint Johns, Fl. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories to many in her 98 years.
Born on April 18,1927 in Erwin, Tennessee to Olie Berry Kile and Okley Ryan Kile. She was one of six children, four brothers & a sister.
Her father, a Railroad Engineer, was laid off when the Depression hit America, so the family moved to Chattanooga in 1929. He became a City Bus Driver and Driver for the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
Ressa's journey began in Chattanooga. She developed an interest in home and fashion design at an early age and created her own classy style.
After graduating from Central High School in 1943, she was employed by Southern Bell Telephone Co. She embraced this challenging career, was promoted from various assignments, and ultimately became the Personnel Manager for Tennessee. She relocated to Nashville. Here she was responsible for identifying, assessing, and developing employees who had potential to become new Managers for South Central Bell & AT&T. She retired in 1985.
At 21, she married Ralph E. Pickett of Chattanooga in 1948. Their daughter, Deborah, was born in 1949. They happily raised her through college, but the marriage ended in 1973. In 1983, she married Al Stobaugh of Jackson, Tn.
After retirement, she pursued her love of education in interior design and ultimately joined Joan Hysmith Designs in Jackson. Together she and Joan decorated many elegant homes in the Jackson and Nashville areas and had fun doing it. This career was her true love. Ressa stayed in the design business for select clients. Many friends say they see and enjoy her designs in their homes today.
After Al Stobaugh passed away in 2002, Ressa relocated to North Florida to be close to her family. She embraced life with a sense of adventure, style, and grace, traveled with her family and friends, creating a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. She loved being close to her daughter, Debby, grandson, Jonathan, and seeing her great-granddaughter, Alyssa, come into the world. They were so happy to be a four-generation family.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She quickly found Hibernia Baptist Church where she was a devoted member of the Ladies Bible Study Group and hosted many luncheons and card games until her health declined. Her greatest love was her family and the Lord Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Deborah Brown (Debby) and her husband, Robert L. Brown (Bob). She leaves behind her cherished grandson, Jonathan P. Stephenson and great-granddaughter, Alyssa R. Stephenson.
Special thanks go out to the Medical Staff at Mayo Clinic, Visiting Angles, Community Hospice of NE Fl., and Ressa's many friends for their help and prayers through her journey.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4750 Palm Valley Road,
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. 32082.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
