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Ruth Sweeney Longbrake

Ruth Longbrake Obituary

Ruth Sweeney Longbrake, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with the Lord Friday, January 14, 2011. She was preceded by her parents Cecil and Edith Sweeney, and her infant daughter Ellene. Ruth taught for 20 years at North Cross School and prior to that at Melrose Elementary School and Northwest Elementary School. She was a Bible School teacher since the age of 15 and truly enjoyed teaching young children. Ruth specialized in the preschool Montessori science program. She also greatly enjoyed coaching North Cross Field Hockey teams. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Edwin Longbrake; her son, Lane Longbrake, his wife, Jennifer; her son, Kyle Longbrake, his wife, Mary-Carolyn, their son, Colton; her brothers and sisters, Virginia Austin and her husband Melvin, Mildred Thompson and her husband B.T., Susan McCall and her husband Richard, Edith Johnson and her husband Jack, Cecil Sweeney and his wife Joli, William Sweeney and his wife Sheila, John Sweeney and his wife Mary Kay; and her many nephews; nieces; grand-nephews; and grand-nieces. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at North Roanoke Baptist Church with Pastor Darryl Crim and the Rev. John Cochran officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or North Roanoke Baptist Church building fund. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Longbrake

20 Entries

Amy Anderson

January 21, 2011

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Ruthie, but we are comforted by the fact that she will be in the great welcoming party when the Lord calls us home. Our prayers are with the whole family daily for strength, endurance, and patience. In our loving Lord, Amy Jo, Ken, and Nicholas Anderson

Laurie Hawk

January 20, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of Ruthie's passing. We were looking forward to the family reunion this summer that Ruthie had requested. Our heart goes out to each one of you. May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you comfort at this very trying time. Love Laurie and Dave Hawk

Mollie Boothe Arthur

January 20, 2011

Dear Ed and family,
I'm remembering Ruthie's sweetness and gentle spirit - the fun we had all those years ago on our ski trip - how she lit up your life. After reading entries in this guest book, it is obvious Ruthie became an accomplished teacher and shared her many beautiful qualities with all that were lucky enough to know her. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Katherine Walker

January 18, 2011

Dear Ed, Lane, Kyle and family,

Ruth touched so many lives with her kindness and dedication. We are grateful to her life of teaching and devotion to children. She was such a wonderful part of our introduction to North Cross as a first teacher for Finn.

We are thinking of you.

Ed, Katherine, Jackson and Finn Walker

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Charles Lukens

January 18, 2011

Mrs. Longbrake was a wonderful teacher and person. Her boys and I grew up together and shared many good times. I am sorry to hear of the news and hope that just knowing she is in a better place is comforting to her family. North Cross and many others will miss her greatly. I would like to express my deepest condolences to Ed, Lane, Kyle, and the entire family.

January 17, 2011

Ruth Longbrake was considered by all three of my girls as the end-all and be-all answer to any scientific question. Her answers trumped anyone else's -- even Mom's. All three of my girls were lucky to have her instill a love of science at North Cross and will miss her.
The Giles Family

Margaret Brammer Slate

January 17, 2011

Ed, Lane & Kyle; as well as all the Sweeney families; I was so shocked to learn of Ruth's death this morning when I came into work and read my emails. Ruth was a dear and special person, so kind and sweet. I am so sorry for her loss, but know that she is in the arms of her Savior. I worked with Cecil Sweeney at APCo for many years, and always enjoyed his great love for all his children and I know that he and Edith will meet Ruth with open arms as she enters Heaven Gates. I first met Ruth at FBC, Singles Ministry and was very priviledged in my relationship over the years. Ed, and family...May God's love continue to surround each of you during this difficult time and the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers. In Christ's Love,

Romi and David Spisak

January 17, 2011

Dear Ed, Kyle,Lane, and family,
Our sincere condolences go out to your entire family. Ruth was such a kind person, and I have many fond memories of her as a colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Diane Grigg

January 17, 2011

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Longbrake family. Ruthie was an incredible lady, so sweet, so caring ...
Allen & Diane

Ed & Susan Card

January 17, 2011

Our condolences go out to the Longbrake family. Ruth was a wonderful, patient and dedicated teacher and my children had the priviledge of being in her classroom. She will be missed at North Cross School. - The Card Family

Jenn Vermillion

January 16, 2011

Dear Ed, Lane, Kyle and family,

I was deeply saddened to hear the news. Ruth was such a kind and beautiful person. I have many wonderful memories of her as a colleague, mentor and coach from North Cross. She touched so many lives through her work. You are in my thoughts during this very difficult time.

Al and Tonja Weed

January 16, 2011

Mrs. Longbrake taught our daughter to read and was a beloved teacher. We are saddened to hear she has left this world. We look forward to seeing her again, in heaven with our Lord.

January 16, 2011

All of our children and our grandaughter had the good fortune and privilege of having Mrs. Longbrake as a teacher. Mrs. Longbrake's patient guidance was a blessing to our children as well as all the many lives she touched. With sympathy and prayers, the Sanders Family

Blair Thurman

January 16, 2011

My family and I send out our prayers and we are truely sadden that the world is now one less a great person. We had the pleasure of knowning Mrs.Longbrake from North Cross School and pray that the family is doing well.

Yvonne Henderson

January 16, 2011

This is very hard for me to grasp. Mrs Longbrake was my daughter's JV Field Hockey coach at North Cross. She was the sweetest person and the most awesome coach, we will always remember her kindness and her beautiful smile. We will be praying for her family.

Ruth Overfelt

January 16, 2011

Ed and family: We will be thinking of you and praying for you. I was so sorry to hear at church this AM. We will continue to lift you up in prayer.

Joe & Ruth Overfelt

Lea Ann Lang

January 16, 2011

I was so sad to learn of Ruth's passing. The last time I saw her she had attended a Memorial Service in Roanoke for my husband in July with many present and retired teachers from North Cross School. Their attendance was so greatly appreciated by me and my children, whom had all attended North Cross. I hadn't seen Ruth nor the other teachers in many years since I had moved away from Roanoke 12 years ago; however, every year I received a Christmas card from Ruth when I had lost touch with everyone else10 years prior. I felt truly loved and missed by her. My heart goes out to Ed, Lane, and Kyle whom I know will miss her greatly as they adjust to their everyday lives without her loving presence. Her thoughtful, selfless, and gentle manner is an example of how to care so much for others around us.

Lynn Payne

January 16, 2011

Ruthie and Ed have been such dear friends of ours for more than 30 years. I recall fondly the year that Ruthie kept our daughter, Sarah, in their home, along with Lane, while I was teaching. Not only was Ruthie one of the sweetest, kindest people I've ever known, but also she had a keen wit and loved to laugh. We will miss her so much. Our prayers go out to Ed, Kyle, Lane, and their families. John and Lynn Payne

Linda Dabney Hendelman

January 16, 2011

Dear Ed, Lane, Kyle, and family,

My deepest sympathy and continued prayers for all of you. Ruth was a very special person and I know how sorely she will be missed. My friendship with Ruth dates from Longwood College days so long ago but Ruthie sent pictures and news of all of you. Her family meant the world to her. I am so sad at the loss but Ruth has left her sweetness on the world in all the children she taught and interacted with over the years, both in school and in church. The name Ruth was perfect for her as she was the most loving person and an abiding friend despite our geographical distance. Prayers, (Linda) Dabney Holloran Hendelman

Kristi Gerhart

January 16, 2011

My heart is heavy at the loss of such a sweet lady. My family had the privilege of knowing Ruth from North Cross. She was a wonderful teacher and person. Prayers will be going out for her family.

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