BURLINGTON, N.C.—Ruth Sutphin Christie, 82, died May 9, 2008.

She was the recent widow of her husband of 63 years, the Rev. Harry B. Christie.

Born in Flat Rock, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Conce and Maude Sutphin.

A graduate of Flat Rock High School, she worked in a number of administrative positions in Washington, D.C. ,and Virginia, including service in the U.S. government during WWII.

During her life she was also co-owner of a florist business and other businesses.

Mrs. Christie worked alongside and supported her husband through four pastorships in Virginia and West Virginia.

She participated in mission trips to Mexico and Oklahoma and was active in church activities.

She played a major leadership role in the establishment of Tender Mercies Ministries, Inc., a food pantry serving 1,300 people each month in Mercer County, W.Va.

She was also active in the Bluestone Garden Club.

In 1995 she and her husband, Harry, received a West Virginian of the Year award from Governor Gaston Caperton.

Survivors include her children Harry Christie III and wife Vivian of Franklin; Gary Frederick Christie and wife Frances of Lynchburg; Joya Schmidt and husband Bill of Douglasville, Ga., and Dan Christie and wife Sarah Beth of Mebane, N.C.; sisters, Thelma Howard of Charlottesville, Ada Karnes of Roanoke and Jimison Adkins of Morganton, N.C.; grandchildren, David Foley Jr. of Maryland, Charles Foley of South Carolina, Jonathan Foley of South Carolina, Daniel Christie of Kansas, Ericka Christie of North Carolina and Catherine Martinette of Virginia; and great-grandchildren Seth, Steven and Brittany.

A memorial service will be held at the Village at Brookwood in Burlington, N.C., (www.villageatbrookwood.com) on Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Gathering Place.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Tender Mercies Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 669, Princeton, W.Va. 24740.