Ruth Naomi Varner
January 24, 1935 ~ November 6, 2013
Ruth Naomi Varner passed away at Westminster at Lake Ridge Nursing Center on Wednesday morning, November 6, 2013. She lived her married life in Vienna, VA. She was the beloved wife of Robert Milton Varner. Ruth is survived by two children, Elizabeth "Liz" Marie Knoblauch of Leonardtown, MD and Steve Milton Varner of Oakton, VA.
Ruth was one of 7 siblings: John, Daniel, Luther, Mary Agnes, Kathryn and Martha. Her father was Nevin Lake Ridinger and her mother, Golda Marie Schildt. They were raised in the rural village of Harney, MD. Ruth graduated from Western Maryland College in 1957 with a BA degree in mathematics. She went on to a long and distinguished career as a statistician at the National Bureau of Standards (currently named NIST) in Gaithersburg, Md.
Ruth was a vivacious woman who loved people and always thought of others. Laughter and smiles characterized her demeanor, and her spirit shined through even with the dementia.
She loved family. Ruth spent many joyous holidays with her extended family and friends, and was a constant blessing to her immediate family. She loved to cook all kinds of delicious foods. Although Ruth was a reluctant "outdoors man", she did hike and camp with her family. She was active in church life, volunteering at Holy Comforter's Pennywise Thrift shop and teaching Sunday school at Christ Lutheran Church. She enjoyed collecting Hummel figurines, knitting, and counted cross-stitch. Ruth loved to travel and did so with family trips to Europe, Canada, and Mexico. She was active in her daughter's Girl Scout Troop and her son's youth sports teams, cheering in her quiet voice. She was devoted to her three grandchildren, creating many memories and lasting traditions. She will be missed.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Ruth was one of 7 siblings: John, Daniel, Luther, Mary Agnes, Kathryn and Martha. Her father was Nevin Lake Ridinger and her mother, Golda Marie Schildt. They were raised in the rural village of Harney, MD. Ruth graduated from Western Maryland College in 1957 with a BA degree in mathematics. She went on to a long and distinguished career as a statistician at the National Bureau of Standards (currently named NIST) in Gaithersburg, Md.
Ruth was a vivacious woman who loved people and always thought of others. Laughter and smiles characterized her demeanor, and her spirit shined through even with the dementia.
She loved family. Ruth spent many joyous holidays with her extended family and friends, and was a constant blessing to her immediate family. She loved to cook all kinds of delicious foods. Although Ruth was a reluctant "outdoors man", she did hike and camp with her family. She was active in church life, volunteering at Holy Comforter's Pennywise Thrift shop and teaching Sunday school at Christ Lutheran Church. She enjoyed collecting Hummel figurines, knitting, and counted cross-stitch. Ruth loved to travel and did so with family trips to Europe, Canada, and Mexico. She was active in her daughter's Girl Scout Troop and her son's youth sports teams, cheering in her quiet voice. She was devoted to her three grandchildren, creating many memories and lasting traditions. She will be missed.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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I will cherish memories of the “Midnight Shopper” and our wonderful trip to Mexico with the Girl Scouts. Your wry sense of humor always made me laugh. Thanks for the memories.
Tommy,Nicki, Mary Claire and myself wish to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. Trusting you feel the loving arms of our Saviour around you, comforting you during this time. Love you, Joyce
My condolences to the family. Continue to rely on God during this difficult time and know that he hears your prayers: Isaiah 59:1.
I had the privilege of being one of Ruths colleagues in the Statistical Engineering Division at NBS/NIST for many years. She always brightened the atmosphere wherever she went with her warm smile and cheerful personality. I also remember well the affection and pride she showed when she would tell us about Liz and Stephen. My condolences to the family.
Dear Liz and Steve and Family – We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was, and will always be, near and dear in my heart. There are so many fond memories of growing up together w/ the Varners and Bremers – each one makes me smile. We know this is a difficult time, and no words make it any better or easier. We are confident that with prayer and faith, and of course love, you’ll find the courage to move forward. With your Mom now, and with your Dad, keep them close in your hearts – May their memory be eternal. We unfortunately, cannot make the service, but are with you in spirit. With Sympathy and Love from all of us. Mary, Dennis & Family
With deepest sympathy to you all
To Liz and Steve, Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom John H. Ridinger and Family
My heart is with you as it has always been with Ruth. Love, Marilyn
We were close neighbors when I lived Vienna. I always admires Ruth for her sharp mind and caring personality. She made me feel welcome when I moved into the neighborhood and brought me up to date with the past local happenings. She was a good person and I know she is content in the care of our maker.
Liz and Steve, we love you and think about you often. Love, Uncle David & Lynda
Liz and Steve, we love you and think about you often. Love, Uncle David & Lynda
Dear Liz & Steve The memorial service for Ruth was lovely. We have many fond memories of our times with Ruth, Bob, and when our families were together.
Liz & Steve, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was always good to see Aunt Ruth when she visited. She will be missed, but at least now she’s with her other brothers and sisters. May God be with now and always.
Dear Liz and Steve, Lori and I send our love and deepest sympathies and condolences. We’re sorry that too many miles now separate us and we were unable to attend the service. Carol said the words each of you spoke about your mother were truly touching, which is fitting, as your mother certainly touched our lives in a beautiful way. I loved calling her “Aunt”, and I really considered her family. Our childhoods, in the mountains, at the beach, and at your home, ours, and that of the Peavy’s, fill me with too many memories to recount. One memory I do turn to often is when Aunt Ruth and my mom came out to Colorado in 1999 — we had such a ball! In these times, our thoughts are now with you and your family. Love, John