Gretna – Ruth Elizabeth VanDeVyvere Simpson, age 98, of Gretna, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at her residence. Born on October 13, 1926, in Kansas City, MO, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Clara (Kurzweil) VanDeVyvere.

Ruth was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carroll Simpson, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage; three sons, Mark, Kenny, and Stephen Simpson; and three sisters, Catherine Reutter, Anna Mildred Schaffer, and Rosie Jo Burns.

Ruth was a proud founding member of St. Victoria Catholic Church, where her faith and commitment were deeply woven into the fabric of her family and community. After her husband's retirement from the army, as owner/operator of Simpson's Recreational Center, she and Carroll worked tirelessly while also raising seven children, including Mark, who had Down syndrome. Ruth's strength, resilience, and boundless love were evident in everything she did—from her unwavering care for her father after he was severely burned, to making over 70 quilts for her family, and her famous rolls, which she generously donated to the local rescue squad and her church.

Though she faced many hardships throughout her life, including the loss of her mother at age 16 and the challenges of raising a family while her husband served in Korea and Vietnam, Ruth's spirit never wavered. Known for her creativity, she made valentines, candles, flower arrangements, and even dog calendars with her husband for over a decade. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved in her home, often referred to as "Granny" by family and friends.

Ruth's sense of adventure and courage were legendary—whether it was her fearless determination to kill a 5-foot snake or her unwavering faith that kept her family grounded through difficult times. She was always up for a good time and had a zest for life that remained strong even in her later years.

Ruth's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Baker (Clark) of Nashville, TN, and Dianna Lavoie (Allan) of Gretna; two sons, Jeff Simpson (Dale) of Gretna and Deacon Chris Simpson (Sue Ellen) of Watertown, TN; one brother, John VanDeVyvere (Mary Ann) of Kansas City, MO; one sister, Margaret Gouger of Kansas City, MO; 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at St. Victoria Catholic Church, officiated by Father Jim Gallagher, Deacon Chris Simpson, and Deacon John Carey. Burial will follow at Gretna Burial Park, with a luncheon to follow at St. Victoria Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, and at the family residence at other times.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Victoria Catholic Church, P.O. Box 640, 305 Victoria Drive, Hurt, VA 24563. OR Mountain Valley Hospice, Mtnvalleyhospice.org.

Ruth may not have been famous on a grand stage, but to those who knew her, she was everything. Her quiet strength, laughter, and love shaped her family and her legacy will echo in their lives forever.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.