Ruth Brown Updike's Obituary
A feisty, hardworking and no-nonsense wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt to many, Ruth Brown Updike went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 12, 2022. She passed surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Born on May 6, 1943, in Culpeper, VA, Ruth grew into a strong, steely woman who could accomplish anything she put her mind to.
Ruth lived life on her own terms. She enjoyed calling people out with a well-placed joke or shocking them with a little off-color banter. She was admired for her strength of character and her “way with words”. Ruth didn’t mince words, but if she loved you — you knew.
Ruth had a special talent for cooking, just like her mother. She loved blessing people with mouthwatering meals and is responsible for countless inches added to family and friend’s waistlines. She could frequently be found in the kitchen, whipping up mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes or biscuits and gravy. Her recipes were freely and fondly passed to friends and family.
She was a determined professional and steadfast community leader. She was the first-ever woman elected as chairman of the board of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors, and served for 12 years as the Catalpa district representative.
Ruth worked tirelessly for over 20 years for CCA where she was well-respected and admired by her peers, retiring as a vice president. She and her husband co-found a successful waste management company. Ruth was a tenacious and charismatic business woman, in many ways ahead of her times.
A lifelong woman of faith, Ruth was an active member of New Salem Baptist Church where she served many years as the Sunday school superintendent, church secretary, and treasurer.
She enjoyed spoiling the children in her large extended family with cookies, chocolate, ice cream and soda … much to the dismay of their moms and dads. She wasn’t one to follow the rules, and believed in breaking the ones she found unnecessary. This irreverence for authority helped her create a special bond with her nieces and nephews who felt protected with just enough space to be a little naughty. These children are now adults and have warm and cherished memories of Aunt Ruth creating bonds and laughs over their little escapades.
Ruth’s greatest joy and blessing was her family. Her love for them was palpable and her devotion, unwavering.
Her husband EB stayed by her side throughout her two-and-a-half-year battle, tending to her every need. Ruth was also supported and taken care of by her daughter, grandchildren and by a very special niece and nephew.
Ruth died as she lived: fighting, relentless and unyielding. She was unwilling to give up or give in to the devastating disease.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Virginia Brown; and her sister, Betty Lou Rooper.
Ruth is survived by her doting husband EB Updike; her daughter, Tonya Updike; her grandchildren, Alexa, Morgan, and Adrian Updike; granddaughter-in-law, Audrey Updike; two great grandchildren, Ashton and McKenzie Updike, all of Culpeper; and many beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law-, nieces and nephews.
Ruth’s quick wit, kind nature and devotion to her family will never be forgotten, as she’ll live on in the hearts of all those who were lucky enough to know “Grammy”;“Aunt Ruth.” In the words of John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
The family is receiving guests at her daughter’s home in celebration of Ruth’s life. It will take place at Tonya Updike’s residence, 13258 Updike Dr., Culpeper, VA, 22701, on Saturday, July 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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