Foster, Ruth Sevier

Ruth Sevier Foster (Ruthie), age 90, native of NC, residing at English Meadows in Blacksburg, VA, passed away peacefully on 9/22/21. Born in Asheville, NC, she was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School and WCUNC (now UNC-G). She was a devoted wife of over 50 years and mother of four daughters.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph T. Sevier II and Ruth English Sevier; husband, Rev. Robert A. Foster; brother, Joseph T. Sevier III; and son-in-law Edward A. Crowe. She is survived by 2 brothers, James M. Sevier and Dr. Robert E.Sevier and one sister, Caroline A. Sevier; daughters, Janice Leach, Robin Carroll, Dorothy Crowe, and Susan Smith; grandchildren, Kristina L. Martinez, Gregory F. Leach, Ben Carroll, Meg Carroll, Rob Crowe, Zachary Amtower, and Heather Amtower. Besides her family, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends loved her for her bright eyes, mischievous smile, and adventurous spirit.

In addition to being an active minister’s wife, active and reserve military wife, and mother, Ruth was a physical education teacher, camp counselor, Girl Scout leader, and camp director. She owned and operated a tour business from Lenoir, NC for many years. She loved nature, the outdoors, camping, and traveling. She and her family lived in Kannapolis, NC; Columbus, GA; Augsburg, Germany; Winston-Salem, NC; Decatur, GA; Lenoir, NC; and Redlands Bay Queensland Australia. Ruth loved sports and had a competitive spirit. She loved baseball, basketball, tennis, sailing, kayaking, tubing, hiking, swimming, and ping pong. She was a master at Scrabble, a great cook, gardener, writer of letters and travelogues, community volunteer, and passionate genealogist. She was interested in all aspects of other cultures and taught folk dancing. She loved the ocean, vacationing at Topsail Island, NC, and collecting seashells. She loved mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Each of us carries little pieces of her on in our lives.

Following cremation, a final private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested donations to the following: The Alzheimer’s Association @ act.alz.org, The National Parks Conservation Association@ secure.npca.org, or the USO @ secure.uso.org.