Ruth Hedrick Wilkinson

1946 - 2025

Ruth Hedrick Wilkinson

June 27, 1946 - September 24, 2025

Ruth Hedrick Wilkinson, 79, of Richmond, VA, entered into eternal rest on September 24, 2025. Born in Richmond on June 27, 1946, Ruth grew up in Beaverdam and the Shenandoah Valley, where her faith, family values, and servant's heart began to shape the extraordinary life she would live.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Rev. and Mrs. Sparland Wall Thompson Hedrick, aunt, Mary Bess Kittrell, and uncle, Verland Johnston Hedrick. She is survived by her devoted son, Shawn Gunther Wilkinson, and his wife, Frances; and by her cherished granddaughters, Susan Shouse Wilkinson and Harper Hedrick Wilkinson, all of Richmond; her brother, Sparland W.T. "Sparky" Hedrick and his wife Kathy; nephew Matthew Hedrick (Ashley) and nieces Rachael Hedrick and Leah Hedrick Moubray (Logan).

A dedicated member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Ruth lived her faith daily through service, joy, and kindness. She had a heart for music and singing at revivals and special church events. She was known for her steadfast commitment to her community and her ability to bring smiles to all she met. For many years, Ruth shared laughter and joy as the beloved clown "Gunther the Thumper" at parades and community events, a role that captured her playful spirit and deep love for others. She was a past member of the Shalom Farms Auxiliary Board and loved taking groups of all ages to the farm to harvest crops. She also held numerous leadership roles in the United Methodist Women, always giving her time and energy to strengthen her church and uplift those around her. She served as the youth group leader at Wistar Heights United Methodist Church and was a proud member of Woodmen of the World and countless other service organizations and faith ministries throughout Central Virginia.

Professionally, Ruth spent her career with the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company, later Bell Atlantic, and ultimately retired from Verizon. She was a loyal and hardworking employee who built lasting friendships with colleagues along the way. After her retirement, Ruth spent ten years as a receptionist at the Hermitage Richmond Assisted Living Home.

Ruth's legacy is one of faith, joy, and service. She touched countless lives through her smile, her laughter, and her unwavering belief in the goodness of people. She will be remembered as a mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose servant heart continues to inspire all who knew her.

Family will receive visitors on Thursday, October 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bliley's Funeral Home – Staples Mill. A celebration of Ruth's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9155 Hungary Rd, Henrico, VA 23294. Interment to follow at 3 p.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Pilots Lane, Richmond, VA 23222. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church or Shalom Farms.