Iva “Ruth” Purdham Buettner of Winchester, VA died at home on May 4, 2026 at the age of 85, surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born on July 16, 1940 to the late Eva Elizabeth (Moreland) and Harry Lee Purdham of Gambrils, MD. She was raised on a tobacco farm and graduated from Arundel High School and Strayer Business College.

Ruth began her career in financial services as a master bookkeeper at USF&G where she travelled the country implementing accounting systems for branch offices. Subsequently, she went to work alongside her sisters, Peg and Katherine, at Westinghouse Corporation, where she had a top-secret security clearance and caught the eye of her handsome coworker, Henry.

Ruth was spending most of her time with her 8-year-old brother, Billy after the death of their mother and had little time for suitors. However, after several rebuffed attempts on Henry’s part, Ruth finally consented to go “riding” in his brand-new 1964 Guardsman Blue Galaxy Ford 500XL 4-speed. Suffice to say, many more dates ensued, often with young Billy joining for picnics, Sunday drives and other adventures. Little did Ruth know at the time, this innocent courtship would launch a sixty-year epic romance, a lifelong friendship between her brothers and Henry, and a detour of her own career path into the glamorous world of tires.

Ruth and Henry were married on Nov 25, 1965, and honeymooned in Niagara Falls where they splurged on a $12.50 “Chateaubriand and Baked Alaska dinner for two” at the Oneida Tower Hotel. Upward and onward – Ruth spent the next decade starting their family, planning their future, and supporting Henry on his journey through college, the Marine Corps, and up the corporate / entrepreneurial ladder…

In 1974, Winchester presented the Buettners with a much-anticipated opportunity to acquire their own business. When Henry asked her opinion about uprooting the family from blazing hot and tornado-ridden Houston, Ruth’s understated response came easily: “Well, it would be nice to see the four seasons again.” After buying out two partners, Henry and Ruth ran Tire Distributors, Inc. side-by-side for many years until they retired, proudly passing the reins to their son to lead the company into its second generation. They also ventured into other enterprises including land development, farming, and property management.

Most importantly, faith and family were always the cornerstones of Ruth’s life. A born-again Christian, she was devoted to both the Church of God of Prophecy and Winchester Church of God. Ruth took great pride in Bible studies, worship services, Sunday school instruction and attending Church conventions. Ruth will always be remembered for the indelible impression she left on so many beneficiaries of her ministry, her generosity (often anonymous), and her unmitigated kindness.

Ruth was tirelessly selfless. She always drove the station wagon to the game, fully stocked, no matter how far away, and rooted for all the kids on the team like they were her own. She was everyone’s “Aunt Ruthie.” Her legacy is as personal as the remarkable adventures and close bonds she orchestrated and encouraged among her grandchildren and as broad as the founding land donation and subsequent contributions she made to the Country Day School of Jefferson County (WV) and many other charities.

Ruth is survived by Henry, her husband of 60 years; her three children, Jeffrey Buettner, Melissa Bartenslager (Brock) and Laura Buettner; nine grandchildren, Sarah Bartenslager-Gallagher (Cameron Gallagher), Skylar Norris, Zachary Buettner (Elizabeth), Tucker Bartenslager, Liza Phillips (Jack), Hunter Ritter, Riley Buettner, Elizabeth Bartenslager and Clay Bartenslager; and seven great-grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by her brothers and their families, Vernon Purdham (Frances) and Ronald “Billy” Purdham (Jennifer), and other nieces, nephews and cousins. Ruth joins her beloved grandson, Jeb Bartenslager; sisters, Peggy Clark (Bunk) and Katherine Fisher; brothers Harry Purdham (Sylvia) and Dwayne Purdham; and other family members who have already met the Lord.

A viewing will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Winchester Church of God, followed by a reception. Burial will take place at Mount Hebron.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent in memory of Ruth Buettner to Winchester Church of God.

Feel free to wear white or bright colors to celebrate Ruth’s arrival to Heaven.