Ruth "Pinkie" Sheldon Criner Dennis

Ruth “Pinkie” Sheldon Criner Dennis, 95, of Salem, Va., passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Pinkie graduated in 1948 from William Byrd High School in Vinton. The wife of a career Navy man, the family often relocated. After raising six children, Pinkie had a long career in healthcare. She worked at Brandon Oaks Nursing Home for over 20 years. Pinkie loved to bowl, and also enjoyed watching various sports - especially tennis, basketball, and baseball. She was also a lifelong caregiver.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Roy and Emma Frances Mathena Criner; husband, Barger Lee Dennis; and sons, Frederick E. and Richard J. Dennis.

Her surviving family includes children, Barry Lee Dennis, Edward K. Dennis (Vicki), Robert Dennis, and Susan Lawrence (Steve); siblings, Johnnie L. Criner (Pat) and JoAnn Norris; granddaughter, Emily S. Bunch (Lucas); and great-granddaughter, Avery Bunch.

All are invited to celebrate Pinkie’s life on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, Va. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. followed by a service at 2 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.