Ruth Ann Hoge

1946 - 2023

HOGE, Mrs. Ruth Ann, born October 16, 1946 in Hinton, West Virginia to the late Harold and Louise (Bennett) Ayers, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023. Ruth Ann was the oldest of three children, and was a proud sister to her brother, Joe, and sister, Linda. She graduated from New Kent High School in 1964, and then went on to attend the College of William and Mary.

Following college, Ruth Ann worked at Everett Waddey, and then later at the Bank of Virginia. It was here that she met her husband, Ray. They married on December 2, 1972, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. In April 1975, Ruth Ann and Ray welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, and their son, Matthew, followed in February 1979. Colin Hogg joined the family in 2011, and resided with Ruth Ann, whom he affectionately referred to as Rudie, and Ray through his high school and college years, and was firmly ingrained in her heart as one of her own.

Ruth Ann stayed at home once her children were born, although "stayed at home" is a far cry from what she truly did. Ruth Ann was volunteer extraordinaire, serving as room parent, PTA president, dance mom, baseball mom, emergency foster care provider to children in crisis, professional cake decorator and everything in between. She was the ultimate cheerleader for her children and their endeavors, and lover of all things family. She cherished time with her husband and children, as well as her extended family, and loved nothing more than a house full of family and friends sharing a meal, celebrating holidays, and spending time together.

Ruth Ann was a 40 year member of Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church, where she served as Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Leader, a Stephen's Minister, was a founding member of the Lamplighters and served on countless committees. Ruth Ann could always be found in the church kitchen, preparing food for after church fellowship, for Wednesday dinners, for celebrations, for times of mourning and for outreach to those in need. She was an honorary lifetime member of the Presbyterian Women, an honor bestowed on her in 2004.

While Ray, Jennifer and Matt thought they had seen and experienced the depths of Ruth Ann's love, they realized that it ran far deeper when her grandchildren were born, as she adored them with a love like no other. Logan, Tanner, Peyton and Jordan were truly the light of her life. She relished in spending time with them, watching them grow, being a caregiver for them and never missing any opportunity to let them know just how much they were loved. Loving and caring for others was a theme in Ruth Ann's life, and she did so humbly and without any desire for recognition. She valued relationships, was a loyal friend and was always the first to volunteer when there was a need to be filled. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and was not afraid to sneak in some of her wit when the situation warranted.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Louise Ayers; and her brother Joseph "Joe" Ayers. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ray; her daughter, Jennifer Albertson, and her children, Logan (18) and Tanner (16); and her son, Matthew, and his wife, Vickie, and their children, Peyton (nine) and Jordan (six); as well as Colin Hogg.

Ruth Ann is also survived by her sister, Linda Anderson, and her husband Jack; and her sister-in-law, Jo Rita Ayers. She never took for granted time spent with her siblings and their spouses, particularly in recent years, and looked forward to lunches and regular visits from her sister for games of Scrabble and puzzles. Ruth Ann also leaves behind her nephew, Daniel, and his wife Kerry, and their children Weston and Adeline; as well as her oldest nephew, BJ; as in addition to a host of other extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church, located at 7000 Park Ave., on Wednesday, March 8 at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply take the time to let those around you know that they are loved and cared for. Make the phone call, take the time to visit, extend grace and show the unconditional love that Ruth Ann did throughout her life.