Ruth Daniels

Ruth Basham Daniels, 98, of 2849 Westover Drive, Danville, Va., went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 25, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born on August 17, 1923, in Bedford County, VA, daughter of the late William Edward Basham and the late Florence Pearl Cundiff Basham. She was a graduate of the former Stewartsville High School, Class of 1941. Following graduation, she moved to Danville, VA, where she worked for Dan River Mills and was later employed by Belk Leggett Department Store. On December 21, 1943, she married Rayford Wiseman Daniels and they enjoyed over 70 years of marriage until his passing in 2014. Together they raised two daughters whom they loved and cherished. She was a long time member of Woodlawn Baptist Church where she served in numerous capacities. Serving others was a gift that came naturally to Ruth, whether it be providing a home cooked meal for someone in need or volunteering her time at the local hospital and the Danville Life Saving Crew Ladies Auxiliary. Her Christian faith was present in every facet of her life and she was a fervent prayer warrior. One could always look to her for sound advice and she was never too busy to comfort a friend who needed a sympathetic ear or to offer encouragement to her children and grandchildren. Ruth took great pride in making her house a home and mastered the art of homemaking. Her door was always open for neighbors to stop by or to sit a spell on her porch swing. She loved to cook and entertain and epitomized southern hospitality and grace. A striking lady, Ruth always appreciated a well put together outfit with big jewelry and matching accessories to complete the look. Grace, kindness, and Godliness are the words that describe her best. Ruth was happiest in her garden, caring for her beautiful flowers and watching the birds. She was a member of the former Town and Country Garden Club and a Life Member of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs. Upon retirement, she and her husband relished their time spent at their beloved cabin at Wildwood Lake in Caswell County, NC. There, they enjoyed working together to renovate their cabin. They hosted numerous gatherings at Wildwood Lake throughout the years. It became a refuge for her entire family, a place of peace, solitude, and natural beauty where she said she always felt closer to the Lord. As “Grandma”, she made many memories with her grandchildren at Wildwood Lake, including rocking on the porch, letting them play in the ice cold spring and getting as dirty as they pleased with no recourse. She loved to fish and taught them how to bait a hook and catch fish off the bank. She considered herself blessed to be able to share those same experiences with her three great-grandchildren, hardly ever missing a July 4th fireworks show over the lake, usually rocking one of them in her lap. She looked forward to ACC basketball every year and was a die-hard Duke Blue Devils fan. Anyone who knew her well, knew not to call and interrupt her during a basketball game. Her prayers no doubt carried the Blue Devils to many wins. About 16 years ago, her son-in-law, Wray, took her to the ACC tournament in Greensboro to watch her Blue Devils play live. This was an experience she never forgot. In her later years, she grew to be a UVA fan for the same reasons everyone chooses a team, their coach was so handsome and a good Christian man. With her prayerful support, UVA went on to win several national championships. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Beth Daniels Fuquay, a son-in-law, George Wray Ware, a brother, Reggie Basham, and sisters, Kathleen Murphy, Sally Moore, Hattie Hall, Marie Martin and Beatrice Walker. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Daniels Ware of Danville, VA, a son-in-law, James Harvey Fuquay, Jr., of Danville, VA, two grandsons, Daniel Wray Ware (Elizabeth) of Danville, VA, James Harvey Fuquay, III, of Dry Fork, VA; two granddaughters, Danielle Ware Dana (Stephen) of Southern Pines, NC, Jane Margaret Fuquay of Raleigh, NC; three great-grandchildren, Colston Daniel Ware, Lauren Elizabeth Ware, and Paul Ware Dana; one sister, Louella Wood of Vinton, VA; a stepbrother, Otey Dudley (Mary) of Abingdon, VA; a cherished niece, Peggy McGuire of Bedford, VA, along with many special in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Ruth was blessed with neighbors who were like family, devoted caregivers, and friends too numerous to list who brightened her days with simple acts of kindness. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Woodlawn Baptist Church with Pastor David Duncan officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew or to Woodlawn Baptist Church.