Mildred “Ruth” Joy passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at the age of 98. Ruth was preceded in death by her dear husband, Merlyn, to whom she was married for 49 years.

Ruth is survived by her son Michael, his wife Deborah, their three children Adam, Christopher and Patrick; by her son Richard and his wife Audrey; and by her sister Jean McCue.

Ruth was born in Johnstown, PA, the third of six girls. Her favorite childhood memories are of "traipsing" through the woods and helping out at the family grocery store. Shortly after turning 21, Ruth decided it was time to broaden her horizons. She began by moving to Washington, D.C. to work in the Pentagon during WWII. Following the War she traveled to Germany as part of the Allied reconstruction effort. While there Ruth took every opportunity to travel throughout Europe. Photos taken at the time show her lounging on the Riviera and biking through Paris. She also managed to travel to Cuba with several adventurous friends. Ruth was a devoted wife and mother, always putting the needs of her family ahead of her own. Ruth always looked for ways to make life better for others. While living in Maryland she regularly visited nursing homes, “adopting” residents with no family, and writing weekly newsletters featuring their biographies. Ruth often said she and Merlyn could not have found a better place to live than Amherst, VA. They had a wide circle of great friends and enjoyed contributing their time in service to the community. Ruth was a very active member of the Amherst Presbyterian Church before moving to Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg. Ruth’s family and friends will miss her greatly.

Ruth’s funeral service will be held at 1:00, Monday, June 10, 2019 in Amherst Cemetery. Friends and family will gather to visit beginning at 12 Noon at Driskill Funeral Chapel

Memorials may be made to Amherst Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 809, Amherst, VA 24521

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