Ruth Evelyn Barnhart Flora

Ruth Evelyn Barnhart Flora, born July 14, 1927, went to be with our Lord Wednesday, February 2, 2022.  She was 94 years old.  She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Bennie Flora; daughter and son-in-law, Evelyn and Don Skeen; parents, Elbert and Minnie Barnhart; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Earson Huffman; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Lois Ruth Evelyn Barnhart Flora, born July 14, 1927, went to be with our Lord Wednesday, February 2, 2022. She was 94 years old. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Bennie Flora; daughter and son-in-law, Evelyn and Don Skeen; parents, Elbert and Minnie Barnhart; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Earson Huffman; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Lois Barnhart; brothers-in-law Goggin Jamison and Spurgeon Boitnott; in-laws Lloyd Flora, Reba Flora, Polly Flora, Alvin and Eloise Flora, Curtis and Elene Sink, Pat and Marlyn Sink. Remaining to remember this gentle and loving woman: daughters: Renae (Roger) McBride, Kathy Carter, Donna (HD) Woody, Angela (Bill) Corn; grandchildren: Steven (Jennifer) McBride, Ben (Kristen) McBride, Christina (Travis) Nowlin, Justin Carter, Kim (Patrick) Kirtner, Jenny (Bill) John, Kristin Skeen (Chris Quick), Dallas (Jessica) Woody, Stephanie (Adam) Wallis, Brittany Corn, Aaron Corn, Jessica Corn, and 22 great-grandchildren; sister Mildred Boitnott; brothers Carl (Mary Sue) Barnhart and Arthur (Barbara) Barnhart; many nieces and nephews; in-laws Charles and Inez Flora; and her friend of many years, Richard Flora. Mom never met a stranger and she was loved by many people.; brothers-in-law Goggin Jamison and Spurgeon Boitnott; in-laws Lloyd Flora, Reba Flora, Polly Flora, Alvin and Eloise Flora, Curtis and Elene Sink, Pat and Marlyn Sink.  Remaining to remember this gentle and loving woman: daughters: Renae (Roger) McBride, Kathy Carter, Donna (HD) Woody, Angela (Bill) Corn; grandchildren: Steven (Jennifer) McBride, Ben (Kristen) McBride, Christina (Travis) Nowlin, Justin Carter, Kim (Patrick) Kirtner, Jenny (Bill) John, Kristin Skeen (Chris Quick), Dallas (Jessica) Woody, Stephanie (Adam) Wallis, Brittany Corn, Aaron Corn, Jessica Corn,  and 22 great-grandchildren; sister Mildred Boitnott; brothers Carl (Mary Sue) Barnhart and Arthur (Barbara) Barnhart; many nieces and nephews; in-laws Charles and Inez Flora; and her friend of many years, Richard Flora. Mom never met a stranger and she was loved by many people.

Mom grew up on a farm and was active in 4-H and her church.  She worked by Dad’s side on their poultry farm, raising a big garden, and raising their 5 daughters.  As an adult she continued to be very active in her church: youth leader, Sunday school and Bible school teacher, church clerk, women’s fellowship (where she helped quilt many beautiful quilts).  She was active in the local Home Makers Association.  When she and dad retired they became avid bowlers (she was really good) and they enjoyed that time with other retired friends.  For many, many years she and dad donated blood platelets on a regular basis. She really enjoyed water aerobics with her friends at the YMCA until she was 90 years old.  She and her daughters enjoyed many “sister trips” together where they bonded with lots of laughter, love, and games.  They are precious times we will always treasure.

Mom had a beautiful smile and was loving, kind, and concerned for all.  She was a wonderful mother who loved the Lord and lived her faith every day. Her funeral service will be at Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren on Sunday, February 6, at 2:00, with visitation 1 hour before the service. We request masks be worn.  Interment will immediately follow at Franklin Memorial Park. We greatly appreciate the love and care provided for Mom by many people during the last years of her life.  A special thanks to Bonnie Harlow.  Memorial gifts can be sent to Germantown COB, 2363 Brick Church Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.