The Reverend Ruth Crum Stotler
The Reverend Ruth Crum Stotler, D.D., age 92, of Winchester, VA, went home to be with Jesus on Oct. 29, 2014.
Born September 4, 1922, she attended Handley High School, Winchester Business College, and was a graduate of The Newspaper Institute of American in New York. She was preceded in death by her parents J. Bryan and Mabel Whitacre Stotler, and her dearly loved husband of 35 years, Winfred H. Crum. Also called to the Lord, was her devoted second husband, J.L. Stotler and her brother, H. Jennings Stotler of Winchester. She is survived by her three daughters, Joyce Crum Hamman of Winchester, Jill Crum Crane of Upland IN, and Jane Crum Peterson of Richmond, VA. Also surviving her are 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild, and her adored nieces and nephews.
Known affectionately as Pastor Ruth, she was the founder and Senior Pastor of her beloved Church of the Good Shepherd, President of Zion Christian Fellowship, inc., President of Ruth C. Crum Realty. She served as the first woman president of the Blue Ridge Association of Realtors, and was also a member of the Winchester Frederick County Ministerial Association, the Winchester Business and Professional Woman’s Club, the Assemblies of God International, San Diego, CA, and Evangelistic Messengers of Huntingdon TN. She was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Independent Ministers in 1998.
Pastor Ruth ministered for 24 years through a weekly Cable TV program in the Shenandoah Valley and a weekly Bible Study in her home for 32 years. She was a speaker and retreat leader for Women’s Aglow Fellowship International and had spoken to numerous groups all over; Winchester, Frederick Co, traveling through Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, Jamaica, the Delmarva Center, and various other locations.
Pastor Ruth made guest television appearances on Pat Robertson’s 700 Club, the Dr. Lester Sumrall program, and on the Hour of Hope with Dr. Robert Barbour.
Just a few of her many accomplishments throughout her lifetime were, in 1973 Ruth was named Winchester Outstanding Woman of the Year by Epsilon Sigma Alpha International and Master of Real Estate in 1992 by the Winchester Star.
Viewing will be held from 6-9 pm Friday, Oct. 31st at Omps Funeral Home, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester.
The funeral will be held Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2 pm at Victory Church located 2870 Middle Road, Winchester, with Pastor Vernon E. Bray and Pastor Jeff Barbour, presiding. Interment will follow at Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia. A celebration of life and fellowship meal after interment at Victory Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Church of the Good Shepherd located at 645 Berryville Ave, Winchester, Virginia 22601.