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BORN
1927
DIED
2020
Ruth Yates Obituary
Ruth Norris
December 26, 1927
November 12, 2020
Ruth Norris Yates, 92, resident of Salem for 73 years, went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, November 12, 2020. She was born on December 26, 1927, much loved daughter of Lewis Frank Norris and Betty Norris.
Ruth was a devoted wife and loving mother who put God and family first in her life. As a devout Christian and long time member of Salem Baptist Church and West Salem Baptist Church,she was active in Women's Missionary Union, Home Missions Board, Sanctuary Choirs, Sunday School and church dinners. Ruth was a favorite Driver's Education teacher for Andrew Lewis High School and Salem High School. She was a volunteer at Lewis Gale Hospital for 12 years giving back to the community.
Ruth was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 64 years, Clyde H. Yates, Principal in Roanoke County School system. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda and son-in-law, Tom Ferguson of New City, New York; her son, Larry and daughter-in-law, Christie Yates of Stephenson, Virginia; her beloved grandchildren, the Rev. Guy and Joy Ferguson of Auburn Hills, Mich., Robert and Holly Ferguson of Atlanta, Ga.; Zachary and Malia Yates, and great-granddaughter, Zoe Evelyn of Sterling, Virginia; Colby and Kristin Yates, and great-grandchildren, Easton, Ben, and Berkeley of Winchester, Va., Amanda Yates of Cross Junction, Va.; Peggy Phillips; dear sister, of Vinton, Va. Ruth was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters, Orville, Fred, Paul, Lucille, Frank Norris Jr., and Nadine.
Ruth enjoyed homemaking, cooking large dinners for her family, sending cards as a ministry, supporting a large network of friends, and church work. Her family and friends cherished her.
A private family funeral will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park led by Dr. Heath Rickman of Salem Baptist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Yates
6 Entries
Bj norris Craft
December 4, 2020
I will never forget those sparkling eyes...Even when her brother Paul brought his wife and six children there with no advance notice.
Katina Keith
November 17, 2020
Brenda and Larry, your mother was a lovely, Christian lady. Remembering your parents from the many years spent at West Salem Baptist, with heartfelt sympathy.
DeeAnn Nicole Laster
November 16, 2020
Sorry for the loss of a wonderful on road Driving instructor . She will be missed dearly from all those lives she touched. Feeling blessed to have known her.
Linda White Bruce
November 15, 2020
So sorry to hear about Ruth. I will surely miss her. Her sweet smile. Her laugh. Her devotion to Salem Baptist Church and to our loving Lord. All the good she did for other people that needed help. Love you Ruth.
Rosamary Boley Purpura
November 15, 2020
Sympathy and prayers to the family. I always remember Ruth as a beautiful and eligant woman. I will never forget how comforting she was to me when my Mother passed.
Larry Yates
November 15, 2020
She was simply the greatest Mom a guy could have; what a wonderful Christian example!
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