On May 2, 2020, Ruth Ellen Duvall Kuhnel left this earth after a year-long battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer for which she had no risk factors.
Owing to current circumstances, a private graveside service will be held in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Oxford, MS with Reverend Ann Kelly officiating. There will be a memorial at Second Presbyterian at some point in the future.
Ruth Ellen was born on April 29, 1962, in Oxford, Mississippi, the second child of Geraldine (Pankratz) and Howard G. Duvall, Jr. She is survived by her sister and brother in law, Teresa and David Flautt, also of Oxford, and two nephews, David Flautt, Jr. and Duvall Flautt.
Ruth Ellen graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi, where she was a sister of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Throughout her life, she maintained great pride in the land, people, and literature of the state of Mississippi, and carried the warmth and humor of its citizens wherever she went. From there, Ruth Ellen went on to attend law school at Washington & Lee University, where she met the love of her life, and surviving husband of 31 years, Paul.
Ruth Ellen’s life after law school spanned motherhood, public service, community service, her church, and the joy of living. She leaves behind her son, William Wilson, of Washington, D.C., in whom she took great pride and offered constant love and guidance.
Her varied career accomplishments included her serving initially as counsel to the Roanoke County/Salem Department of Social Services, then finished with her rise to County Attorney of Roanoke County. Her leadership was integral to the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley, where she served as a past President, and three years on the executive board of the local Susan B. Komen affiliate, where she met and enjoyed the benefit of many lifelong friends.
Her spiritual life began at First Presbyterian Church in Oxford, MS, and after moving to Roanoke, she went on to join and then serve on the session of Second Presbyterian Church, where she also taught youth Sunday School. One of her more recent joys was the Mill Mountain Garden Club, whose members and fellowship helped take her mind of her diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Above all, Ruth Ellen was an expert on friendship. Her friends were drawn from all walks of life and if all could all be gathered in a room at one time, each would consider themselves her best. That is just the kind of person she was. Her family is especially grateful to all those friends, near and far, who contributed food, flowers, conversation, and, most importantly, their love and prayers. They sustained her during many dark moments.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution in Ruth Ellen’s name to Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Avenue S.W., Roanoke, VA, 24016.
Arrangements for Mrs. Kuhnel have been entrusted to John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, VA and Waller Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Oxford, MS.
