Norma Jean Ruhlow, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at her home in Buckhannon, WV. She was born on January 6, 1930, in Gassaway, WV, a daughter of the late Guy E. and A. Pearl Twyman Russell.
She was the last remaining survivor of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dean H. Ruhlow; siblings, Fred Russell, Barbara Searcy, Betty Jo Huffman, and an infant brother.
She is survived by her daughter, Anne C. Erdman and husband Larry; grandson Michael Erdman; grandson Nicholas Erdman, wife Valerie, and great-granddaughters Emerson and Addison; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Norma grew up in Minden, WV, and graduated from Oak Hill High School. She moved to Buckhannon in 1947, where she worked for the Acme Book Store for nearly twenty years. Then she started college at WV Wesleyan at the age of 38.
Norma graduated in 1972 and taught school for the Upshur County School District for almost twenty years. During her career, she went on to acquire her master’s degree from WVU. She found sewing, quilting, and creating things with her hands to be what occupied much of her time.
In honoring Mrs. Ruhlow’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A graveside service will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Heavner Cemetery with Rev. Kelly Martin officiating. Burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buckhannon First United Methodist Church Choir, Upshur County School District Board of Education for Library Books, or the West Virginia Wesleyan College Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
