Annie White

Annie Ruth Hale White VIRGINIA BEACH - Annie Ruth White passed away Jan. 5, 2011 in Virginia Beach at the age of 96. At the time of death, Annie was a resident of Atlantic Shores Retirement Community on Dam Neck Road. Annie Ruth White, born Dec. 27, 1914, was the eldest child of Ernest Buel Hale and Cora Parker Hale of Connaritsa, N.C. She was the widow of Willard A. White (1914 - 1989). Annie Ruth was preceded in death by her daughter, Marolyn Lou Huneycutt (1941 - 1991) of Jackson, Tenn. Left to cherish and celebrate her memory are her daughter, Kay White Paluch of Chesterton, Mo.; and her son, Dr. Willard E. White of Oak Park, Ill. She is also survived by three brothers, James Hale, E. B. Hale and Dana Hale; four grandchildren, Leah Kathryn Maeding, Roger A. Huneycutt, Matthew Paluch and William Paluch; and one great-grandson, Tyler Jae Huneycutt. Annie Ruth married Willard White in 1938 and began a long phase of life as part of the Hampton Roads community, first as residents of Norfolk County and then in 1946 to their farm on Indian River Road in Princess Anne County. The place that many remember as the center of family life was later developed as Indian River Farms. Annie Ruth and Willard served the community primarily through Salem Methodist Church where she gave generously of her time and talents as a volunteer, especially through the Methodist Women. Other activities included garden clubs and the historical society. At age 50, Annie Ruth became a floral designer at Edith Hugo Florist in Norfolk until she retired at age 70. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her unfailing sense of style, her devotion to friends and family, and especially her gifts as a cook and popular hostess. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. A funeral is scheduled at the funeral home Monday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. Following the service, all attendees are invited to a reception at the Atlantic Shores Clubhouse, 1200 Atlantic Shores Drive, Virginia Beach. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to a favorite charity in memory of Annie Ruth White.