Ruth D. Benedict, 92 of Hillsville, passed away Friday, January 30, 2009 at Waddell Nursing Home in Galax. Mrs. Benedict was preceded in death by her parents Lynn & Ella Pierce Lawrence; husband Harold Benedict; daughter & son-in-law Kathryn M. & Roland Smart; three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by a daughter & son-in-law Constance & Francis Shearer of Taylorsville, NC; brother Ralph Lawrence of Putney VT; four grandchildren Philip Smart, Karlene Dalton, Mark Shearer, & Andrew Shearer; 11 great grandchildren, 17 great great grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday February 02, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Crooked Oak Baptist Church in Laurel Fork, VA with Rev. Oscar Hill and Pastor Michael Shockley officiating. Burial will follow in the Crooked Oak Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday February 02, 2009 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. The family says flowers will be appreciated; however donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady-Chapel is serving the family.