Ruth Ann Powell Burnett

Ruth Ann Powell Burnett, 88, passed away peacefully at her residence on September 18, 2026. Ruth was born in Pittsylvania County, VA on February 4, 1938 to the late Rebecca Johnson Powell and the late Charlie Smith Powell. She was also predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Mr. James Edward Burnett,

Ruth was of the Christian Faith, and a member of First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Danville, VA. She retired in 1992 from Pittsylvania Vocational School, and was an artist and excellent cook. She loved gardening, shopping trips with her sisters, and having her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren visit often.

Ruth is survived by two daughters; Penny Burnett Shepard of Pawley’s Island, SC and Patti Burnett Farmer (Larry) of Papillion, NE; a son; Dennis James Burnett (Susan) of Blairs, VA; five grandchildren; Matelon S. DeFreese (David) of Summerville, SC, Callie R. Burnett (Kirk Holmes) of Blairs, VA, Carrie B. Keller (Nathan) of Ringgold, VA, Tyler Farmer of Omaha, NE, and Fraser Farmer of Kansas City, MO; three great grandchildren; Hayley DeFreese, and Adelyn and Elizabeth Keller; four siblings; Roy Powell, Jane Dalton, Charlie Morris Powell, and Sue Boscarino; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, and husband, Ruth was predeceased by two brothers; Clyde and Russell Powell; and two sisters; Doris Ferguson and Florence Deese.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the caregivers from A Nurse’s Touch Home Care for the loving care they provided Ruth the past two years, and to the staff from Commonwealth Hospice for their care and support.

The family request that in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to: First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1810 N. Main Street, Danville, VA 24540.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:00am at Norris Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA with Reverend Myron Bruce, Rev. Dr. Tres’ Ward, and Reverend Michael Pressley officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Highland Burial Park, Danville, VA. A visitation will be held on the same day, just prior to the service from 10-11:00am, at Norris Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA. At other times the family will receive friends at the residence.

Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Burnett Family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.