Ruth Elizabeth Dean, of Elkton, Virginia, went to be with our Lord on June 3, 2024. Born on June 1, 1930 in Elkton, VA. She was the daughter of Archie Wilbur Samuels and Mary Emma Hitt.

Surviving are two daughters; Judy E. Dean of Sun City Center, FL, Brenda Dean Smith and husband, Marvin of Huddleston, VA, and a son, Gary L. Dean and his wife, Cindy of Elkton, VA. Four grandchildren; Monica Shaver, Melanie and husband, Colby Breeden, Shari and husband, Josh Hughes, and Daniel Dean and wife, Tiffany. Seven great-grandchildren; Logan Lamb, Dylan Shaver, Braxton Dean, Addilynn Dean, Autumn and husband, Austin Price, Tyler Alt and wife Kaygen and Hannah Monger. Four great-great-grandchildren; Aspen Price, Ariya Price, Aries Price and Hazel Alt.

She was preceded in death by her husband Claude L. Dean and three brothers; Owen Samuels, Ray Samuels and Elvin Samuels.

She resided in Elkton, VA. During her lifetime she worked at the peach factory in Timberville, VA which was located next to the German POW camp. Her and her cousin (Marie) would sing hymns while on their lunch break to the prisoners. She also worked at the Elkton Garment Factory in Elkton, VA as a Surger and would use a surging machine making flannel gowns.

She was also quite the marksman. One Sunday, she asked her children if they would like chicken for dinner and picked up her husband’s gun with a scope. She shot the chicken out the screen door and made sure the children had chicken for dinner.

After retirement, she enjoyed many weeks at Smith Mountain Lake with her children, grandchildren and many trips to Florida with her daughter. She loved watching the birds and ducks and discovering the different species/types in Florida. She also enjoyed sewing, playing the spoons and French harmonica. Her greatest love was first her faith in God and second cooking for her family and friends. To know her was to love her. She brought joy to everyone’s life that she touched.

She was a member of the Shenandoah Assembly of God church in Shenandoah, VA.

Friends and relatives gather to celebrate Ruth’s life at Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton, June 6, 2024, at 12 p.m.

In leu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shenandoah Assembly of God church.

Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Carter Dean at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton, VA on Thursday June 6, 2024, at 1 p.m.

There will be a private graveside service at the Elk Run Cemetery for family only.

Condolences may be shared at www.kygers.com