Franklin –Ruth Porterfield DeHaven, 100, passed away February 1, 2026. Born in Mullens, West Virginia, Ruth was one of eleven children born to the late Alva Frank and Mattie Pauline Porterfield. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech and worked for many years in the medical field as a bacteriologist. Ruth was a past Paul Harris Fellow of the Franklin Rotary Club, Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 73, past member of the Forty & Eight American Legion Auxiliary Department of Virginia and a past member of the Christian Woman's Club. She was a member of High Street United Methodist Church. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald W. DeHaven, and her daughter, Brenda D. Ashburn.

Ruth is survived by son-in-law, Willie Ashburn; three grandchildren, Rosalyn A. Williamson (Romeo), Andrew Ashburn and Melissa Ashburn; a sister, Mary Ann Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held 2 PM Monday February 16, 2026 in Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, VA.                                                  .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to High Street UMC, P.O. Box 218, Franklin, VA 23851.