Ruth Diggs Rowe, known by everyone as “Miss Ruth,” age 100, of Gloucester and Mathews, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2016. 

She was born to John Butts Diggs and Lottie Gertrude Owens Diggs of Mathews, on June 13, 1916.

Miss Ruth graduated high school at age 15 and in 1933 earned her teacher’s certificate from Fredericksburg State Teachers College, now known as the University of Mary Washington. She taught school early in life, married and then helped to care for many elderly family members. In later years, she earned her Nurse’s Aide Certificate and cared for patients at the Rosewood Nursing Home on Gwynn’s Island. After moving to Gloucester in 1984, she continued caring for the elderly in their homes, as well as those who required private duty in nursing homes. For 24 years, she joyfully volunteered her musical talents weekly and in later years monthly, playing the piano and singing for the worship services at what was then known as the Francis N. Sanders Nursing Home.

Miss Ruth was a lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir for many years. In her later years, she was a member of the V.I.P. and the X.Y.Z. Gloucester groups.

Miss Ruth was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Edward O. Rowe; brother, Weldon O. Diggs, and her sister-in-law, Virginia B. Diggs.

She is survived by her daughter, Dolly Jane Thompson; grandson, Robert D. Lee; nephew, Barry S. Diggs and his children Steve and Chris; nephew, Brian Diggs (Rene) and their children Hailey and Eric, and very special friends, Miss Maida Hudgins and Roger L. Martin.

Visitation was held Tuesday, October 11, 2016 from 1-2 p.m. at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, Va., followed by a funeral service at 2 o’clock. Pastor Ralph G. Satter of Bethel United Methodist Church officiated. Interment followed at Windsor Gardens Cemetery, Dutton, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1459 Garden Creek Road, Mathews, Va. 23109.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the whole staff at Sanders Rehab for all their gentle care and kindness.