EDGEWATER, FL—Ginger Harper Ruit (nee Harper) 66, passed away suddenly on May 6, 2022, as a result of complications due to surgery.
Ginger was born Ginger Harper, on November 11, 1955, in Richmond to Ada and Charles G. Harper Jr. Ginger was the third of five children.
She is predeceased by her parents and youngest sister, Betty Kay.
Ginger is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Philip Ruit; caring siblings, Dixie (Diane), Gary (Debra) and William (Tina); her loving children Michelle Joyal, Joseph Joyal and Tiena Joyal (partner Andrew); stepdaughter, Terrie Baumgardner; grandchildren, Wyatt and Hudson; and step-grandchildren, Hunter, Braydon and Jonathan. Ginger also leaves her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Phyllis Ruit; and brothers-in-law, Tommy (Robin) Ruit and Bobby Ruit; as well as her Aunt, Margaret Dix; many cousins, scores of nieces and nephews, her close and devoted friend and neighbor Janice Bolden (Fred), as well as many dear countless friends.
Ginger and Phil Ruit lived in Lancaster County, and relocated to Florida in 2006. In 2019 Ginger invited her mom, Ada Harper, to her home in Florida, during her mother’s illness. Both Ginger and Phil cared for her mom, until Ada passed away on February 23, 2022.
Ginger was born and raised in White Stone. She married Leo Joyal and had three children. When the marriage ended, Ginger and the children relocated to Lancaster County. It was here Ginger met and married the love of her life, Phil Ruit. In 2006, the family moved to Florida. She loved Florida so much that she and Phil annually vacationed in Key West—this was Ginger’s happy place. Key West brought them peace and boundless joy.
While living in Lancaster County, Phil and Ginger did everything they could to support the children, and the Lancaster High School Band community. They became known as Lancaster High School Band’s parents. Phil used his equipment to move the school’s band instruments to towns, cities and airports for events. Ginger sold Band Boosters and supported activities for their fund raisers. Lancaster High School Band was nationally recognized and traveled locally as well as internationally for competitions, demonstrations and parades.
Ginger was famous for her chocolate chip cookies. Friends and family looked forward to their birthday and holiday treats. A devoted and loving wife and a caring and supportive mom, Ginger was enormously proud of all of her family. Ginger knew every birthday, personal event celebration date, phone number, and address of all who touched her heart. She never missed sending a card to celebrate you and let know she was thinking of you.
Funeral services will be held for Ginger Harper Ruit at 11 am. on May 28, 2022, at White Stone Baptist Church, 517 Chesapeake Drive in White Stone. Internment will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the White Stone Baptist Church Food Pantry, PO Box 45, White Stone, VA 22578, or call 435-1413.
