Ruth Hill Phlegar

Ruth Hill Phlegar, 97, of Salem, Va., passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2009. She was born on April 21, 1911, in Salem, Va., and was the daughter of the late Taylor and Mary Jane Hill. Ruth was a member of Fort Lewis Baptist Church. She was a loving and caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and "great grammy". She always placed the needs of others before her own. For many years she delivered audio tapes for the homebound ministry of Fort Lewis Baptist Church. Ruth loved her Lord, church, family and country. God blessed Ruth with a very special talent, music. She played the piano, autoharp, guitar and banjo, all by ear. She never had any formal training and never learned to read music. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Darden Eldridge Phlegar; sister, Iva Laprade; three brothers, Floyd, Herman and Minor Hill. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane Wells and husband, Dennis, of Williamsburg; granddaughter and husband, Drs. Michelle and John Andersen; and greatgrandson, Whitcomb Darden Andersen, all of Crozet, Va. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved so dearly. Ruth was blessed to have two very loving caregivers, Betty and Marinda. A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at Fort Lewis Baptist Church with the Reverend Leonard Southern officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. Memorial donations may be made to Fort Lewis Baptist Church, 4215 W. Main Street, Salem, Va. 24153. The Phlegar family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, 540-389-5441.