Ruth Stephens

Ruth Stephens

Ruth Evelyn Stephens, 100, of Parkersburg, went to be with the Lord on February 15, 2026.

She was born July 26, 1925, in Pleasants County, Schultz, WV, a daughter of the late Ernest Kester and Sylvia (Malone) Kester.

Ruth worked for the Wood County Board of Education, serving as the superintendent’s secretary during 7 administrations. She was a member of the Vienna Baptist Church, where she was involved with the Home Builders Sunday School, assisted with the music committee, and was on various other committees. She also served as a Deaconess.

She was a member of the Mu Gamma Chapter of Alpha Iota Sorority and volunteered at the information desk at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 24 years. Ruth loved decorating her home for the holidays and cooking large meals for family get-togethers. She was an avid Big Reds fan and WVU fan, and she particularly loved following her grandchildren’s activities.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Becky Reynolds (Bob) of Parkersburg, 4 grandchildren, Zachary Litton (Kristi) of Bradenton, FL, Lindsey VanDyke (Brad) of Clemmons, NC, Brooke Glover (Brad) of Belleair Beach, FL, and Chance Litton (Stephanie) of Johns Island, SC, in addition to 11 great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Declan Litton, Logan, Reese, Cannon, Cadia, and Chance VanDyke, Steele, Bishop, and Vaughn Glover, and Sophia Litton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Silas Stephens, infant brother, Edwin Kester, and two sisters, Ina DeLong of Vienna, WV, and Katie Melrose of Kingwood, WV.

Service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at the Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg with Reverend Michael Stephens officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be on Thursday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wyngate Senior Living for the excellent care given to Ruth during her stay.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittfuneralhome.com.