Ruth Wallwork Drinkard, 79, of Old Grist Mill Road, Appomattox, died Friday, January 6, 2017, at her residence. She was the loving wife of James Berkley Drinkard, Jr. for 58 years.

Born in Lawrence, Mass., on November 16, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Jessie Richardson and Frank Ernest Wallwork. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Ruth had two loves in her life; her faith and her family. She will be remembered for her faith in the many ways she gave of herself to help others and for her service in her church and community. Her greatest love was for her family which was well demonstrated by her selflessness and devotion.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by five children, Bruce Drinkard and his wife, Millie, Bonnie D. Burks and her husband, Kenny Wayne, Steven Drinkard and his wife, Paige, Timmy Drinkard and his wife, Rachel, and Beth Jamerson; 15 grandchildren, Callan (Timmy)Dudley, Kristen (Dwayne)Trent, Kasey (Jake) Almond, Zach, Cody, Bailey, Cole, Jillian, Ross, Whitley, Hallie Charlie, and Sully Drinkard, Berkley and Jake Jamerson; two great-grandchildren; a brother, David Wallwork of Farmville; a niece, Deborah (Gene) Booze; a nephew, David Wallwork, Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 8, 2017, in New Hope Baptist Church by the Rev. Ron Moore. Burial will follow in the Drinkard Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the residence.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 6227 Old Courthouse Rd., Appomattox, VA 24522 or New Hope Lighters Relay for Life Team, 1234 Wildway Rd., Appomattox, VA 24522.