Ruth Aileen Walker, 103 years young, of Shady Spring, West Virginia, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Ruth was born on March 03, 1922 in Mead, West Virginia, a daughter of the late John Calvin and Martha Ann Elizabeth Reed. She married the love of her life, Harold Alexander Walker on May 25, 1940 in Beckley WV. Ruth was a beautiful soul, who always loved to sing and whistle. Ruth was an avid reader, loved puzzles, and above all spending time with her enormous family. Ruth was an elementary school teacher for 25 years with the Raleigh County Board of Education serving at numerous schools, and touching the lives and hearts of many students who absolutely adored her. Ruth was a graduate of Egeria, High School class of 1940, and later obtained her bachelors of education at Concord University class of 1969.

In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years Harold Alexander Walker, one granddaughter Amy Sue Ford, one great-granddaughter Catlyn Elizabeth Adams, and eight siblings.

Those left to cherish her memories are her six children, Joyce Delight Mize(Benny James) of Daniels, WV, Harold Anthony Walker( Donna) of Greensboro, NC, Melanie Ruth Ford(Alfred) of Shady Spring, WV, Cynthia Marietta Judy of Louisville, KY, Harriet Anita Walker(Karl Horne) of Washington, DC, and Harry Steven Walker(Galena) of Jonesborough, TN, 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will all miss Ruth dearly.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff at Hospice of Southern WV, and to her loving caregivers Teresa Morgan, and Roxanne Cresce.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center who are honored to serve the Walker family during this difficult time. To offer words of comfort or a condolence please visit Ruth's tribute page. A celebration of Ruth's life will be announced by the family at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that if you feel led please make a memorial donation to Hospice of Southern WV in Ruth's memory.