From The Virginian Pilot of June 12, 2011: Ruth Downing Barnum passed away June 9, 2011. She was born in Norfolk Jan. 1, 1921. She was the widow of Robert F. Barnum. She is survived by two daughters, Ruth Theresa Bancroft and her husband James of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Roberta Boeh and her husband Tim of Eagle River, Alaska; two sons, David F. Barnum of Hampton and Patrick H. Barnum and his wife Linda of Christiansburg, Va.; four grandchildren; two great-grandsons; and numerous cousins and friends. A funeral Mass and burial will be held at a later date.