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Legacy of Love Ruth Ernestine Hester was born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, to John and Elsie Ellis on March 1, 1942. She was the oldest of four children. In her youth, she was baptized and joined Finney Wood Baptist Church. She received her education in the Mecklenburg County Public Schools system and graduated from West End High School in 1960. After graduating, Ruth was employed with Jon Bil and Hampco apparel company in her hometown of Chase City, Virginia, before relocating to Richmond, Virginia, to seek greater employment opportunities. In November 1961, she married the love of her life Woodrow J. Hester of Clarksville, Virginia. Ruth and Woodrow shared the next 52 years of their life fostering a loving, fun, positive, hardworking, and spiritual environment for their two lovely children, Anthony D. Hester and Tonya M. Hester. Ruth was so proud of her children and how they emulated all the life teachings she had instilled in them. Anthony served our country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and earned a degree that inspired his desire to continue his study and become a Doctoral candidate. Tonya was her baby girl she could teach about fashion, sewing, cooking, and standing up for what’s right. After college and obtaining multiple certifications Tonya has continued to bring justice for over 30 years by serving our community daily in her career with the government. Upon moving to Richmond, Ruth joined the Good Shepherd Baptist Church family, where she found her church home and became an active member. She also landed a job with Western Electric before moving on to Reynolds Metals (currently Alcoa), where she worked for 14 years before retiring in 2003 as a Computer Operator. After she retired from Alcoa, She found a way to give back to the next generation by working as a substitute teacher for elementary school students for several years before deciding to retire from the workforce altogether. She was deeply committed to traditional schooling and the value of lifelong learning. Retirement didn’t slow her down; she started educating others on some of her favorite types of art, crocheting, needlepoint, and sewing, an outlet to pursue her artistic goals and aspirations. Ruth was passionate about many things, including her faith, crafts, gardening, canning, cooking, and last but certainly not least, her drive for education and continuous improvement. While in college, she graduated at the top of her college class, Summa Cum Laude. She always joked that even with a huge accomplishment under her belt, she always said it was more like “Thank you, Lordy!” In 1990, Ruth became a grandmother to her favorite grandbaby Paris M. Hester. They enjoyed spending time in the kitchen together, whether eating or cooking. She shared some of her best and favorite recipes with Paris, like coconut pies, potato salad, and deviled eggs, to name a few. They also shared a love for arts and crafts and spent some time latch-hooking together. Ruth was always so proud of Paris, especially when she gave her life to Christ and graduated from college. Who knew she would gain a granddaughter and a personal technology instructor to help her master new skills. Those around her knew Ruth to be someone who genuinely looked out for their best interests. In addition, she was always willing to help numerous charities by giving. She always felt assisting others in their time of need would be a great blessing during her life’s journey. She leaves to cherish her extraordinary life to her two caring children, Anthony D. Hester and Tonya M. Hester; a loving granddaughter, Paris M. Hester; siblings, Erma Dodson and Michael Ellis; a sister-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and a world of friends.

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Ruth E. Hester

March 1, 1942 - January 23, 2023