Ruby Ann Goad

Ruby Ann Goad, 88, of Hillsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. Born on April 4, 1937, near Hillsville, Virginia, Ruby lived a life marked by compassion, dedication to helping others, and a deep appreciation for her Appalachian heritage.

Ruby entered first grade at Hillsville Elementary School in 1943. After her family relocated to Detroit, Michigan in December 1944, she continued her education in the Detroit Public School System until her graduation from Chadsey High School in 1955. Following her graduation, she began her working career at Burroughs Office Machines. In 1973, Ruby returned to her hometown of Hillsville, Virginia. There she found her true calling—helping others—through her work at the Waddell Center in Galax. Her passion for service continued as she worked at Crossroads and also Surry Friends of Youth. Ruby was an active member of Al-Anon for many years and dedicated herself as a volunteer at Surry County (NC) Domestic Violence Task Force and as a volunteer at Mountain Valley Hospice, offering comfort and support to those in need.

Ruby was a cancer survivor herself.

Faith played a central role in Ruby’s life. She was a long-time member at Hillsville Christian Church before joining Sunny Hills Community Church in Wytheville. Her church families provided her with love and support throughout her life. Ruby lived by the belief that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your being and to love your neighbor as yourself—a principle she exemplified through her actions.

Ruby is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Steven and Tammi Ozaistowicz, daughter Dawn Chappell, grandchildren John Ozaistowicz, Amy Ozaistowicz, Justin Allen, Erica Lienhart; Liz Lux and Becky Molina; great-grandchildren Tyra Allen, Leia Allen, Lilly Lienhart, McKenna Lux, Camryn Lux, Grayson Lux, Cadince Lloyd, Hazel Lloyd, Berkley Lloyd and Margaret Lloyd.

She is survived by siblings and spouses, Eldon and Joyce Goad, Earl Goad, Janet and Ricky Hill; foster daughters Melissa Roberts and Sarah Johnson; and foster grandchildren Cody and Austin Leftwich, Christian Berry, Alannah Wolfe, Christopher Johnson and Delaney Roberts. Also surviving is her cherished friend, Patsy Younger.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Early and Reba Webb Goad; paternal grandparents, Walter and Laura Nester Goad; maternal grandparents, Steve and Ada Quesenberry Webb; foster son, Jonathan Roberts; foster daughter Lori Roberts; and sister-in-law, Linda Goad.

Ruby’s legacy is one of kindness, creativity, faithfulness, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sunny Hills Community Church, 2973 N. 4th Street, Wytheville, Virginia. Inurnment will follow at the Walter Goad Cemetery, Silverleaf Road, Dugspur, Virginia.

Ruby has requested in lieu of flowers, donations to the Goad Family Cemetery fund at Carter Bank & Trust, 220 N Main St. Hillsville, VA 24343.