Ruth Elizabeth Cornett

  Noted events in her life were:

• Census: Grayson Co, VA - 1930 Federal Census, 9 Apr 1930, Grayson Co, VA. ³ Elk Creek, Dist 1, Sheet 4A, Stamped Pg 87

• Obituary: Pulaski Co., VA. Ruth Elizabeth Cornett Sayers James was born November 8, 1922 in Comers Rock, VA and died September 25, 2019. A longtime resident of the southwest Virginia mountains (Elk Creek, Blacksburg, Fairlawn, Independence) she passed away at age 96 in Pulaski, Va.

Ruth, also affectionately known as Memaw, was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Zollie Cornett; her husbands, Maynard H. Sayers (d.1946) and Ryburn. Vance James (d.2001); and her siblings, Lasca Stone, Dean Cornett, and Stell Cornett. With simple grace, an unmatched cooking talent, religious conviction, and an unbelievable gift of loquacious gab, she enriched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was known as a kind soul, an unwavering and compassionate caregiver, and a world-class worrywart to friend and family alike.

Ruth was a devoted, faithful member of the Fairlawn United Methodist Church as well as a Hercules employee for 27 years. Her sausage gravy, ham biscuits, fried chicken, green beans, pound cake, banana bread, and sourdough bread were legendary. Less than ten days before she died she was making fried apple pies and crimping the edges just right. Ruth played the organ, excelled as a stellar high school student, cheered the Virginia Tech Hokies, possessed an incredible photographic memory, and loved country music. Most of all, Ruth loved her family, and her joy at family gatherings, especially holidays, was contagious. Whether known as Ms. James, Ruth, Grandmaw, Mom, or Memaw, all will miss her and forever remember her as an amazing and wonderful person.

Surviving family members include daughter and partner, Linda Stiner and Walter Boone of Radford; sons and daughters-in-law, Maynard and Sharon Sayers of Southern Pines, NC, and Dennis and Anne Sayers of High Point, NC; grandchildren, Shannon Bruce Stosser, Sean Sayers, Robert Bruce Jr, Joel Sayers, Carla Sayers Albritton, Morgan Sayers, and Kate Sayers Moser; 8 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 10-11am on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Fairlawn United Methodist Church. Memorial services will begin at 11am with Rev. Mark A. Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fairlawn United Methodist Church (7590 Brandon Rd, Fairlawn, VA 24141).

The family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford

Ruth married Maynard Hastin Sayers on 9 Nov 1940 in Grayson Co., VA.¹ (Maynard Hastin Sayers was born on 25 Oct 1912 in Grayson Co., VA ⁴ and died on 9 Jul 1946 in Hanover Co, VA ⁵.)

Ruth next married Ryburn Vance James on 7 Jun 1962 in Pulaski Co., VA.¹ (Ryburn Vance James was born on 10 Dec 1911 in Wythe CO, VA ⁴ and died on 30 Apr 2001 in Montgomery Co., VA ⁶.)