Ruth Elma Halsey Middleton, 94, of 919 South Alleghany Avenue, Covington, Virginia, died Saturday afternoon, April 2, 2011, at her home.

Mrs. Middleton was born February 27, 1917, in Covington, a daughter of the late Thomas Ernest and Marie Edith Barnett Halsey.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Husband, Elmer Middleton in 1980.

Ruth had retired as a file clerk with the Department of the Navy in Washington, DC, and then returned home to Covington.

She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church where she had served as a Trustee, a Deaconness and as a member of the Missionary Circle. She was the 2000 recipient of and namesake for the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Volunteer of the Year Award for her many hours of service to the community.

Surviving are her brother, George Halsey Sr. of Covington; several nieces and nephews, including George Halsey, Jr. and his wife, Clarice of Covington and Pat Lee of Covington Friends may pay their respects any time at Arritt Funeral Home. The family will receive their friends from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Friday evening, April 8, 2011 at Arritt Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held Saturday at 11: 00 a.m., April 9, 2011 in the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie L. Cannon Officiating. The interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.