Ruth Boyce Loudermilk

Ruth Boyce Loudermilk, 97, passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at the Oak Ridge Center in Charleston. She was born October 9, 1916, in Washington, D.C., the only child of Lloyd Maury Creggar and Ellrica May Akers Creggar. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C., and attended George Washington University. She married Lloyd Griffith Loudermilk on October 25, 1940, and they both worked for the Federal Government. Lloyd served 37 years with the Home Loan Bank Board as a CPA and Ruth with the Department of State, placing foreign service personnel. In 1954 they moved to Falls Church, Va., where they made their home a gathering place for neighbors and friends. They had no children but were both fond of animals and were avid bird watchers. They were never without at least one dog and a cat. When Ruth retired from government service she received the following certificate which demonstrates the effectiveness of her work: To Ruth B. Loudermilk: On the occasion of your retirement from the Department of State it is my privilege to express to you the appreciation of the Government of the United States for the Loyal and Meritorious Service which you have rendered your country. In your career of 25 years devoted to the interests of the American people you have earned the gratitude and respect of your Government. Done in the city of Washington this 9th day of February it the year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Sixty-eight." This certificate was signed by Dean Rusk, Secretary of State. After moving from Falls Church, Va., to Charleston in 2003, Ruth became a member of Charleston Baptist Temple, where she was a regular attendant at worship services, a member of the Betty Killian Circle of American Baptist Womens Ministries and the Pairs and Spares group for seniors. Her home in Woodbridge was adorned with many of her own paintings as well as the work of other artists. She was a collector of dolls, often restoring "collector's item" dolls and making clothing and accessories consistent with their histories. In addition to being an accomplished seamstress, she was proficient in knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and ceramics. These hobbies, as well as playing the organ, were curtailed when she developed arthritis in her hands. In July 2006 she suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side and she had been a resident of the Oak Ridge Center since that time. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd G. Loudermilk; and brother-in-law, Donald M. Loudermilk, a native of Huntington. She is survived by three cousins, Mrs. Carole Nearing of Ocala, Fla., Mrs. Irene Goodykoontz of Radford, Va., and Mrs. Patty Carlson of Alexandria, Va.; sister-in-law of Charleston; and lifelong friend, Mrs. Edna White of Park City, Utah. Also surviving are five nephews, one niece and their families. Visitation will held Friday, January 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home. The interment will be in National Memorial Park on Lee Highway, Falls Church, Va. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Charleston Baptist Temple Flower Fund, 209 Morris St., Charleston, WV 25301.