Ruth Gillie Strader

Ruth Gillie Strader, faithful and loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 12, 2015. She has resided at Roman Eagle Nursing & Rehab Center since 2007 due to failing health. She was born on November 12, 1912, a daughter to the late Bethel Billie Gillie and Betty Ann Harville Gillie. She and her eleven siblings, all deceased, grew up in the Happy Home Community in Ruffin, N.C. She and Henry Clay Strader were married and had two sons, Henry Eugene and James Cleo. After her husband’s untimely death she married William Thomas Strader in 1938 and had two sons, William Thomas and Walter Wayne. Even though her last name remained “Strader” her two husbands were not related. Ruth bragged on William by the way he always treated “all four of his boys” the same. Ruth, lovingly referred to as “Granny,” was a dedicated member of Glenwood Memorial Baptist Church for over fifty years where she attended faithfully until moving to Roman Eagle. She will be fondly remembered by many for her beautiful roses, food frozen from the garden, damson preserves and the many family meals she lovingly prepared including her famous banana pudding, potato salad, turnip greens, and various pies including egg custard. One could seldom visit her home without first sharing one of her homemade dishes. Granny grew up during the Great Depression and believed in hard work. Quitting was never part of her vocabulary. While her children were young she was a devoted homemaker. She later worked at Capitol Coveralls, John Bill and Masons Department Store. In later years her favorite pastime was visiting with her family and friends. She is survived by her son, William “Tommy” (Sharon), nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, very special and loving daughter-in-laws: Frances Clark (Jimmy), Gay Strader, Alice Strader and Doris Strader, special nieces and nephews: Doug Gillie (Louise), Dillard Gillie, Danny Strader (Stella), Thomas Strader (Debbie), and Brenda Strader Conrad, and a special great-nephew, Jimmy Gillie (Cindy). The family would like to extend appreciation to the nursing staff of Roman Eagle for their loving and dedicated care through the years. We also express gratitude to Averett Witcher, and his wife Anne for their love and loyal friendship. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at 2 p.m. from the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel by the Reverend Carl Burger and Reverend Averett Witcher. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, December 14, 2015, from 7-8:30 p.m. And at other times they will be at the residence of her son, William Thomas Strader, & wife of Ringgold, VA. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Glenwood Memorial Baptist Church, 125 Starling Avenue, Danville, VA. 24540. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Strader family.

Ruth Gillie Strader

November 12, 1912 - December 12, 2015