Frances Ruth Hess White

Frances Ruth Hess White, age 89, of Abingdon, Va., went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 31, 2023.  Our beautiful mother was blessed to have the love of her family and friends over the past several months at her home. 

Frances was born in Russell County, Va. on March 13, 1934, and was the daughter of the late Sallie Miller Hess and Thomas Hess.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Walter Ira “Walt” White, Sr.; four brothers, Justin, Robert, Melvin and Paul Hess; sister, Ethel Hess; and a special daughter-in-law, Ann White. 

Frances was an active member of Greenfield Baptist Church where she faithfully served as a GA Leader, Sunday School Secretary and was a member of several committees for 70 years.  She loved going to church, singing in the choir and hosting choir practice in her home for several years.

She was a “very special” mom, grandmother, great grandmother, nana, sister, aunt and friend.  As a mom, she began volunteering to help with school activities and trips, scout activities and attended the sports, choral and band events for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She provided her support and had fun cheering them on from an early age through college.  We treasure the memories we made with her. 

Frances babysat numerous children in her home through the years, including her grandchildren and some of her great grandchildren.  She was also blessed to be a farmer’s wife and enjoyed riding around on the farmland with her husband and helping in various roles.  She was known for her “farm-to-table” country cooking and homemade desserts. 

Frances is survived by three sons: Walter Ira “Jim” White, Jr. and wife, Iva; David Lee White and wife, Wanda; Richard “Rick” White and wife, Tammy; her daughter, Ruth Hill and husband, Doug; eight grandchildren:  Walter Ira “Trey” White, III (Samantha); Jason White (Amanda); Amy Widener (Jamie); Matthew “Matt” White (Cassie); Ashley King; LeighAnn Denton (fiancé, Robert Booher); Brandon White (Adrienne) and Brittany Rouse (Scott); and 17 great grandchildren, Ally, Parker and Brady White; Jackson, Madeline and Preston White; Kiersten and Kiefer Widener; Jeremiah and Anna White; Landon and Lilly King; Joleigh and Colton Denton; and Bella Ruth, Amelia, and Asher White.  She is also survived by two sisters, Susie Deskins and Ida Eaton, and several nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to express a special thank you to her caregivers, Danielle Hunt and Melinda Waddell, who became a part of Ms. Frances’ family over the last few months.  Also, the family expresses a special thank you to Dr. William Mark Handy, Falcon Pharmacy (Kevin and April Wood- her adopted grandchildren), the staff of Amedysis Home Health Care and the staff of Caris Hospice (especially her nurses, Brittany, Ashley and Tomie Jo). 

A funeral ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024, at Greenfield Baptist Church, 30080 Hawthorne Dr., Meadowview, Va., with grandson, Brandon White, and Pastor Dan Birchfield officiating.  A committal service will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens where Doug Ray, Randall Ray, Jason, Matt, and Trey White, and Kevin Wood will serve as pallbearers.  G.C. Brown, Mike Gill, Jim McCall, Glenn McGlocklin, Bill Neese, Reelia Watson, the deacons and members of Greenfield Baptist Church and her caregivers, Danielle Hunt and Melinda Waddell, will serve as honorary pallbearers.  Visitation will be held on Friday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brumley Cove Baptist Camp (pool fund), c/o Lebanon Baptist Association, 29491 Lee Highway, Glade Spring, Va. 24340.

“Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates”-Proverbs 31:31 KJV

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.perrycremation.com.  The family of Frances Ruth Hess White is being cared for by Perry Cremation and Funeral Alternatives, 1000 W. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-776-5950).