RUTH LEMLEY

She graduated from Magnolia High School in New Martinsville and obtained an RN degree at the former Ohio Valley General Hospital (later OVMC) where she subsequently faithfully served as a nurse for many years. She remained a Wheeling resident, and married Fred Lemley in 1951. They remained together until Fred’s death in 2020 and had four children. Ruth Ann was a loving mother and wife who was devoted to her family. She delighted in having many friends and relatives nearby and was always ready to offer a helping hand or supportive shoulder. She frequently would care for ailing neighbors as their nurse. Ruth Ann attended the former Warwood Church of Christ. She was a deeply caring woman, indeed an angel on earth, who will be deeply missed.

Ruth Ann was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Gaynell Gamble; a sister, Mary Ellen, at birth; as well as her brothers, Donald and Norman Gamble; her husband, Fred; a nephew, Bill Gamble; a brother-in-law, Owen Lemley; sisters-in-law, Joan Gamble and Mary Lou Lemley; and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Freedy.

She is survived by her children, Douglas Lemley, MD (Barbara Freedy), of Greensboro, NC, Steve (Beth) Lemley, Peggy Lemley (Steve) Rogers, and Barbara Lemley (Tom) Pleva, all of Wheeling; six grandsons, TJ Criswell of Moundsville, Jeremy (Kayla) Criswell of Wheeling, Cameron Lemley of New York, NY, Michael (Alison) Pleva of Mooresville, NC, and Matthew and Jacob Pleva of Morgantown; as well as six great-grandchildren, Kelsi, Dane, Timothy Jr., Xavier, Aiden, and Lainey Ruth; four nephews, Brent, Larry and Brian Gamble, and Owen Lemley, Jr.; and two nieces, Melanie Gamble Palmer and Jane Ann Gamble.

Friends will be received at Kepner Funeral Home-Burke Chapel in Warwood, Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10AM until the time of service at 12PM. Interment directly following at Northview Cemetery in New Martinsville.