ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 29, 1996 TAG: 9605300027
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY WHITAKER
World War II turned thousands of lives upside down but it helped put Ruth Shaffner's life back on track. Her decision to join the U.S. Army in 1943 came after her marriage of more than 20 years had ended and her children were nearly grown.
Shaffner was known by neighbors as a mother who made ice cream for their children when an epidemic of the measles struck. She had always cared not just for her own children but for theirs as well.
As she watched friends leave the small community of McCoy to serve in the war, Shaffner debated whether she, too, should enlist. Her role as a wife was behind her and her children were nearly grown. Her job at Hercules kept her busy but she thought a change would do her good.
"Everyone seemed to be going," said Shaffner. "I wanted to do my part, too."
Zana Albert, Shaffner's daughter, had just turned 20, had a 6-week-old baby and had just taken her husband to the Cambria train station to head to boot camp. "There was so much going on in my life when Mom told me she was going into the service, I kind of went numb," Albert recalled.
Both of Shaffner's sons served in World War II; she even managed to meet son Willis in Richmond in 1945 to sew stripes on his uniform. Kelly Webb, who now lives in Lynchburg, served in the Navy. Willis Webb, a resident of Christiansburg, served in the Army Air Force.
"All in all, it worked out OK. We visited as often as we could. And Mom loved her career in the service," Albert said.
Ruth Lewis Webb Shaffner was born in Superior, W.Va., and raised in Carroll County. Married in 1921, she moved to McCoy in 1929 when her husband, Frank Webb, took a bookkeeping job with Superior Anthracite, a McCoy mining company.
Shaffner joined the Woman's Army Corps in December 1943 and later transferred to the Woman's Army Air Force. She served 20 years of active duty and an additional 10 years in the reserves.
On May 14, the Dr. Harvey Black Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, presented Shaffner, 92, with the Cross of Military Service. She was also honored for her 62 years membership with the chapter. The presentation was made a luncheon held at Blacksburg's Red Lion Inn.
Ruth Shaffner now resides in a retirement center in Lancaster, Pa., and remains active. Her next adventure is a riverboat ride down the Mississippi in 1997.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
Today, 2 p.m., Christiansburg groups visits Heritage Hall for Mother's Day Reception.
Thursday, 10 a.m., Blacksburg group meeting at Courthouse Annex. All group members, volunteers and interested parties are invited to attend.
Friday, 10 a.m., Rock-a-thon committee meets at Courthouse Annex.
Monday, 9 a.m., quilters meet at Courthouse annex; noon, Shawsville potluck luncheon, White Memorial Church.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., Warm Hearth and McCoy groups visit English Meadows Retirement Center.
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
Registration is open for June 5 trip to New River Valley Gorge. Van departs at 9 a.m. $20.
June 10, 10 a.m., registration begins for all programs; 10 a.m. pancake breakfast get-together (sign up now).
Tuesdays, noon-2 p.m., Outdoor Art Class. $15. Sketching, painting and drawing for all levels. Bring lunch.
Volunteers are needed to show the Senior Center and to work the exhibit booth for the Retire Blacksburg Expo '96, June 6-8.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
Today, van departs from National Guard Armory for Virginia Golden Olympics.
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., coffee hour; 11 a.m., Gospel Sing-along.
June 5, 10 a.m.-noon, Board Game Day; 10-11 a.m., blood pressure screening.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Women's Bridge Club Bridge Rama.
Sunday, 2 p.m., American Legion Spring Conference.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
Thursday, 9:45 a.m., walking at Old Orchard.
Friday, 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m., swimming.
Tuesday, 2 p.m., Focus on Health: Edye Groseclose discusses "New Sleep Aid: Melatonin."
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Carolyn Duncan, 980-1000:
Fridays, 1-4 p.m., cards.
Senior shorts
Senior Employment Program: Job placement assistance and skills training for job seekers 55 years or older. New River Valley Agency on Aging, 980-7720 or 639-9677.
Senior Centers: offer a variety of ongoing activities, trips and classes. Call for a newsletter and a calendar of events.
LENGTH: Long : 121 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 1. (headshot) Shaffner. 2. Ruth Shaffner joined theby CNBWoman's Army Corps in December 1943 and later transferred to the
Woman's Army Air Force. She served 20 years of active duty and an
additional 10 years in the reserves.