Obituary of Nancy Atkinson Ruff

Nancy Virginia (Atkinson) Ruff, 91, of Bedford, entered her heavenly home Saturday, December 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 19, 1933 in Bedford County, daughter of the late James Atkinson and Nannie Sue (Johnson) Atkinson. Nancy grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from Bedford High School in 1951. On April 19, 1952, she married Boyd Ruff, who preceded her in death.

She was a retired employee of Rubatex and a faithful member of Word of Life Evangelical Church in Bedford. Nancy served many years as a volunteer at Bedford Christian Ministries and enjoyed yard sales,
flea markets, gospel music, Bible study, cooking delicious meals and tending to her beautiful flowers as well as spending quality time with family. She dearly loved all of her family, neighbors, church family and friends. To know Nancy was to love Nancy as she was the most patient, kind and generous soul, always putting others before herself. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, enjoyed reading her Bible daily and sharing her faith with others. She was an example to all of Christ’s love.

She is survived by her sister, Marietta (Atkinson) Smith, brother, Gerald R. Atkinson; her children: Teresa
Whitworth, Lynn Witt (Billy), Jennifer Baldwin (Terry); grandchildren: Tanya Whitworth, Christy Witt, Michelle Gilliam (Roger), William Witt, Tasia Mitchell; great-grandchildren: Matthew Whitworth, Morgan Witt, Madison Sims, Alison Sims, Mark Whitworth, Kaden Witt, Harleigh McGuire. Also surviving are very special nephews, nieces and cousin Phyllis Lane.

In addition to her parents and husband, Nancy was preceded in death by her brothers James Harden (Jim) Atkinson, Robert Marshall (R.M.) Atkinson and a special brother-in-law, Frank J. Smith. 

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to her caregivers: Lynn, Jennifer, Christy, Morgan and Jennifer M., Centra Hospice nurses & staff, Dr. Linda Beahm and Dr. James Thompson & staff.

Services will be held at Word of Life Evangelical Church, 912 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA., Thursday,  January 2, 2025. The family will receive friends at 11:00AM and service will begin at 12:00PM. Interment will be at Virginia Memorial Park, 11490 Forest Road, Forest, VA., immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Centra Bedford Hospice, 1621 Whitfield  Drive, Bedford, VA 24523 or Word of Life Evangelical Church, 912 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA 24523.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.