Ruth Edward Simpkins Obituary
Ruth E. Simpkins, of Dublin, Virginia, passed peacefully to her heavenly home on September 25, 2021, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's.
Ruth was born May 5, 1935 to a loving, God-fearing and hard-working family in the Lincolnia area of Alexandria, Virginia. Born not to wealth, but to succeed, Ruth worked alongside her family in the auto and home building businesses throughout her teens. Following high school, she pursued education with a passion, putting herself through college and earning an Associate's degree at University of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, a Bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan in Rochester, New York, and a Master's and Doctoral degree in Psychology at Temple University. Ruth chose a teaching career at Rider University in New Jersey as a Professor of Psychology, where for 34 years, she poured her love of learning into her students. She served on the Board of Trustees at Roberts Wesleyan and was named Alumna of the Year in 1991.
In addition to her career as a professor, Ruth also possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. She owned several small businesses throughout her lifetime, including The Grove, a bed and breakfast inn in Radford, Virginia, and the Pet Cupboard in Pennsylvania. An avid animal lover, Ruth bred and showed prize-winning cats for many years. In her retirement years she always had room in her home for any stray cat who crossed her path, providing love and care to each one.
Perhaps Ruth's greatest legacy was her spirit of generosity. Nothing made her happier than to give lavishly to charities, her college, and individuals in need. As the Lord blessed her in her career and business endeavors, she spread that blessing to those in need and to her family. She served on church boards, financial committees, as well as Ladies Circle groups. She valued time spent with her family, vacationing with her cousins, nieces and their families, as well as with her beloved brother and sister-in-law.
Ruth is predeceased by her father and mother, Albert Edward Simpkins and Delle Ray Cora Lewis Simpkins, and her sister Mary Esther Simpkins. She is survived by her brother and sister-in law, David and Ora Mae Simpkins, her nieces and their husbands, Judith and John Davies, Lisa and Stephen Schuessler, Pamela and Kurt Michael, and Maridelle and Samuel Malone, and many great nephews, great nieces, and cousins.
