Ruth Keene Justus

Ruth Keene Justus, January 15, 1924 – August 10, 2025

Our precious Mom, Ruth Jane Keene Justus, ascended to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 101 years and eight months, as the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was a wonderful Mom who was always there when we needed her the most: offering support, wisdom and love in abundance.

She was born on January 15, 1924, at Hurley, VA and was the daughter of the late John and Betty Keene. She attended Hurley High School and worked as a mother, housewife and the owner of a small grocery store. She was a member of the Vansant Baptist Church.

Mom was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother and friend to all, known for her kindness, generosity and love of her church and people. She enjoyed playing the piano, singing, sewing, crafting, cooking, watching game shows on TV with Buck, baking, canning, sitting outside in her swing, decorating for every holiday, online ordering using her computer and iPad (on which she became proficient) as well as enjoying Facebook and attending church. She loved a special furbaby Peaches and more recently learned to love Zoe and Babybelle.

She was preceded in death by William Junior Justus, her husband of 65 years. Their love was a beacon of strength and inspiration to all who knew them. She was also preceded in death by one son Thomas Douglas Justus, one grandson William Thomas Justus and a special niece Valeria Jo Hurley.

Survivors include Pauline Clevinger, Charles Justus, Kenny Justus, Betty Brown (husband Clarence), Chris Justus (wife Sherina) all of Hurley, VA and Carol Taylor (husband Steve) of Elkhorn City, KY.

She was blessed to have 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored beyond measure. They brought her immense joy and pride. Mom cherished moments spent with family and friends hosting gatherings filled with laughter, good food and singing, as well as a photo session.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, with visitation beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. at the Vansant Baptist Church, 1471 Lovers Gap Rd., Vansant, VA, with Pastor Jody Breeding officiating along with Steve Taylor.

Her Celebration of Life service will continue on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the Vansant Baptist Church also. Burial will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Cedar Bluff, VA.

A special tribute to mom will consist of requesting that all women wear a hat in her honor to the Thursday services. Several of Mom's hats will be on display if anyone needs one. Please keep it as a keepsake in her memory.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Vansant Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vansant Baptist Church at P.O. Box 649, Vansant, VA 24656.

Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy, Va is honored to serve the family of Ruth Justus.