Ruth Crenshaw Toone

Ruth Crenshaw Toone of Clarksville met her Savior on December 14, 2025. Ruth was born September 30, 1924 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia to Irvin and Ester Frear Crenshaw. She was a graduate of Chase City High School; married her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, Goode Toone, on July 13, 1945. They were married for 45 years until Goode’s passing in 1990.

Ruth was an ardent supporter of everything beautiful. Her talents were many. She was an accomplished artist in both oil and water color, and was a long-standing member of the Twin Rivers Garden Club having joined in 1951 and served as president of the club three times. During her third term as president, she spearheaded the club’s project to create a garden that welcomed all who traveled across the bridge to her beloved community in the area now known as the Downtown Turn Around Garden. The Club earned 1st place in the National Beautification competition in 1985 by the National Council of Garden Clubs for this project.

Ruth was a nationally accredited Master Flower Show Judge Emeritus, having judged numerous times in the Williamsburg Christmas Home tours and throughout the state of Virginia. She earned one degree in Ikebana, art of Japanese Flower Arranging. If you visit Keyoto, Japan you will find her name inscribed on the wall with this distinction. She was frequently enlisted in assisting in many community activities. Her artistic designs included Clarksville’s sesquicentennial plate design, Kinderton Country Club’s first logo. She served several years as Entertainment Chairman at Kinderton Country Club. Ruth’s love of and expertise in the decorative arts kept her busy antiquing, sewing and decorating.

Ruth was a long-time member of Clarksville Baptist Church. There, she took delight in arranging altar flowers, enjoyed working with the youth and passing along her faith. Additionally she was involved with the Women’s Missionary Union.

She was the consummate hostess and held many memorable parties in her home. Later in her life, Ruth was an avid duplicate bridge player and she loved traveling and enjoyed various trips around the world with her friends, soaking in the art, history and culture each had to offer.

Loved dearly by her nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, her loss will leave a void. She is survived by her nephews Brent Toone (Jennifer), Brian Toone (Connie); nieces Paula Toone and Sherry Toone Woodfin; and numerous great nephews and great nieces including Mikayla, Bentley and Dallas Toone children of Brent Toone, Kimball and Mario children of Brian Toone, Carlee and Troy Wagstaff, children of Sherry Woodfin as well as those who “adopted“ her and knew her as Aunt Ruth, especially friends Mary Propst Parker, Susan Propst Bochman. A special thank you goes out to her steadfast caregivers who supported her later in life Jennifer Toone and Lisa Sheldon. She is also survived by special friend Bill Morley.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 pm at Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home. A visitation will be held one hour before beginning at 1:00 pm. Ruth will then be laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery in Chase City, Virginia.

Memorial gifts may be made to Clarksville Baptist Church or the Prestwould Foundation.