Ruth Smith Greer

Ruth Smith Greer, age 90 passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023 at her home. The Lord called His devoted servant Ruth Greer to her heavenly home on Thanksgiving evening.  She passed peacefully after a brief illness and was surrounded by her family. A native of Saltville, VA, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Rex L.O. Greer; her parents, Alfred and Annie Smith, as well as three brothers and two sisters.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Gina Greer of New York City, and Lesa Greer Keyes of Marion, VA; son, Rex L.O. Greer II and wife, Amy Trotman of Weddington, NC; two grandsons, Rex L.O. Greer III and John Thomas “JT” Greer; brother, Clarence F. “Con” Smith and wife, Patty of Bristol, and many nieces and nephews.

Known far and wide as a joyful woman of great faith and many talents, Ruth blessed all who came in contact with her whether working the election polls or hosting a yard sale. She loved people and wanted to serve others. She and Rex became deeply involved in Davis Memorial United Methodist Church in Atkins in the 1950’s and were active members until their deaths. Ruth worked with the teen and young adult groups, taught Sunday School for decades, was lay leader and served as president of the local church’s United Methodist Women (UMW). In 1968 when the Methodists merged with the United Brethren in Christ Church to create The United Methodist Church, Ruth was appointed the President of the Abingdon District UMW and visited most of the 70-some churches to explain the new church and its programs. Later, in 1984, she joined a church mission team for work in Haiti. Ruth’s other passion was teaching. After attending Radford College, she taught school for a few years until becoming a full-time mom.  Still, throughout the years, she made time to substitute teach, filling in wherever needed. (She especially loved being a volunteer in the Rocking Reader program and dressed in costume for her time in the classroom.) One could also find Ruth at bake sales, community dinners and various choral events. Blessed with real talent in the kitchen and a beautiful voice, she loved any opportunity to cook for a crowd or hit those high notes. Ruth never met a stranger, a trait that served her well in her role as manager of Ernie Sullins Outlet in the 1970s and early 80s. Ruth and Rex enjoyed travel and were fortunate to have seen much of the U.S. Rex was very involved in the National Rural Letter Carriers Association (NRLCA) and Ruth often joined him at meetings throughout the country. Her leadership abilities were soon recognized and she became the President of the Virginia Ladies Auxiliary of the NRLCA. She will be remembered for her ability to love: her husband whom she adored from the very first blind date, her children who always felt her unconditional love (even when she had to enforce it with a fly swatter) and most importantly, her God.

Her family would like to thank the medical professionals who provided excellent care in the final years and months of her life:  Dr. Karen Elmore; Claudia Corradino; Dr. Mark Kleinman; Dr. Leticia Peltzer; Dr. Timothy Davis; the doctors and nurses of the 4th floor of Holston Valley Medical Center, especially RN Carrie Best; UVA Medical Center; and Wythe Hospice of SW Virginia, especially RN Amy Kerns and CNAs Deanna, Danielle and Jody.

The family will receive friends Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 2 until 4:00 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Sage and Pastor Natalie Justice officiating. A private burial service will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, VA.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Ruth Greer be made to Davis Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 389, Atkins, VA  24311.

To share memories of Ruth Greer, please visit www,seaverbrown.com. Care for Ruth has been entrusted to Frazier’s Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA  24354.