from high school.
Oftentimes, an obituary highlights an individual’s life. However, in Ruth Craig’s case, the writer felt she needed more than just the highlights since she touched so many lives with her generous, humble, loving, kind, faithful, and selfless acts during the years. Folks would stop by the store to not only catch up on current events, inquire about Virginia, to pick up staples, share good conversation, have a smile, and most notably grab her famous whopping thick bologna and Longhorn cheese sandwiches. Those sandwiches were such an affordable price too. Individuals from far and wide awaited the phone call from Ruth telling them that “the salt fish are here.”
Ruth was baptized and confirmed by Rev. Kuhlman. She carried her deep faith from an early age, and those knowing her would agree that her smile, giving spirit, and thousands of good deeds done in a humble and quiet manner were part of her character. She was known for her annual cruellers, handmade especially for the St. John Shrove Tuesday suppers. Ruth was very active in her church life, engaging in various offices of the council both locally and at the parish level, motoring to the women’s Potomac Conference, and Bible Studies. She was a Christian role model for the youth as she took on the role of Sunday School teacher for many years. She embodied God’s endless love to all she met. As bishop Riegel of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Lutheran Synod stated, “She has been one of the giants of faith in this valley. She will be greatly missed by her congregation and parish. We are gladdened that she is dancing in eternity with our Lord, and that she will be such a special angel to all of us.”
Displayed at the store where Ruth operated the long-standing family owned Sinnett Lane Grocery in Moyers was an orchid given to her by her aunt, Elaine. It blooms profusely during and beyond the deer season. Ruth loved flowers. Other hobbies were knitting, macrame, and reading. She especially loved reading a book. She took on a chair caning class to re-cane the chairs in the store. She even taught her brother, Eston, to follow the art. The progression of caning, weaving and re-weaving chairs from the two of them encompassed all the chairs the family owned.
Ruth was immensely proud of her hair which was worn in a bun, but when let loose, cascaded down towards the bends of her knees.
She was a dedicated fan of the “Redskins” and had a great passion for football. She always and eagerly attended her grandsons, Noah and Jarod Nelson’s, football games. Sitting in the stands, even on a cold blistery night, one would find Ruth sporting her Wildcat sweatshirt and Wildcat throw. It was rare that she missed a game locally or away. Actually, by all accounts, Ruth was a very “family” person. She took care of her mother, and it was rare that one was seen without the other.
Ruth was taught to drive by both her parents, Dillon and Virginia. Dillon would tell her that she was driving too close to the middle, and Virginia would tell her that she was driving too close to the edge. Ruth commented that it was a wonder she didn’t quit driving. Dillon noted that as time went on, she could easily challenge any race car driver, so he thought she listened more to her mother’s driving advice.
Yes, to say the least, Ruth will be missed. She loved all the “old” hymns, but perhaps this one sums up her commitment to life:
“I trust in God, no matter come what may, For life eternal is in His hand. He holds the key that opens up the way, that will lead me to the promised land. Each step I take I know that He will guide me; To higher ground He ever leads me on. Until some day the last step will be taken. Each step I take leads me closer home.”
To the family of Ruth, condolences of comfort are requested during this difficult time.
Life’s little instructions to change the world include the following:
- Pick up a piece of trash.
- Teach children respect.
- Push the chair in when leaving the table.
- Let someone into one’s lane
- Hold the door open for the person behind one.
The Strawberry Moon falls on June 11. The term “Strawberry Moon” has nothing to do with color. Instead, it comes from the traditional name given to June’s full moon, as it historically marked the start of the strawberry harvest in parts of North America.
More than an inch of rain fell this past weekend. Streams were muddy in color as it carried more silt down the river.
Quotes for the week are as follows:
“Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.” — George Eliot
“June is a love song written by nature.” — Patience Strong
“Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.” — Nelson Mandela
“Take a little time out of your busy day to give encouragement to someone who’s lost their way.” — Diana Ross
“If you’re given gifts or blessings in your life, it’s up to you to help the guy coming up behind you.” — Jimmy Smits
Sitting under a shade tree is the best place to hear the “Talk of the Grove.”
Several kind volunteers have been busy cleaning up cemeteries in the Dry Run area. The St. Luke Lutheran Church lot has had a complete brush hog clean up, also. Thanks to these hardy folks who tend to mark this on their annual calendars. Who will “step up to the plate” to continue this endeavor once these folk are hardly able?
Despite the inclement weather, a sizeable crowd motored to the Old Propst Lutheran Church for the historical society’s summer meeting. The presentation of the history surrounding the Old Propst Church was given by the writer. Refreshments followed with intermingling conversations taking place.
“Pidge” and Charles Anderson very much enjoyed a Sunday afternoon visit from Bill and Diana Pennybacker.
This week’s clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
- Lobsters have blue blood.
- There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on the earth.
- The oldest continuous sporting event in the United States is the Kentucky Derby.
- Including its territories, France has 12 time zones, the most of any other country.
- It takes roughly 540 peanuts to make a jar of peanut butter.
Concerns are for the following: Bob Adamson, the Bonnie Anderson family, Charles Anderson, John Ashley, Roger Ashley, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, Allen Beachler, Liz and Mick Bodkin, “Bo” Boggs, Joyce Calhoun, Marie Cole, the Ruth Craig family, Stanley Dahmer, Jennifer Errett, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, David Gillispie, Patsy Green, JC Hammer, the Marla Zelene Harman family, Sharon Harr, Steve and Armanda Heavener, Hannah Hedrick, Jack and Starr Hedrick, Chuck and Tracy Hiett, Jim Hiner, Evan Hise, Tim Hively, Henry Hodges, Edsel and Mary Ann Hogan, Julia Homan, Keith Hoover, Olin Hoover, Debbie Horst, Linda Jones, Richard Judy, Marsha Keller, Tara Kelley, Tom and Kim Kline, Tracie Knight, Laura Kropp, Melissa Lambert, Robert Lambert, Rex Landis, Donna Mallow, Roger and Skip Mallow, Audree Marsh, Anna Mauzy, Ed May, Gene and Joan McConnell, Gary McDonald, Neil McLaughlin, Rose Miller, Bruce Minor, Tom Mitchell, Barbara Moats, Gloria Moats, Jim Moats, Helen Nash, Aaron Nelson, Dwight Nelson, Ruth Nelson, Cheryle Paine, Terri Parker, Andy Pond, Janice Propst, Alda Propst, Janis Propst, Marilyn Propst, Mike Propst, Sheldon Propst, Virginia Propst, Eldon “Butch” Puffenbarger, Tom Rader, Willard Rader, Brandon Reel, Jason Rexrode, Jimmy Rexrode, Linda Fay Rexrode, Bernie Sasscer, Annie Simmons, Erin Simmons, Eva Simmons, Greg Simmons, Judy Simmons, Nelson Simmons, Robbie Sites, Mike Skiles, Ed and Carolyn Smith, Natalie Stephenson, Tina Stuben, Steve Stump, Linda and Larry Vandevander, Sandra Vandevander, Amy Vaus, Estelle and Don Wagner, Mary Louise Waldschlager, Amby Waybright, Jr., Mike Waybright, Rene White, Sherry Wilfong, Judy Williams and Ann and Ed Wimer.
