Ruth Ray Obituary

Ruth Ann Ray

January 11, 2025

GATE CITY, VA - Ruth Ann Ray, age 84 of Gate City, VA passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN. She is reunited with the love of her life, Donald Wayne Ray and in the arms of our Lord. She was born in Norton, VA to the late Lonnie Jones and Nannie Osborne Jones. Upon graduating high school, Ruth Ann began her long career with the telephone company. She started out as an operator for C&P in Norton, VA. She worked her way up through the ranks and became a Business Office Supervisor. She was transferred to Roanoke, VA where she was promoted to Directory Assistance Operator Supervisor and Team Leader. She finished out her career after 30+ years with Bell Atlantic before retiring to Gate City, VA with her husband Don. She loved to work outside growing roses, tomatoes, flowers and feeding the birds. She also enjoyed spending time with family and attended Davis Chapel Church.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Wayne Ray; parents, Lonnie Jones and Nannie Osborne Jones; brothers, Casey, Hubert, Kenneth, Carl B. and Curtis Jones; sister-in-law, Janice Jones; nephews, Johnny and James Jones; daughter-in-law, Teresa Ray.

She is survived by her sons, Gregory Ray (Rhonda) and Donnie Ray; grandchildren, Gregory Ray Jr. (Sarah Love), Savannah Ray, Courtney Derrick (Justin), Tyler Lumpkins (Tonisha), Tyler Ray, Chelsie Darnell and Kaylie Vance; great-grandchildren, Carson Derrick, Piper Lumpkins, Anna Lumpkins, Saphira Lumpkins, Tora Lumpkins, Hunter Reed and Benjamin Flanary; brother, David Jones; nephews, David Jones Jr and Clint Jones; nieces, Teresa Whitt (Jamie), Becky Dunn, Tamara Tinsley and Melissa Jones; great-nephews, David Jones III, Matt Jones and Hayden Jones.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Colonial Funeral Home in Weber City, VA. Funeral service will begin at 7 PM with Rev. Bill Porter officiating.

Graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Holston View Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 2 PM to go in procession to the cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Holston Valley Emergency Room staff and 5th floor ICU staff.

Online condolences may be made to the Ray family by visiting our website at www.colonialfhscott.com

COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, Weber City, VA is honored to serve the family of Ruth Ann Ray.