Virginia Ruth Shiver completed her life’s journey Friday, February 12, 2021 at home surrounded by family. She was born October 27, 1933 to the late Reverend Oscar Smith and Vivian Smith. Ruth was a cheerleader and honor student at Daviess County High School and graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College. She worked and managed at Owensboro Sears Customer Service and Catalog Departments for over 40 years. She was a lifelong active member/leader of the Owensboro Memorial Tabernacle Church originally founded by her father. Ruth enjoyed hosting and attending special religious functions throughout the area as well as any Christian social activity that afforded time with family and friends. Ruth seldom knew a stranger and could light up any room with her outgoing personality.
Besides her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Keith Edward Shiver; and siblings Oscar T. Smith, George T. Smith and Jimmy D. Smith.
She is survived by her husband, Edward C. Shiver; daughter Kim Newton; a son-in-law, Sylvester Newton; two grandsons, Chase Newton and Travis Newton; two granddaughters-in-law respectively, Stephanie Newton and Jennifer Newton; two step-grandsons, Devin Newton and Clinton Newton; two great-granddaughters Ella Newton and Kate Newton; two great-grandsons, Eli Newton and Easton Newton; and siblings, Barbara Stanley, Shirley Rhoades, Carla Donahoe, Mary Cupp, Paul Smith and Joe Smith.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens on Highway 144. Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. The number of those attending the funeral or visitation shall be within the current health and safety directives. Family and friends shall wear personal protective masks.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Ruth Shiver Memorial Fund, c/o James H. Davis Funeral Home, 3009 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Hospice of Western Kentucky.