Christine Huddleston, founder of the Room in the Inn has passed away, at the age of 83. Huddleston passed away Tuesday night at Community Care of Rutherford County. WGNS was told that arrangements will be announced by Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro.

Steve Cates, a retired educator of the Rutherford County Schools commented:

Christine Huddleston was an extremely remarkable person. She was the youngest - and last-surviving - of six children, raised in the Bradley's Creek- Lasscassas area on a farm by a single mother (as her father died young). She often described her mother as being a tiny woman, but powerful in the way she was able to get things done and teach her children values to last them throughout life.

I first knew of Christine when she became the first woman to be elected to the Rutherford County Commission ( then called the Rutherford County Quarterly Court). She was a female in a male world, yet she met everyone on his or her own terms. She did not bother to be a "feminist" or anything like that; she just stood up for what she thought was right and nothing could budge her from it. Whether a judge or mayor or state or federal official or a poor working man or woman, all were treated equally; this was the mantra of her life.

She was always ready to come to speak to my students at Riverdale in her job as head of the Credit Bureau of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. It was her goal to help young people avoid many of the pitfalls that credit could bring. She spoke to them in a straight-forward, matter-of-fact way, just as she dealt with all people and as she faced life each day.

After being at the Credit Bureau for more than 25 years, she ran, with the help of many volunteers, Room in the Inn for about that same period of time. She was there until the stroke which eventually killed her occurred as a result of someone running into her car as she drove into the RITI parking lot. She was able to keep RITI going because of the network of volunteers she developed all throughout the community. Many gave simply because it was Christine who was at the helm. She was tough, but ready to give all a chance. She responded to honesty, but had no time for subterfuge; there was no need for anyone to try to fool her!! Because of the way she grew up, she could take a little and do much with it. She did that at the RITI, dealing with paperwork and red tape, often while standing over the stove preparing a meal.

Christine loved her family, including her sons and daughter, granddaughter, and brothers and sister and their families. She was an extremely good cook and, even in the midst of her many responsibilities during her workdays over the years, always took time to harvest and can and freeze and preserve. She also had a keen eye for a bargain, especially in the world of antiques as she was a premier collector. Her home was often on community tours, showcasing her beautiful Tennessee furniture and coverlets, one of her primary interests, as well as the old log home itself, which she had lovingly restored.

Christine will, indeed, be missed, as she has been already since being in and out of facilities these last few years. She will always be one of the most dynamic and community-minded individuals I have ever met. Her legacy is best exemplified in her care for family, her faith, and for those among her fellow citizens who needed her.