Ruth Naomi Whiteman

Ruth Naomi Whiteman, of Romney, passed away July 14, 2019, at home surrounded by her family.
She was born Dec. 26, 1926, to George Preston Hill and Sophia Sallae Hill, in Hillsboro.
Ruth was a 1945 graduate of Hillsboro High School, in Hillsboro, and was honored as Lady of the Golden Horseshoe in eighth grade. She earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from West Virginia University in 1949 and her master’s degree in home economics education from WVU in 1952.
While attending WVU, she served on the Mountainlair Board of Governors, was very active in the Wesley Foundation and was a member of Mortar Board. She was an avid WVU sports fan all her life. She was county extension agent in Greenbrier County for a short time. Ruth then taught in the public schools of Ohio and West Virginia for over 28 years, finishing her teaching career at Hampshire High School, in Hampshire County. She was active in the West Virginia Retired School Teacher’s Association for over 20 years.
Ruth was very active in West Virginia 4-H activities as a youth earing her Charting Pin. She was a 4-H Club leader for over 12 years in Hampshire County and a 4-H All-star.
As a child, Ruth learned to love the Lord at the Wesley Chapel United Methodist, in Hillsboro. In college at WVU, she was very active in the activities of the Wesley Foundation in Morgantown, where she met the love of her life, Charles Richard “Dick” Whiteman, of New Martinsville. Ruth and Dick were married on Sept. 3, 1951, in Hillsboro; they were married for 56 years.
After moving to Romney in 1960, Ruth was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Romney until her passing. She served as president of the United Methodist Women for many years. She taught Sunday School and was on multiple committees in the church for countless years.
Ruth had a unique personality. If she liked you, you knew it (probably). She was very direct and had little time for meaningless conversation. She was a “to the point” person with a very giving, generous and caring heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Preston Hill and Sophia Morrison Hill; her husband, Charles Richard “Dick” Whiteman; and her three brothers, Clinton Hill, Lawson Merrell Hill and Charles Wilkline Hill.
She is survived by her two children, Ruth Ann Vandevender and husband, John, of Smoot, and Charles Richard “Chuck” Whiteman and wife, Pamela, of Morgantown. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Anna Wright, Madeline Vandevender, Emily Vandevender, Preston Whiteman and Nicholas Whiteman.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks to all the friends, neighbors and church members who have supported Ruth the last 12 years, after the passing of her husband, Dick, allowing her to stay in her home, the only place she ever wanted to live. We can never repay you for the so many acts of kindness you all have done; words are not enough.
A celebration of life for Ruth will be held at Shaffer Funeral Home, in Romney, at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 18, with friends being received at 10 a.m. The family will host guests for lunch at The Main Street Grill, 111 Heritage Circle, Romney, immediately following the service. Honoring her wishes, Ruth’s ashes will be buried with those of her husband Dick, in a private ceremony at Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillsboro, at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Burlington United Methodist Family Services Group Home, 120 Hope Lane, P.O. Box 69, Burlington, WV 26710. Ruth was a steadfast supporter of this agency.