Ruth R. Franklin

Ruth R. Franklin, 87, of Martinsville, Va. passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2023. She was born in Henry County July 21, 1935 to Toney Lester Rea and Gertrude Eggleston Rea.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Franklin, Sr.; a still-born daughter, Paige Marie Franklin; brothers, Eugene, John, David, Woodrow and Thomas Deal Rea; sisters, Georgia R. Ellett and Virginia Emerson.She is survived her by sons, William Thomas Franklin, Jr. (Teresa) and George L. Franklin (Susan); grandchildren, George T. Franklin, Caroline Lacey Franklin; Jeremiah Secrest, Amanda Mann and Jamie Keatts; 9 great grandchildren; sisters, Libby Durham and Susan Rea; sister-in-law, Dorothy “Dottie” Turner; many beloved nieces and nephews.Ruth was a longtime faithful volunteer at CONTACT and she taught Sunday school for over 45 years. She loved cooking for her family, planting flowers, feeding and watching the birds.A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Monday, April 17, 2023 at McKee-Stone Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at McKee-Stone Funeral Home and will be officiated by Reverend David Westmoreland. Interment will follow the service at Roselawn Burial Park.McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family.