Obituary

Ruth elizabeth thompson pitchford, born and raised in charleston, passed away january 1, 2018.

Ruth was born in charleston on december 4, 1930, a daughter to elizabeth brown and allison garnett thompson. She was preceded in death by hers parents; her husband, dana pitchford; and step-brother, timothy barber.

Ruth attended fernbank elementary and charleston high school and graduated from west virginia university with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Ruth worked in charleston where her children attended school; first as a kindergarten teacher at first presbyterian church and later as a kindergarten aide at overbrook elementary school. She spent much of her time as a volunteer for local organizations. As a longtime member at first presbyterian ruth devoted her life to christ and the church she grew up in. She was a deacon and received the life-time achievement award from the presbyterian women. Ruth coordinated the home bound communion program for many years and co-chaired a women’s circle group.

Ruth community activities included being a member of the junior league, the fort lee tackett antique club, a volunteer with arthur b. Hodges nursing home and many others. Ruth was an avid sports fan following wvu, cincinnati reds baseball and los angles lakers. She also participated in sports most of her life. She loved starting her day off with water aerobics and the fellowship with good friends. Golf was her first love but also spent many hours with friends on the tennis courts of edgewood country club and charleston tennis club. She also loved her bridge clubs and the many hours she spent with friends. She and her husband enjoyed many years together with a group of friends attending horse races and dinners on the town.

In addition to being a devoted and loving wife and mother, ruth had a genuine interest and concern for all those she met. She always put others interests ahead of her own and would dedicate herself to providing comfort to all she found suffering. She was always happy and had an infectious smile. Her faith was very important to her and she was deeply devoted to all her family. God provided a gift to all who had an opportunity to be acquainted with her or the work she was involved with.

Ruth is survived by her three sons, tom of charleston, timothy t. (melinda) of lovettsville, va, and david (jenny) of charleston, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family would like to offer special thanks to peggy maloney, libby webb, tammy martin, and jennifer schoolcraft and to dr. Brad henry and staff who offered special care.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.M. On thursday, january 4, in the sanctuary of first presbyterian church. Visitation will be held one and half hours prior to the service also in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to first presbyterian church at 16 leon sullivan way, charleston, wv 25301 and children’s home society of wv, 1422 kanawha blvd. E., p. O. Box 2942, charleston, wv 25330.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com.

Barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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