Ruth Howell Prillaman

Ruth Howell Prillaman, 93, died on January 19, 2026, at Kings Grant Retirement Community. Ruth was born on June 23, 1932, in Mountain Valley, Virginia, the daughter of Elmo Whitfield Howell and Antholene Plybon Howell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wythe Prillaman; her brother, Ralph Howell; her sisters, Elizabeth Stamper and Betty Mowen; her grandson, Samuel Tristan Pilson; and her son-in-law, Samuel Pilson.

Ruth married her Basset High School sweetheart, Wythe Prillaman, in 1950 while he was granted a brief leave during his Air Force service. Their marriage of 69 years was a love story for the ages. Laughter and open-heartedness were the hallmarks of their life together. Even in their golden years, they could often be found dancing in the kitchen or seeking out birds and wildlife around their home.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Antholene Renee Prillaman and her husband, Hugh Meriwether, and Shawn Prillaman McCraw and her husband, Mark McCraw; her two grandchildren, Caitlin Meriwether Prillaman and Andrew Wythe Prillaman Meriwether and his wife, Larkin Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Nancy Hale and Judy Hundley; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Ruth was known for her ready, beautiful smile, which quickly conveyed her deep capacity to love. She expressed her care in countless ways, always ready to offer a listening ear, a home-cooked meal, or a beautifully hosted reunion, whether in her home or elsewhere. Ruth happily planned weddings, parties, and special gifts for friends and family who asked—and sometimes for those who didn’t!

Family was first for Ruth. While she owned her own hair salon in Mauldin, SC, she built her work hours around family needs. She managed to balance all the demands of being a business owner, keeping her family going, and caring for her mother in her later years. She also tirelessly gave of her time and talent to Blackberry Baptist Church, especially as the Director of the Youth Choir, and to each of her church homes; Mauldin First Baptist and Hale’s Ford Baptist.

An artist at her core, Ruth spent her life creating beauty. Until the very end of her life, she remained busy with creative pursuits. She was a painter, interior designer, quilt maker, floral designer, and a skilled practitioner of countless handcrafts. Ruth could see beauty and possibility in even the most ragged antiques and had a gift for designing spaces and events that made people feel loved, seen, and treasured.

Many family members and friends will be warmed by memories of Ruth’s playful spirit. Her children and grandchildren were the richest recipients of these gifts. From card games and baking cookies side by side to super soaker battles, Ruth knew how to play and how to love deeply and fully. It was common to hear her say at holidays, special events, or any family gathering, “We are making memories.” Remembering all she so generously gave will sustain us in the years to come.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Victory Chapel in King’s Grant Retirement Community, 350 Kings Way Road, Martinsville, VA 24112.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorial gifts be made to the following:● The Samuel and Tristan Pilson Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides a scholarship each year to a graduating senior at Bassett High School who demonstrates a commitment to service. Donations can be made online at Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia or mailed to:

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia PO Box # 1124

Martinsville, VA 24114 " Specify in Memo line - Pilson Memorial Scholarship Fund" ● The Kings Grant Fellowship Fund for residents who outlive their resources or to the Kings Grant Employee Emergency Fund. Donations can be made at Sunnyside Communities or mailed to:Kings Grant, 350 Kings Way Road, Martinsville, VA 24112. "Specify in Memo line either Fellowship Fund or Employee Gift Fund"● The SPCA of Martinsville & Henry County, where Ruth adopted her beloved cat, Callie.