Ruth Ellen Meredith Downs

Ruth Ellen Meredith (Weencie) Downs, 77, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2009. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and left a legacy of courage, loyalty and faith. She was born October 5, 1931, in Roanoke, Va., to the late James Raymond and Ruth Ludwick Downs. She retired from Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church with 27 years of service. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lewis Downs Jr. She is survived by her son, Michael Meredith Downs, of Roanoke; son and daughterin-law, Philip Lewis and Nancy Downs, of Roanoke; son and daughter-in-law, Charles A. "Tony" and Kim Downs, of Lexington, Ky.; four grandchildren, Zachary James, Alexis Meredith, Morgan O'Neill and Michael Mullan Downs; one sister, Peggy M. Dogan; one brother, James B. Meredith; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Mullins and Ruby Downs; a number of nieces and nephews; and her granddogs. A special Thank You to all of those who called, sent cards, prayed and cared for Ruth during this challenging time, especially Elaine Noell, Lois Hauk, Ruth and Charles Mullins and Nancy Downs. The family would also like to express thanks to Dr. William Fintel, Liz Skaggs, the staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care and the nurses and staff on 6 West at Lewis Gale Hospital. A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2009, at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church with the Rev. Msgr. Joseph P. Lehman officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network National Headquarters, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, El Segundo, Calif. 90245. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel where a Christian Wake Service will be held at 6 p.m. Arrangements are by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.