Ruth Bird

MILL GAP, VA Ruth H. Bird, 94, of Mill Gap, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Augusta Health. She was born October 26, 1919 in Scranton, PA a daughter of the late James Mathis and Leolia May (Lester) Henderson. Mrs. Bird was a homemaker and a member of the Green Hill United Methodist Church. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family on the front porch of her home. She loved taking care of her cats and feeding the hummingbirds. She had a remarkable memory and loved to tell stories about the past in great detail. At 94, her recollection of dates, places and people was amazing. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known and loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren McArthur Bird and an infant daughter. Also, by four brothers Clarence, Frankie, Johnny and her twin, Billy Henderson and one beloved sister, Lillian Reed. She is survived by two daughters, Jessie Bird Gutshall and husband, Eddie of Goochland and Linda Bird Fulton of Mill Gap; two sons, David Oscar Bird of Charles City and Jimmy Bird and wife, Joan of Dayton; eight grandchildren, Vickie Rapalee and husband, Todd, Kevin Fulton, Chris Fulton, Alysa Morgan, David Bird, Erica Conley, Jonathan Bird and Corey Bird ; nine great-grandchildren, Dillon Rapalee, Logan Fulton, Ryan Fulton, Keegan Lull, Wyatt Fulton, Jack Yates, Tierney Conley, James Conley and Julian Bird; also a number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Green Hill United Methodist Church with the Rev. Erin Geoffrion officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Allen Lowry, Bill Wagner, Mike Armstrong, Robert Lightner, Ronnie Williams and Randy Harold. Friends may call at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell on Monday and the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland SPCA, P.O. Box 6, Monterey, VA or Highland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, VA 24465.

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