Ruth Garner Gafford Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ruth Garner Gafford, 94, died in her home in Virginia Beach on July 8, 2022, with her loving grandchildren, Cheri and Brian, by her side. She was a native of Alleghany County, Virginia. Ruth was predeceased by her late husband, Horton Eugene Gafford, CMD, USCG Ret. and her daughter, Linda Curry. She was retired from the administrative offices of the Portsmouth Public School system. Ruth is survived by her brother, Bert Chittum. She will be dearly missed by her devoted grandchildren, Chris Keel (Amy), Cheri Seery (Scott), Brian Keel (Debbie), Chelsea Garner-Ferris (Nick), and her son-in-law Wayne Curry. Her memory will be forever cherished by her great-grandchildren Hailey, Kelsey, Reagan, Lincoln, Ashleigh, Jenna and Riley, and her great-great-grandchildren Evie and Ace. She is also survived by her stepsons, Tut Garner (Robin), William Gafford, Michael Gafford (Ida), Dennis Gafford and John Gafford, as well as numerous Gafford grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over the years, Ruth enjoyed reading, shopping, travelling and spending time in the mountains. She was known as “Grandma” to everyone she met, and her greatest joy was spending time with and talking to her grandchildren. Sunday evenings where the highlight of her week when she would Facetime her great-granddaughters. Her iPad was the best gift she ever received as she would spend hours looking at pictures and videos of her family. First Colonial Inn was Ruth’s home for the past four years. She loved the staff like family and would often say how blessed she was to be surrounded by such caring people. Ruth’s family will be forever grateful for the love they witnessed in her final days and the exceptional care she always received. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Kempsville Baptist Church, 5204 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., with the funeral service immediately following at 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Boys Home of Virginia, 414 Boys Home Road, Covington, VA 24426, or the Associates Appreciation Fund, 845 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (benefitting employees at First Colonial Inn).