Ruth Lorraine Fitzwater, 97, of Charleston was called home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2023, after a short illness.

She was born on September 15, 1926, in Richwood.

Ruth was an incredible woman who lived a full and fruitful life alongside her devoted husband spreading the love of Jesus to all who would hear. After the retirement from pastoring and evangelistic work in various places, they moved back to WV and attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Charleston; later she attended First Baptist Church of Dunbar. There was such a homecoming in Heaven when she was finally reunited with all her loved ones who had gone before, whom she missed tremendously.

While here on earth, she was incredibly talented working as a beautician and later in life working at The Diamond department store and Kaufmann's in the fine china departments. She loved being around all the beautiful things. She was a creative sort who loved to sing, play the organ, paint, sew and do various other handiwork over the years. Later in life she also helped take care of her grandchildren, which brought her immense joy. She will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Mamie Alkire Shaffer of Parkersburg; five brothers of Parkersburg; one sister from Michigan; and her loving husband of 47 years, Reverend William "Bill" Fitzwater of Charleston.

She is survived by her daughter, Lynda Fitzwater Sanders of Charleston; two grandchildren, Autumn Sanders Bice of Dunbar, and Dakota Sanders (Crystal) of South Charleston; three great-grandsons, Julian and Riley Bice, and Avery Alberts: along with several nieces and nephews, including Bill Dobbs with whom she shared a special bond.

The family would like to thank her neighbors Donna Green and Cathy Roberts for their love and support of Ruth.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, December 11, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with great-nephew Reverend David Dobbs of Michigan officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Mineral Wells.

Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Matthew 25:21
"His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

"How lucky am I to have something so special, that makes saying goodbye so hard."  A.A. Milne.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net