Committal
Ruth B. Neelands, 79, of Valdese, NC passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023. She was born on May 11, 1943 in York County, SC to the late John Barnette and Margaret Hambright Barnette. Ruth was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Valdese. She was the best mom, wife, grandmom and great-grandmom ever. She was not a selfish person, putting everyone else’s needs before hers. Ruth enjoyed reading and working with flowers and always had the biggest smile.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Jean McSwain; brother, Bob Barnette.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years and the love of her life, Dan Neelands; son, Chris Neelands; daughters, Melanie Fox (Bobby) and Michelle Fisher (Bennett); brother, Don Barnette; sister-in-law, Martha Jean Barnette; grandchildren, Eli Fox (Haley), Kennedy Fisher, Zachary Fox (Kaela), Taylor Fox, Reece Fisher and Jacob Neelands; great-grandchildren, Phoenix and Lennox Fox; best friend, Joanne Garrison Sherer; and puppy, Baxter; and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2pm-3pm on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Valdese United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life for Ruth will begin at 3pm in the church with Rev. Jim King officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Valdese United Methodist Church.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Ruth B. Neelands.
What a great lady. Dan, Melainie, Michelle and family I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure you all miss her deeply. My sympathies are with all of you.
Good afternoon to the Neelands family. I was a colleague to Ruth for almost 30 years. If you knew Ruth you knew her family. We also grew to know Melonie & Bobby through friends and family. I apologize we didn’t make the services. Please know you and your entire family are in our thoughts & PRAYERS in Atlanta. God bless you and your entire family.
I had the privilege and honor to work with Ruth for over 32 years, and for many of those years we shared an office. Ruth was a pillar for Environmental Inks and a major support for both myself and the entire sales team. Customers loved her and the sales group and myself appreciated her input, honesty, perspective and resourcefulness. Ruth understood sales and played a major role in our success. We discussed strategies daily and her collaborative input was invaluable. Moreover she was respected by all. Ruth was a major contributor to any sales success that I enjoyed. She was as good a person as I have ever met. I'm thankful for her and her countless contributions and the total effort she gave. My prayers for Dan, Chris, Melanie, Michelle and the entire family. Great lady
Dan, so sorry to learn of Ruth's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Melanie, our prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you all during this time.
Michelle and family, our deepest sympathies for your family as you navigate through this difficult time. You all are in our thoughts and Prayers. Much love, Jesse & Crystal Pritchard
We will miss Her greatly. We love all of yuu.
Ruth was one sweet, gentle and lovely Christian lady! Always wearing that beautiful smile and laughing. She was true to her faith and I admired her! Rest In Paradise, Ruth
Michelle and Bennett, My heart grieves for you and your family. May our loving Resurrected Lord wrap His loving arms around you. Heaven has gained a saint.