RuthAnn Carter - Fort Blackmore, VA

RuthAnn Carter, 87, of Fort Blackmore, VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Holston Valley Medical Center.

RuthAnn was born on June 11, 1939, in Midway, VA to the late Kelly M. Gillenwater and Lakie (Lane) Gillenwater. She dedicated many years of her life to serving others as a teacher’s aide and attended Wood Riverview Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Rhonda Sue Carter; sister, Maggie Strong; brothers, Howard Gillenwater, Sydney Gillenwater and J.C. Gillenwater.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 66 years, Clyde Carter of the home; daughter, Judy Mann and husband, David; son, John Kelly Carter; grandchildren, Amanda Williams and Tristan, Madison Carter and Adrian Ball, Jake Carter, John Kaleb Carter and Baylie, and Jacy Mann; 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; along with her Fur Baby, “Bud” and many other family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel with Brother Bobby Darnell officiating. Music will be provided by Tim Baldwin and April Baldwin.

Graveside services will follow at Mann Cemetery, Fort Blackmore, VA. Tristan Williams, Kaleb Carter, Adrian Ball, Victor Lorenzo, Steve Carter and David Mann will serve as pallbearers.

An online guest register is available for the Carter family at www.GateCityFunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of RuthAnn Carter.