Ruth Elaine Benshoff Barber passed peacefully and was received into her true and lasting heavenly peace and rest on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 in Roanoke, VA at the age of 83. Ruth was born on April 4, 1934 in Johnstown, PA to Kenneth H. Benshoff and Louise Link Benshoff and spent time growing up in Ligonier, PA and Grove City, PA.
On July 21, 1951, she married Carl L. Barber, who is a retired Brethren pastor and teacher. She is survived by Carl and their 5 children: Stephen (Beth) Barber, Plymouth, IN; Deborah (Rick) Surette, Sweden, ME; Jon (Kelis) Barber, Indianapolis, IN; Meredith (Joel) Burdell, Clovis, NM; and Philip (Shari) Barber, Fredericksburg, VA; as well as cherished members of the family, Vahid (Liliana) Khakbaz, Bethesda, MD. She had 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded into glory by her parents, her brother, Allen Benshoff, and an infant grandchild.
The value of education permeated every facet of her life. She attended Ashland College, Miami University and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Wichita State University. She taught English at Herndon Middle School, VA for many years, during which time she earned her Master’s Degree at the University of Virginia and her ESL certificate. She utilized this ESL expertise and was instrumental in a ministry to international students at Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, VA. She was devoted to missions and spent more than two years abroad with Carl in this endeavor. Reading was her passion and her faith guided every step. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and pastor’s wife.
Visitation will be from 2-5pm on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road, Daleville, VA. Interment will be at 11am on Monday, April 24, 2017 at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin, VA. The worship/memorial service will be 4pm, Monday, April 24 at Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dominican Republic Hospital Fund of Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, VA (on their website) or any mission endeavor of your choice.
On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.
Rader Funeral Home
540-992-1212
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