Virginia "Ruth" Crabtree

1940 - 2022

Virginia "Ruth" Crabtree, 81, of Lynchburg, passed away Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Jan. 12, 1940, in Scioto County, daughter of the late Vernon W. and Ruby Cox Crabtree.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 61 years, Richard Crabtree.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Charles "Chip" Crabtree; grandson, Garrett Crabtree; and a sister, Bernice Shaffer.

Probably the easiest way to describe Ruth is to list all the things she didn't do. She was constantly busy and on the move. Ruth was the co-founder and assistant director of the Because He Lives Food Pantry in Lynchburg. She and her husband, Richard, square danced and taught square dancing for 40-plus years and were announcers at the former Brown County Speedway. She worked for the West Union Police Department, was an Adams County dispatcher and was a court reporter for C103, to name a few of her careers. Ruth never met a stranger and could make anyone laugh. Most importantly, she adored her family and was very proud of being a great-grandmother.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Richard W. (Jennie) Crabtree and Mary Ann (Luke) Williams; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; siblings, Kathy Dickson, Ricky A. Crabtree and Shirley (Billy) Shepard; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 at Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home, 216 W. Mulberry St., West Union. Pastors David Myers and David Acree will officiate. Burial will follow at Sugar Tree Ridge Cemetery. After the burial, everyone is invited back to Lynchburg-Clay Middle School's cafeteria for further fellowship and dinner.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the funeral home to aid in final costs.

Sign her online tribute wall at www.meekerfuneralhomes.com.