Ruth Marie Aust Harrell

Ruth Harrell Obituary

To know Ruth was to love her. Ruth Marie Aust Harrell, 75, of Pulaski, Va., passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2009. She was born in Pulaski, Va., on May 7, 1934, to Charles A. Aust Sr. and Trula Craig Aust, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Lucy Jane Aust Duncan; and brother, Charles A. Aust Jr. She is survived by a daughter, Donna Marie Harrell Jackson, of Greensboro, N.C.; two grandchildren, Shaylyn Jackson, of Dublin, Va., and Shane Jackson, of Apex, N.C.; and two greatgranddaughters, Lexi Crigger, of Dublin, Va., and Kylie Wren Lindamood, of Dublin, Va. She is also survived by sisters, Mildred "Duckie" Aust Keller and JoAnn Aust Asbury and husband, Roger; and several nieces, nephews and greatnieces and nephews. Ruth served as Clerk of Pulaski Town Council for 16 years and was renowned for her knowledge of the workings and laws of the town, as well as her good nature and dry wit. She was a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association. She was granted Honorary Citizenship in the City of Virginia Beach, Va., several times. Prior to serving the Town of Pulaski, she was executive secretary to the plant managers of Klopman Mills for 25 years, and she completed advanced business classes at New River Community College. A long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist, she sang in the choir until her health prevented her participation. She was a member of the Fine Arts Center and the YMCA Cardiac Rehab Center. An avid reader, Ruth loved swimming and playing with her grandchildren. As an amateur archeologist, Ruth collected rocks, minerals, and fossils, and one of her fondest memories was of exploring ancient ruins in Greece. A celebration of her life will be held 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the Reverend John Grimm officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Women's Resource Center, 1217 Grove Avenue, Radford, Va. 24141-4711 or to Aldersgate United Methodist Church Music Fund, 1946 Medallion Drive, Pulaski, Va. 24301. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Harrell

7 Entries

December 29, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. Ruth was a patient of mine for the last 16 years. She was always pleasant, we talked alot about her family, her childhood and lately about her daughter going back to school. Sometimes she would be informative, other times just funny. One of my favorite stories she told about going to Florida with her daughther and her medicine didn't agree with her. She told me that her daughter told her she flirted with a man. She said, "Can you imagine me flirting" and we just had a good laugh. My mother is also diabetic and we talked about that disease quite a bit and she helped me with information I in turn shared with my mother. She was so much more than a patient to me. She was a first class lady and I considered her to be a friend. I will miss her greatly. I feel blessed to have known her. Sonia Willard, RDH

Trina Rupe

December 29, 2009

Duckie, JoAnn, Donna and Family: My heartfelt condolences to you during your time of loss. Ruth was always such an inspiration during the time that I worked with her at the Town of Pulaski. I often spoke with her about how she handled different things, telling her that I wished that I could be more like her. She was always a true joy to be around and to talk with. Ruth will be truly missed by everyone who knew and associated with her. She had a love for life and a love for people. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Debbie Blevins

December 29, 2009

Ruth was a sweet and loving soul. She always had a word of encouragement, no matter where you saw her. We will miss her at Aldersgate.

Grace Toney Edwards

December 29, 2009

JoAnn and Family,

We send our condolences to all of you. We know Ruth's passing is a hard loss to bear, especially in this year when you have suffered another hard loss. We're thinking of you.

Grace and John

Tom & Bev Ingles

December 29, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Sue Blackwell

December 29, 2009

Duckie & Jody & family: So sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. May God bless and keep you during this trying time. I'm having a hard time right now, Mom is in Catawba Hospital. We will be thinking of you at this time.

Love & Prayers,
Sue Blackwell & Katie Ratcliff

Barbara Jesberg

December 28, 2009

Donna and family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was such a sweet lady. I'll always remember what a great lunch she prepared for us while she was visiting you in Greensboro. I hope to get by the funeral home to see you. You are in my prayers. Love, Barbara

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