Ruth Ann Skinner

SKINNER, Ruth Ann, a longtime resident of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on September 7, 2008 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was 74. A native of Virginia, she grew up in Richmond and graduated with honors from Hollins College. She earned a Fulbright Scholarship to study Theology at the University of Leiden in Holland. Ruth Ann was an accomplished musician who played the viola in the Richmond and Roanoke, Virginia Symphony Orchestras. She was active in community affairs, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Collegiate Schools in Richmond and Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. She was a member of the Junior League and an active volunteer for the Crisis Ministry and the Salvation Army. At the center of her life was a deep faith in God and a sincere concern for the welfare of others. She was an Elder in the Peachtree Presbyterian Church, a leader in its Stephen Ministry and an adult Sunday School teacher. Her lifelong love of learning, her interest in others and her unfailingly positive outlook made her a particularly effective teacher. Ruth Ann was radiant. She lived her life guided by her deep faith, which gave rise to her countless expressions of selfless love and caring. She approached life with wonder, excitement, and joy. Ruth Ann's greatest joy was her family. Ruth Ann is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, B. Franklin Skinner; her daughters, RuthAnne Suttles and Christian Kirkland; her son-in-law, John Kirkland; her grandchildren, Tyler Kirkland, John Kirkland, McKay Kirkland, Mackenzie Suttles and Molly Suttles. She was predeceased by her daughter, Lisa Skinner Moton. Following a private graveside service, a memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 11 at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ruth Ann Skinner Memorial Fund for the Peachtree Presbyterian Church Music Ministry. Soli Deo Gloria. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.