OBITUARIES
Elma Ruth Beal Teter Brown, 96, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 2, 2026 at White Birch Memory Care in Harrisonburg, Virginia where she resided the last three years. Born on August 18, 1929 in Kerens, West Virginia, Ruth was the oldest daughter to the late Harry and Elma Beal. On May 24, 1947 Ruth married Glenn Teter, with whom she shared many cherished years until his passing on March 1, 2007. Later, she found companionship again and married Joseph Paul Brown of Mount Vernon, Ohio, they shared 15 wonderful years of marriage until his passing on May 5, 2023. Ruth is remembered by her son, Sam, and his wife Ann of Bridgewater, Virginia. She was a proud grandmother to Glenn Ashton Teter (Rachel) and a delighted great-grandmother to Alex and Scout of Galway, New York. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Mary Smiephowski (Garth) of Avon Park, Florida; two stepsons,, Steve Brown (Diane) of Holland, Michigan, and Stan Brown (Deborah) of Maineville, Ohio; nine step-grandchildren; and 27 step-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her dear sister, Joan Wimer of Harrisonburg and cousins, Marg Heasley and David Murphy (Roberta) and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands. Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Beal; her sister, Jane Beal; and her beloved Aunt Alda and Aunt Hazel. Ruth dedicated 31 years of faithful service to Citizens National Bank of West Virginia in Elkins, retiring in 1991. She had a deep love for travel and adventure, visiting Hawaii several times and spending 24 winters enjoying the sunshine of Florida. A Women of Faith, Ruth was an active member of the First Church of Christ of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and the Gideons Auxiliary. Thank you to the White Birch Memory Care Staff for the wonderful care they provided Ruth and also to Legacy hospice for all they did for her the last 3 months of her life. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Maplewood Cemetery in Elkins, WV. The family request donations be made to the Gideons International, The Gideons International Processing Center, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Elma Ruth Beal Teter Brown. Condolences may be
expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com
