Ruth Ann (Bowyer) Treadway

Ruth Ann Treadway

      Ruth Treadway, 74, of Maple Fork Road, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020 following a long illness. She was the second child born to Ulia and Luther Bowyer, on December 27, 1945.

     Ruth spent most of her life on Maple Fork. There were many happy days with her 3 sisters, 2 brothers, and friends growing up on "The Fork".  She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1963.  On January 16th of the following year, Ruth married the love of her life, Steve Treadway.  Their romance was cut short way too soon when Steve died in a mining accident, but the years they had together were full of love and laughter...the kind that would last her entire life... and they were blessed with a son, Steven Ryan.  Ruth was a doting mother, seemingly having a portrait made of Steve with every new outfit, being a homeroom mother when he was young, and chaperoning class trips when he was older.  The two of them were pretty much inseparable and each other's world.  Ruth was an intelligent and determined woman.  Despite many health issues, she went back to school, graduating from Concord College and West Virginia University with a Master's Degree in Social Work.  She loved helping and talking with the patients at Raleigh General Hospital, where she worked for many years.  Truthfully, Ruth loved talking to everyone she met...and boy, could she talk!

     Everyone knew Ruth for being late wherever she went, for loving to shop and finding a bargain, and for her kindness, her interest and genuine caring for others, her generosity, and her infectious laugh.  She had a joyful laugh that could not be muffled.  It would blurt out and catch you off-guard then brighten the entire room.  Ruth was lifelong member of the Maple Valley Baptist Church.  She loved to travel when she got the chance, but her greatest happiness came when she was with all of her family and friends.  And when her four grandchildren came along, the sun rose and set in each one of them for Ruth.  They will remember how she was so attentive to each one of them, truthful but loving, a constant in their lives, wanting to see everything they did, going to the movies and weekly family dinners, fun-filled summer vacations, catering to each of them, whether it was taking them to lessons, listening to them talk endlessly about subjects in which they were interested, or tracing their face with her finger as they lay their head in her lap, being calmed by her loving touch.  She would show up and their world would be brighter and better.  She has left a beautiful legacy behind in all the people whose life she touched.

     Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents and husband.  Those left to cherish wonderful memories of her include her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Becky, and their children, Madison, along with her husband, Austin Willis, Steven, Kendall, and Charlie Treadway, her sisters and brothers, Janice Blankenship, Nancy Moss, Kenny (Sandy) Bowyer, Pete (Tammy) Bowyer, and Debbie (Joe) Voloski, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

     A memorial service for Ruth will be held at 1:00 on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at Maple Valley Baptist Church, with Pastor Brad Williams, officiating.  Visitation will begin at 11:00.  Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a donation in Ruth's name to Bower's Hospice House.

     To adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, the church requires that all attendees remain in the main sanctuary (or bathroom) at all times and, regretfully, young children must be discouraged from attending.  The family wants everyone who wishes to be there with us to feel safe and comfortable.  We totally understand if you choose to wear masks and gloves and maintain social distancing.  We will take our cue from you as to whether we bear-hug or air-hug.  No matter if you decide to remember Ruth with us or from afar, her family truly appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers.

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