Ruth Blackwell Riker, 84, of Front Royal, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at her home.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Maddox Funeral Home conducted by Pastor Danny Clegg. Interment will be private.

Mrs. Riker was born on October 16, 1932, in Collinsville, Alabama daughter of the late J.W. “Preacher Bill” Blackwell and Mazie Adams Blackwell. She was a member of the Front Royal Baptist Temple.

Surviving are her loving and devoted husband of 63 years Edmund E. Riker, Sr.; five children Edmund E. Riker, Jr., Blake Riker, Mark F. Riker, Sally Nobbs, and Michael L. Riker, Sr.; two brothers Edward Blackwell and Truett Blackwell; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Riker was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Pallbearers will be Erin Whited, Brian Whited, Becky Jenkins, John E. Jenkins, III, Michael L. Riker, Jr. and Ethan K. Palmer.

Honorary pallbearers will be her sons.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 23 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shenandoah Valley Oncology Building Fund or to the Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA 22601.