Ruth Goss (Keith) Puryear, age 98, of Franklinton, NC, passed away peacefully on September
26th, 2025, at Duke Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on July 11th, 1927, in Granville County, Ruth was the daughter of the late Effie Humphries
Goss and Bud Rowland Goss. She lived a life marked by determination, compassion, and
service — both to her family and to her community.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Virginia Bradshaw; her beloved grandchildren Kimberly
Wheeler (Benson) and Michael Todd Champion; and four cherished great-grandchildren:
Allyson Culbreth, Victoria Champion, Travis Culbreth, and Mark Culbreth. She was also blessed
with a great-great-granddaughter, Hallie Isabella Winters. Nothing lit up Ruth's face quite like
her and she also held a very special place in her heart for Madison and Taylor Beck, whom she
considered family.

She was preceded in death by her son James "Jimmy" Champion, her grandson James "Jamie"
Russell Champion, and her daughter Linda Champion Tilley.

Ruth retired from state government after 28 years of dedicated service, but retirement was only
the beginning of a new chapter. She went on to establish Ruth Keith Realty in Creedmoor and
later Mayo Realty in Roxboro — using her passion and skill to help countless families find their
homes and start new lives. Her entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by her dedication to the
people she served.

Small in stature but mighty in presence, Ruth's influence reached far beyond her immediate
circle. She was a beloved member of Banks Methodist Church and was an active leader in
numerous civic and professional organizations throughout her life. Her affiliations included the
South Granville Exchange Club, Durham Board of Realtors, Granville BPW, CCB Board of
Directors, and the Granville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She was a charter
member of the South Granville Toastmasters Club and served on the Community Relations
Board with the Federal Correctional Institute.

Ruth's accolades reflect her tireless commitment: she was named Exchangette of the Year
(1988–1989), received the Outstanding Service Award, Secretary of the Year, and the rare
10-Member Award — the only recipient in North Carolina. In 1990, she was honored to be
elected President-Elect of the Granville Exchange Club.

Throughout her remarkable 98 years, Ruth touched lives with her wisdom, energy, and deep
sense of purpose. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, as well as a trailblazer in both public service
and business. Her legacy will live on in the lives she shaped, the homes she helped build, and
the community she so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Banks Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice, in her memory.