Bluefield, WV- Ruth Pannill Owen Bond, 100, passed away Saturday May 19, 2007 at Glenwood Methodist Retirement Home.

     She was born March 6, 1907 in Henry County, Virginia.  She was the daughter of the late Mr. And Mrs. William Thomas Owen, Jr. (Lena Rivers Mills).  They moved to Bluefield in 1909.

     Her brothers and sisters were Ernest, Ruby, Avis, Elsie, Grace, Anna and Dick.

     Mr. Owen was a contactor and built their home on Mountain View Avenue (formerly Earl Street).  It was the first home on the street.  He built a number of houses in Bluefield; Wade School, the Peery Building, and Hamilton Hall in the old Bland Street Methodist Church.

     Ruth attended Bluefield schools, graduating from Beaver High School in 1926.  After receiving her teaching certificate from Concord State Normal College, she taught school at Newton School on Cumberland Road. 

     She married Cecil C. Bond April 2, 1928.  They had three daughters, Betty Watson (now deceased), Mary Berry and Sally Paige.

     Ruth was a devoted Mother who provided a loving home for their family.  She was an excellent cook, especially yeast rolls, red meat, and her Christmas candies.  She sewed for her girls; even embellishing the dresses with embroidery.  She loved to read and would sing and recite poetry to her girls as she ironed. 

     One of her greatest loves was Bland Street United Methodist Church, where she became a member about 90 years ago.  Ever faithful, she taught nursery children for 40 years with Mrs. A. C. Dilcher and served on many committees and was active in United Methodist Women.  

     Ruth and Cecil had lived on Mountain View Avenue for 65 years when they moved to Glenwood Methodist Retirement Home.  Cecil died January 11, 2000.

     Ruth continued in good spirits to minister to staff, family and residents of the Home.

     Her children, eleven grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren share memories of a life well spent. 

     Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Bland Street United Methodist Church with Rev. David L. Hall, Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Green Valley.

     The family will receive friends at church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Bland Street United Methodist Church, 2620 Bland Road, Bluefield, WV, 24701; or to The GlenWood Park Retirement Village Foundation, 1924 GlenWood Park Road, Princeton, WV 24740.

     Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com 

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