Nora Ruth Pace

Nora Ruth Pace, 101, of Ridgeway, VA passed away on March 16, 2026. She was born February 1, 1925, in Ridgeway, Virginia, the oldest daughter of George A and Lucy Crystal Pace. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Rose Marie Pace and Jack Ratts, and her brother and sister-in-law, George Dan and Linnie Pace. She was the special aunt to Martha Ratts Ross (A. Jerry Benson), George Dan Pace, Jr (Martha), David Ratts (Jan), Jane Ratts Balderson (Carl), Jenny Ratts Harrison (John). She was also great-aunt Foo-foo to Mikel Lauren Ratts Proulx (Steve), Richard Pace, Virginia Soenksen, Amanda Wolcott (Justin), Allen Balderson (Colleen) Andy Balderson (Caroline), Oliva Ratts Mobley (Kyle), Coleman Harrison (Jennifer) and Peyton Tyler Harrison (Caroline). She was also great-great aunt Foo-foo to Jaxon Pace, Lila and Tatum Proulx, Christopher and Annie Balderson, Charlie, Jack and Parker Balderson, Jack and Jenna Claire Harrison, John David Harrison, and Brooks and Tilly Rose Wolcott

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers who allowed Ruth to stay in her beloved home - Joyce Irvine, Pam Brewer, Shirley Belton, Amanda Spencer and Avagill Hill.

Ruth attended Ridgeway Elementary and High School and earned her bachelor's degree in music from the University of Kentucky, graduating with honors in 1945. There she accompanied the university choir and served as president of the music fraternity, Phi Beta. She completed her master's degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and did additional graduate study at Ithaca University, Julliard, Oberlin, Westminster Choir School, Columbia University, James Madison University and Union Theological School of New York. She participated in workshops with Robert Shaw, Robert Fountain, Olaf Christiansen, Paul Christiansen, Fred Waring, Paul Salamonavich, Clair McElfresh and many other outstanding conductors. In addition, she studied conducting with Ifor Jones and Margaret Hillis.

Miss Pace was an active member of Ridgeway United Methodist Church her entire life, teaching Sunday School, serving on every committee, and for 50+ years was choir director, organist, pianist and soloist.

She taught choral music for 40 years In Martinsville City Schools before retiring in 1985. In her early years, she taught at all levels – elementary, junior high and high school and later only at Martinsville High School. She was instrumental in designing the music building at the current high school and built a legacy of choral performances, solos, concerts, ensembles, plays and musicals. In 1951, she received a grant from the Ford Foundation that allowed her to spend a year studying and attending workshops and concerts in New York City. While there she studied voice with Miss Rosalie Miller. All her studies and experiences influenced her innovative teaching.

Throughout her professional life, she participated, published articles, and held multiple offices in the Martinsville Education Association, Virginia Music Educators Association, and Virginia Choral Directors Association. She also served as assistant director of the Virginia Music Camp at Massanetta Springs for over 30 years. She was recognized at the 50th anniversary of the camp by being chosen as the first Virginian to serve as conductor of the Women's Chorus. In addition, she served as guest director at many regional and state choruses.

Throughout her career she combined high school students and community members to perform concerts, often with guest professional singers. This led to the formation of the Piedmont Choral Society, which she conducted, introducing professional orchestral accompaniment to the area. She was recognized by the Piedmont Arts Association in 2003 by being selected for the 1st Annual Clyde Hooker Award honoring individuals for their outstanding support of the arts in the area.

Upon her retirement in 1985, she was honored for her many contributions and accomplishments by the Virginia General Assembly where she was presented with a resolution in honor of her 40+ years of service in music education. Miss Pace and her cousin, Mary Pace McGee, co-chaired the Ridgeway Centennial Committee, co-authored the book The Life and Times of Ridgeway, and were vital members of the committee that raised money for the Ridgeway Branch of the Blue Ridge Public Library. The Exchange Club of Martinsville recognized Ruth and Mary by presenting them with "The Book of Golden Deeds" for their contributions to the community. In 2010 she received the Copenhaver Contribution to Education Award from Roanoke College. Ruth continues to be remembered and celebrated by her former students, including a 2020TheaterWorks Community Players livestream program "A Night in Time with Ruth Pace".

A private graveside service for the family will be held at a later date at the Pace Family Cemetery in Ridgeway.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be made to the Ridgeway Methodist Church, P.O. Box 78, Ridgeway, VA 24148.