Published: May 12, 2008 07:04 pm            

Ruth Sutphin Christie

BURLINGTON, N.C. — Ruth Sutphin Christie, 82, of Burlington, N.C., passed away Friday, May 9, 2008. She was the recent widow of her husband of 63 years, Rev. Harry B. Christie. Born in Flat Rock, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Conce and Maude Sutphin.

A graduate of Flat Rock High School, Ruth worked in a number of administrative positions in Washington, D.C. and Virginia including service in the U.S. government during WWII. During her life Ruth was also co-owner of a florist business and other businesses.

Ruth worked alongside and supported her husband through four pastorships in Virginia and West Virginia. She participated in mission trips to Mexico and Oklahoma and was active in church activities. She played a major leadership role in the establishment of Tender Mercies Ministries, Inc., a food pantry serving 1,300 people each month in Mercer County, W.Va. She was also active in the Bluestone Garden Club.

In 1995 she and her husband Harry received a West Virginian of the Year award from Governor Gaston Caperton.

Mrs. Christie is survived by her children Harry Christie III and wife Vivian of Franklin, Va.; Gary Frederick Christie and wife Frances of Lynchburg, Va.; Joya Schmidt and husband Bill of Douglasville, Ga., and Dan Christie and wife Sarah Beth of Mebane, N.C. Her surviving sisters include: Thelma Howard of Charlottesville, Va.; Ada Karnes of Roanoke, Va.; and Jimison Adkins of Morganton, N.C. She was especially proud of her grandchildren, David Foley Jr. of Maryland, Charles Foley of South Carolina, Jonathan Foley of South Carolina, Daniel Christie of Kansas, Ericka Christie of North Carolina, Catherine Martinette of Virginia and great-grandchildren Seth, Steven and Brittany.

A memorial service will be held at the Village at Brookwood in Burlington, N.C., (www.villageatbrookwood.com) on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. in the Gathering Place.

In lieu of flowers contributions can b e made to Tender Mercies Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 669, Princeton, West Virginia 24740.

Information submitted by Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton.

        

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