Ruth (Parks) Turner White

Ruth Parks Turner White

4/21/1925-6/1/2020

Ruth was Born in Nace, VA to Jonah H. Parks and Minnie Akers Parks. She was one of 12 siblings, of which 6 girls and 3 boys lived to adulthood. She was the last surviving sibling of her family.

Ruth was predeceased by her first husband, Frank Lester Turner of Roanoke, VA, and second husband, Charles White of Berkeley Springs, WV. She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Turner Smith, of Laurel, MD; Nancy’s husband, James Marshall Smith; two step-grandchildren, Michael (wife Timre) and Heather (husband Nick); and a great step-grandson, James.

Raised as a farm girl, Ruth shared stories about tilling the soil for planting (each sister having her own row to work), carrying buckets of water uphill from the well, and visiting the outdoor john in extreme weather. After high school, she was proud to land a job at the Pentagon. Making the most of her time in Washington, DC, she spoke of “dancing all night long” with the local boys.

Ruth had a passion for helping people, which led her to a nursing career. She worked as head nurse in various departments of Roanoke Memorial Hospital (now Carilion) until retiring in her early sixties. During her life, Ruth had homes in Roanoke, VA, Albuquerque, NM, and Berkeley Springs, WV. During her later years, she was an active and highly sociable resident of various retirement and assisted living communities near her daughter’s home in Maryland.

Ruth had love and empathy for all people. She was known for her generous and optimistic spirit, her sweet smile, and her limitless kindness. She was a faithful Christian and was active in the protestant church throughout her lifetime. After retiring from nursing, she served as a volunteer in nursing homes and continued to visit folks in such settings for as long as she was capable. Ruth was a self-described chocoholic who glowed when offered home-made chocolate chip cookies.

Ruth was a gift to the world for 95 years. She will be forever remembered and loved. Services will be privately held. 

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