Ruth Ann (Pennington) Perry

Ruth Ann (Pennington) Perry, 86, of St. Albans, WV went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday January 14, 2025 following a prolonged illness. Ruth spent her last months at English Meadows Assisted Living in Teays Valley, WV. Born March 20, 1938 in Charleston, WV to Eugene Debbs Pennington (father) and Nettie Bell Skaggs (mother) she was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Gerald Perry as well as her two brothers Norman Pennington and Ernie Pennington. Ruth graduated with a Masters degree from West Virginia State College of Graduate Studies, and became an educator in the Kanawha County Schools system, eventually becoming an elementary school principal at Fairview Elementary in St. Albans. Education was always a priority in her life, and she conveyed that to the many students she served over the years. Ruth retired in 2000. She was heavily involved in the local and state principals associations during her long career, and served as president of the West Virginia Association of Elementary School principals. Ruth was a member of Highlawn Presbyterian Church in St. Albans for decades, serving numerous roles in the congregation and church that she adored. In addition, she and Gerald spent many summers traveling to foreign countries. Upon retirement, Ruth and Gerald enjoyed spending time in Cherry Grove Beach, SC with their best friend John Poulson of St. Albans, where she made many friends and simply enjoyed coastal living. She and Gerald always returned home from SC in time to attend Marshall University football games in the fall, which was a big passion for them as well. The Perrys were longtime season ticket holders to Marshall games, rarely missing a home game and frequently traveling to away bowl and championship games. Ruth is survived by her two sons Geoffrey (wife Lori) of Charleston, WV and Gregory (wife Jennifer) of Huntington, WV. She also leaves behind three grandchildren Audrey Morgan of Kansas, Julia Perry of Huntington, WV and David Godwin of Charlotte, NC. In addition, she had one great-granddaughter Riley Morgan of Kansas. Services for Ruth will be held at Highlawn Presbyterian Church in St. Albans, WV on Wednesday January 22, 2025 with visitation at 12 noon and the service starting at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gabriel Project at Highlawn Presbyterian Church in St. Albans, WV. The Gabriel Project provides baby items to mothers in need. A friend to all who met her, her legacy of education continues on in the accomplishments of the students and staff she was involved with over the years. “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” -was one of her favorite quotes. She will be missed by many. You may visit Ruth’s tribute page at BartlettNichols.com to share memories or condolences with the family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Perry family.

Ruth Ann (Pennington) Perry

March 20, 1938 - January 14, 2025