Ruth Hillsman McVeigh

Ruth "Peg"

Hillsman McVeigh

Ruth "Peg" Hillsman McVeigh, 86, of Lynchburg, died at Virginia Baptist Hospital on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, after an extended illness. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Frank Kennerly McVeigh Jr.

Born July 15, 1923, in Bedford County, she was a daughter of the late Harry Pollard Hillsman and Bettie Palmer Nichols Hillsman.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Col. Marvin C. Hillsman, Otho Duvall Hillsman and John D. Hillsman; three sisters, Frances Nelson Hillsman Thomas, Angie Kossen Hillsman Graves and Ida Fern Hillsman Deaner; and one nephew, Barry W. Hillsman.

She was educated at Huddleston High School and attended Longwood College. At the age of 17, Peg won the title of Miss Bedford County. She went on to compete in the 1940 Miss Virginia Pageant, where she was named third runner up. After college, she enjoyed a career in the banking business at Peoples National Bank in downtown Lynchburg. After meeting her husband at the bank, she retired to become a devoted homemaker and mother.

Peg was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and cherished her many years in the church choir. Peg loved music and enjoyed the many family gatherings in which the Hillsman sisters would play the piano and sing.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Martha McVeigh Ewing and her husband, Paul, and their sons, Michael and Stephen; and Frank Kennerly McVeigh III and his wife, Stephanie, and their sons, Garrett, Andrew and Oliver, all of Lynchburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is especially grateful to the thoughtfulness and care from her loving nieces, Bettye T. Chambers of Washington, D.C., and Anne McVeigh Thelin of Lynchburg, and devoted sister-in-laws, Esther McVeigh of Lynchburg and Betty McVeigh of Louisville, Ky.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009, in St. Paul's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Todd Vie officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 605 Clay St., Lynchburg, VA 24504, or to the charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.