Ruby Counts

Ruby Counts passed away on August 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Kirkwood, Illinois, on May 6, 1931, to James F. and Martha Jane Waddell Dillman. She was married to her wonderful husband, Trever C. Counts, for 66 wonderful years. Her parents moved back to Marion, VA, and she grew up and graduated from Marion Senior High School.

Ruby became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for 18 years with Doctors James and Charles Thompson. She then moved to Abingdon in 1973 and worked for Dr. Marion J. Murray, Pediatrician, in Bristol, TN, for five years, then East Gate Pharmacy with Rusty & Melissa Belcher for 14 years, where she retired. After retirement, she worked at Johnston Memorial Hospital as a volunteer for 20 years, was Volunteer of the Year in 2009, and achieved over 5,000 hours of service. Ruby also was a help to her husband in starting the local Abingdon Church of the Nazarene after they moved to Abingdon in 1972, with the church officially organized in December 1976. Ruby served in various capacities over the years as church treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and Missionary President. She was a charter member of Abingdon Church of the Nazarene and attended faithfully. Ruby was a faithful friend to many and always sent handwritten cards to family and friends. She always knew what to say to encourage and uplift others.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Trever C. Counts; parents, James F. Dillman, Martha Waddell Dillman Pugh; Dorothy Cregger, sister; brothers, James Kenneth Dillman and David Lee Pugh; and best friend of many years, Frances Dyson Ferguson and Lois B. Testerman.

Ruby is survived by her daughter, Teresa Jean Counts Tignor; son, James Clifton Counts (Stacey); grandchildren, Jennifer Tignor Heath, Jason Tignor (Holli), Callie Counts Cunningham (Ryan), Nolan Counts, Luci Counts; great-grandson, Jacob Heath; sister, Violet Dillman Nevaraz; special brother, Junior Pugh (Mary); and many nieces, nephews, cousins from the Dillman, Waddell families; and also from her husband’s side of the family, Puckett and Counts, in addition to many special and dear friends too numerous to name.

Special appreciation to the following for their care of Ruby during this time: Dr. Clinton Sutherland, Dr. Bruce Higinbothom, MSA Home Health & Hospice of America, Jill Baker RN, Jennifer Bowers RN, caretakers Brenda Coleman, Tonia Reynolds and Elaine Smythe, Laura O’Bryan and Pat Johnson. Thank you to all our family and friends for all love and care shown to Mother and us during this time.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A service will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Lee Schnelle, Pastor Mark Copley, and Pastor Michael Henley officiating. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Knollkreg Mausoleum with pallbearers Brendan McSheehy, Chuck Puckett, Rusty Belcher, and Matt Hale. Honorary pallbearers will be Clayvel Kirk, Wayne Wilson, and Mike Anderson.

Donations may be made in memory of Ruby Counts to either of the following: Abingdon First Church of the Nazarene – 396 Old 11 Court, Abingdon, VA 24210 – Memorial Fund or Saint Jude Children’s Hospital – 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

The family of Ruby Counts is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.