Ruby J. Shumate Harrah Shaffer, 82, was a beautiful and loving soul created by our father in heaven went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 5, 2017, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born in Kayford, WV in 1934, to Ora & Lucy Crank Shumate. She grew up in a large family with ten siblings; Olive, Billie, Anna, Wanda, Charlotte, Linda, Sonja, George, William & Clayton. While working at Kanawha Valley Hospital she met Robert Matthew Harrah. They married and started a home in Brounland, WV, where they had five children; Robert, David, Debra, Kathy & Steven. They were together 25 years. She met and later married Dannie B. Shaffer and moved to Legg Fork Road, Pocatalico, WV.
While raising a family, she attended WV State College and earned a degree in education. She taught kindergarten at Alum Creek Elementary for several years and realized her passion was nursing. She obtained employment at CAMC; where she loved and cared for patients for 17 years before health issues forced her into disability then retirement.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands; Robert M. Harrah, Sr., and Dannie B. Shaffer; parents, Ora & Lucy Shumate; sisters, Olive Schmidt, Juanita Shumate, Wanda Davis, Anna Smith, Sonja Harness; and brothers George & William Shumate.
She is survived by her children: Robert M. ((Geeta) Harrah, Lancaster, OH; David T. (Sherry) Harrah, Spring Hill, FL; Debra K. (Jonathan) Bechard, Vancouver, Washington; Kathy L. Harrah, Whitesville, WV and Steven A. (Janice) Harrah, Columbus, OH; 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; sisters; Billie Jean Borghese, Litasea, IL, Charlotte Brynes, Franklin, OH, Linda Cassidy, Hamilton, OH and brother, Claytonn Thomas Shumate, Chicago, IL.
Her life here on earth was blessed with singing gospel music at various churches throughout Kanawha, Lincoln, and Boone Counties. She loved to read, study and spread the word of her father in heaven. She believed that if you are going to send flowers to someone do it before they leave this life, and the same with visiting friends and family. She did not know a stranger. Her love will live on in each person she touched throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to Hospice House, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387.
Graveside service 2:00pm Tuesday, March 7, 2017, with Pastor Buddy Mairs officiating at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Sissonville, WV.
Dear Kathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Having lost my mother, I know how deeply it hurts and what a void it leaves. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. We so miss you at First Presbyterian. Love you much,
Jennifer
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking to Ruby. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
Thank you.