Obituary - Ruthie Mae Starke-Woodson
Legacy of Love
Ruthie Mae Starke-Woodson, loving known as “Momae”, peacefully entered her eternal rest on August 18, 2026.
Ruthie was preceded in death by her father, Warnell White; mother, Willie Mae White; sister, Gloria Berkley; daughter, Linda Ward; step-daughter, Pearl Brown and nephew, Alfred Jackson.
Born on March 10, 1934 in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Warnell and Willie Mae White, Ruthie received her primary and secondary education from the Henrico County Public School System. While attending Virginia Randolph High School, Ruthie was a cheerleader and participated in the Women’s Basketball and Softball teams. She was always ready to demonstrate her competitive and athletic abilities.
Ruthie joined the Pilgrim Journey Baptist Church and accepted Christ as the cornerstone of her life-long walk by faith at an early age. Serving Christ throughout her life, Ruthie was a member of the Willing Workers User Board, Kitchen Committee and women’s Ministry. She was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever called upon.
Known for her incredible pattern drafting, sewing skills and alteration abilities, Ruthie made a name for herself as talented seamstress in the Henrico, Richmond and surrounding areas. No matter if the project was a wedding gown or button, Ruthie approached each task with the same level of perfection that only her hands could provide. Ruthie always had the ability to make everyone feel she was their personal designer. Whether the inspiration came from a magazine, imagination or sketches she would do her best to make it a reality. To diversify her sewing skills, Ruthie later enrolled at the Adult Educations Centers- Furniture Upholstery Program. She went on to re-upholster many furniture pieces for family members, friends and clientele
For 19 years, Ruthie worked at the AJD Hat Factory producing creative hat apparel for numerous NFL sport teams. While there, she also participated in the company sponsored Softball team being an agile and formidable first baseman.
Ruthie re-entered the workforce serving as an Afterschool counselor for elementary age students at Manna Christian Fellowship and Abundant Life Church of Christ. Serving as a wealth of wisdom and patience, Ruthie provided stern guidance for many children under her watchful care. Although her discipline was swift; She wiped tears, bandaged knees and kissed foreheads of many children throughout her tenure as a counselor.
Ruthie was avid traveler who enjoyed attending many sporting and social events. Having traveled both internationally and domestically, Ruthie did not miss an opportunity to see the world’s beauty! Ruthie was the last surviving member of her social group known as the “Nothing Fancy Club”. Well-known for their chartered bus trips, lavish galas and lively social gatherings. An annual trip to Wheeling, WV for the Colonial Downs Dog Races, was an exciting yearly trip sponsored by the Club. Their hospitality and fellowship were exhibited from the moment you boarded the bus until the conclusion of the trip.
Ruthie was a die-hard football fan. Whether it was a little league or an NFL game she was always happy to be there supporting her teams. Her loyalty to the Washington Commanders cannot be understated. Always sporting hats, jackets, socks and sweatsuits. Never wanting to miss a moment of any football game, she actively watched football every Sunday and Monday. Yelling at the TV screen as if the teams could hear her was a common occurrence throughout the game. She was also unwavering in providing all the additional commentary concerning the referees while, during and well after the game was played. When the Dallas Cowboy vs Washington Commanders rivalry game aired, it was a football game she never, EVER missed. When any opportunity arose for her to attend a NFL game live, you could always count her in. She showed the same level of commitment to football when her grandsons Corey, Therron and Tommelik played. Sometimes, you could even catch her running the entire length of the field to score a touchdown with them.
Having learned how to fish from her father and mother it became a hobby often practiced throughout her life. Whether from a pier, boat or beach she never missed an opportunity to fish. Many, many early mornings, she would make her way to Deltaville, VA to take her friends and family on chartered boat fishing trips. She taught many how to bait hooks, cast rods and remove fish from the sharp hooks though you’d have better paid attention because one lesson was all you got!
Never wanting anyone to feel overlooked, Ruthie provided emotional care support for Mrs. Eleanor Kenney and Mrs. Vivian Brown visiting each of them several days weekly until their passing.
Those remaining to cherish her memory: daughter, Dianne Bundick, son-in-law, Jesse Ward; grandchildren Benita Acree, Corey Valentine, Yaree Bundick, Scherra Shepperson (Johnny), James Brown Jr, DeWayne Bundick, Therron Bundick (Dawn), Shannon Hines (Jerry), Schanea Alexandre (Wildes), Tommelik Ward; great-grandchildren, Madeline Bundick, Talia Bundick, Reina Shepperson, Brooklyn Jones, Weston Alexandre, McKenzie Valentine, Tahlil Alexandre, Amari Alexandre, Damian Hines, Jireh Alexandre, Naima Hines and Jovani Alexandre; first Cousin: LaVerne Noble and Barbara Tipton; devoted friends: Richard Bragg and Broughton Family. A host of extended family members and devoted friends.
