Chilhowie, VA

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Mary Ruth Osborne Love, at the age of 80. Ruth passed away on February 27, 2025, surrounded in her final days by those she loved and those who loved her.

Ruth is survived by her husband Allen Love; two daughters, Donna Barger (Frank) and Patricia Sheppard (Daniel Thompson); three stepchildren, Mitzi Love (Michael "Pudge"' Patrick), Kristi Love and Michael Love; three siblings, David Osborne (Betty), Anne Frye and Roger Osborne (Greta); grandchildren, Josh Wyatt, Sheena Robbins (Harley), and Cheyenne Shupe (Dakota); great grandchildren, Lillian Ball, Maggie Barrett, Jasper Barrett, Hadleigh Wyatt, Rylee Shupe and Addison Shupe; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Randolph and Myrtle Crusenberry Osborne, and her brother John "Jake" Lee.

Ruth was kind and selfless. She always put her family first and gladly sacrificed her own comfort and needs for them.  Ruth enjoyed simple pleasures that brought her joy. Her love for coffee led to peaceful mornings spent savoring a steaming cup while sitting on her porch. She loved her grandchildren, shopping with her sister, the ocean, and watching game shows and westerns on TV.

She was an accomplished cook and provided her family with countless delicious holiday feasts.  She also fed thousands of students and teachers during her years working in the cafeteria at Rich Valley High School and Northwood Middle School.

Ruth will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Elizabeth Cemetery. Everyone is asked to please meet at the cemetery.  Those serving as pallbearers will be Frank Barger, Daniel Thompson, Allen Heath, Michael Love, Josh Wyatt, and Harley Robbins.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com.  The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Ruth Love.