Ruth Anne Elizabeth Agnor Upshaw Herring, 86, passed away at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital.

Her life began also at Stonewall Jackson Hospital, formerly the home of Stonewall Jackson, on Nov. 30, 1929, the daughter of Guy Byer Agnor and Ruth Lackey Agnor.

She was predeceased by her parents, twin brother Guy Byer Agnor Jr. and husband, George Williams Effinger Herring.

She is survived by her older sister, Frances Virginia "Dinny" Traver of Cherry Hill, N.J., and her three children, Charles Bell Upshaw III (Connie) of Raleigh, N.C., A.L. "Al" Upshaw of Buies Creek, N.C., and Anne Elizabeth Effinger Herring of Natural Bridge.

She was the proud Geemaw to Capt. Charles Andrew Upshaw of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, and Nana to Grace Elizabeth Upshaw of Asheville, N.C., Mary Katherine "Kate" Upshaw of Buies Creek, N.C., and Caroline Joy Upshaw also of Buies Creek, N.C.

Ruth Anne was a 1947 graduate of Lexington High School, a 1951 graduate of Madison College (now James Madison University), having received her bachelor of science in education, and also her master's degree in education from the University of Virginia in 1970. She was employed in various public school systems for many years, having served as teacher, coach, guidance counselor, Title I and Title VI supervisor.

She obtained her Virginia Real Estate Broker's License in 1960 and opened Herring Real Estate in 1973, where she embarked on an over 40-year journey of assisting folks in achieving the American dream of home ownership. She also opened Herring Travel Services in 1976, a Lexington travel agency.

The Rockbridge Republican Party recently recognized Ruth Anne for her many years of service and support. Her other past civic involvement also includes having served as president of the Lexington/Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce, president of the Lexington-Buena Vista-Rockbridge Association of Realtors, Daughters of the America Revolution, Kiwanis, Preservation Virginia and the Rockbridge Historical Society. Her longtime membership at Trinity United Methodist Church includes having been organist, choir director, soloist and secretary of the administrative board.

The family would like to thank the fine staff at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital, Heritage Hall in Lexington, Dr. James Crews, Pastors Ken Chorle and Derryl Lafave for their extraordinary care and dedication during these last few years.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Trinity United Methodist Church by the Rev. Norman Tippens. Burial will follow in the Falling Spring Presbyterian Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at the Harrison Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations be sent to the Rockbridge Area Leadership Scholarship Fund, C/O Whitney Huffman, 209 S. Main St., Lexington, VA 24450 or the Heritage Hall Resident Aid Fund, 205 Houston St., Lexington, VA 24450.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.