Ruth Ann Crist

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ruth Ann Crist, lovingly known as "Annie," who departed this world on March 11, 2026. Annie passed peacefully, embraced by the love of her family at their family residence in Henderson, Nevada, after a brief illness. Her journey began on July 31, 1940, in the charming town of Hurricane, West Virginia, where she would leave an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Annie was born to Oscar Harvey Gibson and Bernice Ruth (Leadmon) Gibson, who instilled in her the values of kindness, resilience, and a deep love for community. Preceded in death by her devoted husband, Earl Jackson Crist, and her beloved sisters, Jeanine Taylor and Joyce Gibson,

Annie's legacy continues through her cherished family. She is survived by her sons, John J. Crist of Henderson, Nevada, and James "Buzz" Crist of Hurricane, West Virginia; John's son, Levan Nicolas Crist, his wife Mashia, and their children, Madisyn and Maxwell Crist of Atlanta, Georgia. Annie also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Annie dedicated 38 years of her life to the students and faculty of Conner Street Elementary School in Hurricane, West Virginia, where she served as the beloved school secretary. Her warmth and kindness were felt by all who walked through the school doors. In her later years,

Annie found joy as a wedding planner where she orchestrated memorable celebrations of love and joy at the Crist family's country home just outside of Hurricane.

A lifelong devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church, Annie's voice was a gift to the choir and a beacon of hope when she soloed. Her passion for music extended beyond the church as she performed with The Sounds of Bluegrass for over 50 years, spreading joy throughout the region on most weekends. Her family were also major donors to Hurricane Red Hot Show Choir and Hurricane High Marching Band for over 25 years – a legacy that will continue in her honor. Annie was also a longstanding member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Annie was a woman of great hospitality, known for her ability to make everyone feel welcome and celebrated. For many years, the Crist home was a haven for exchange students from around the world, including students they hosted: Simon Vosseler, Thomas and Clemons Hornstadt, and most recently, David Hernandez Cespedes, whom she lovingly hosted through International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) last fall. Her service on the ICES Host Family Advisory Committee to the ICES Board of Directors was a testament to her commitment to cultural understanding and friendship.

Annie and her husband Earl loved traveling with their sons and exchange students to more than 25 countries on five continents. Along the way, she developed lasting multi-generational friendships with the Ljungberg family in Stockholm, Sweden; the Marzullo family in São Paulo,Brazil; the Hervall family, the French family, and the McTavish family in California. During the past decade, Annie also enjoyed spending part of each summer on the Upper East Side of New York City, where she continued to make new friends. Her friendships transcended borders, leaving a global legacy of love and kindness.

A celebration of Annie's life will be held later this month in Napa Valley, California, where her son John lived for many years. A second celebration of life service will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April.

Annie's final resting place will be at Valley View Memorial Park Mausoleum in Hurricane, West Virginia, where her cremains will be interred next to her beloved husband Earl. There will be a celebration of life for Annie at Valley View Memorial Park on Friday, May 29 at 2:00 p.m.

Friends and family are welcome to attend.

In remembrance of Annie, her family encourages those who knew her to reflect on the warmth, love, and joy she brought into their lives and do an act of kindness for a person or animal in need in her honor. Annie's light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew her down on the creek, in town or around the world.

May her soul celebrate in eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing and a lesson to us all.

Kindness matters!