Ruth Ann Deal

Ruth Ann Deal, 91, passed away on December 23, 2024 in Hawaii where she had moved years prior to live close to her daughter.

She was born April 16, 1933 to the late Thomas and Naomi (Jeffers) Montcastle in Apple Grove, WV, and grew up there with her three siblings. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Montcastle, her sister, Sandra Winkler, and brother-in-law Robert Winkler.

After graduating from Point Pleasant High School, she got an assembly job near Barboursville for several years before being hired by Hutchinson Insurance Agency in Point Pleasant as a secretary. Eventually a business opportunity presented itself in 1967 and she purchased one of the first H & R Block franchises in WV, well before franchising was common. She opened it on Main Street in Point Pleasant, becoming an owner and entrepreneur for 30 years as she prepared taxes and expanded the business with clients and employees. In the mid-90’s she became an IRS Enrolled Agent by passing their three-part comprehensive test, which enabled her to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled agent status is considered the highest credential the IRS awards, a status she was proud to have achieved.

Over time she also served as the Vice President and then President of the Ordnance School PTA and on the board of Prestera Center in Huntington.

She married and eventually welcomed a daughter, the little girl she always wanted. She loved being a mom and devoted herself to it but was over the moon when she became a grandmother - oh how she loved and adored her grandbabies and they loved and adored her back.

As a gifted seamstress from a young age, she started making outfits for her dolls and later used her talent to create matching sets for herself and her daughter. She was often unable to find the stylish outfits she desired, so she combined fabrics and pieces from different patterns to create her own one-of-a-kind outfits, effortlessly pulling together unique ensembles. She often drew comparisons to Hollywood stars as a result of her elegance, looks, and stylish nature, but in addition to all of this she was widely known for her abundance of inner beauty. She had a gentle soul and a beautiful heart full of kindness and love.

She was also an amazing cook, a skilled gardener, and a woman of deep faith. To know her was to love her.

She is survived by her daughter Lana (Randy) Billman; grandson Tyler Billman; granddaughter Kianna (Christian) Thaxton; sister Dorris (Arnold) Dutton; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Her funeral service will be on January 10, 2025 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant beginning at 1 p.m., with Pastor Ronnie Tote officiating.

Prior to the service, a Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at the church from 12 - 1 p.m. with light lunch provided.

Burial following the service will be at Beale Chapel Cemetery in Apple Grove.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ruth’s name to the church she faithfully attended via the Trinity United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant.

Condolences may be expressed to the family and memories may be shared by visiting www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.