Ruth Helms Payne, 98, of Blacksburg, joined her beloved husband Charles D. Payne Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 at her home. She was born in Blacksburg, VA, on May 9, 1920 to the late Howard Grant and Virginia Strickler Helms. She was also preceded in death by her brother Harley Helms, and her sister, Helen Compton.
Surviving are a daughter Nancy Payne Curtis, son in law Mark Curtis, grandson Sky Charles Curtis and sister Martha Helms. In addition she leaves behind nieces and nephews, Mary Page Payne Compton, Jim Payne, and D. Compton, Great nieces and nephews Sarah Casto, Ryan Burrowbridge, Adam Burrowbridge, Alan Compton and Lorie Walker as well as many others.
Ruth retired from the Radford Arsenal after years of government service and was a life-long member of the Blacksburg Christian Church where she and Charles founded the Youth Group. Ruth served in the Blacksburg Fire Department Auxiliary. She held several positions after retirement, but was happiest in her role as grandmother. Known for her baking and her flowers, Ruth loved taking care of others, cooking and baking for her family and friends and making the world a prettier place to live.
Funeral services were held Dec. 28, 2018 at the Blacksburg Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Rev. Gary McCoy officiating. Interment followed in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg. The family received friends on December 27 at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department, Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and/or the Blacksburg Christian Church youth program.
