Area Economic Development and Education Leader, State Government Official, Nancy Ruth Hobbs, Passes
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 15, 2024
Nancy Ruth Hobbs, 84, of Fairmont, WV passed away on May 10, 2024 following a year-long illness. Nancy was born on April 21, 1940, to Harry Jerome Hobbs and Clarice Ruth (Oakes) Hobbs, both long time educators in Marion County. Her early childhood was growing up on Mill Fall Road where she was to reside until her death.
Nancy attended school at West Fairmont and graduated in 1958. She would attend Fairmont State College from which she would receive her 
Bachelor of Arts Degree. Nancy began her varied professional career in 1962 as the teenage program director of the Marion County YWCA. She became the Executive Director in 1966 and remained in that position until 1974.
Bachelor of Arts Degree. Nancy began her varied professional career in 1962 as the teenage program director of the Marion County YWCA. She became the Executive Director in 1966 and remained in that position until 1974.
In that year she was employed by the Monongahela Power Company (Allegheny Power Company) as a drafting Technician. It was from that position that she would rise through the hierarchy of the company serving as Community Service Representative, Supervisor for Community Education Services, Supervisor for Employee Development and finally as Supervisor for Economic Development.
Her interest and passion for the economic development of West Virginia led to her involvement with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia Economic Development Committee, the Southern Industrial Development Council, the Marion County Vocational-Technical Education Advisory Board, and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Club.
Nancy finished her professional career as Executive Assistant to Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997-2001 serving as his scheduling secretary and support staff supervisor.
During the many years of her professional career, she was active in the Soroptimist International Club of Fairmont and the Fairmont State College Foundation Board and Board of Advisors.
Nancy was an accomplished artist and seamstress from an early age. She enjoyed traveling, visiting much of the United States with family and friends or as part of her employment. After retirement, she traveled through Germany, Russia, Italy, Holland, Eastern Europe, China and Ireland. She especially enjoyed her trip to Nepal where she had the opportunity to reacquaint with exchange students who had attended Fairmont State College.
Nancy is survived by her brother Harry Jerome Hobbs (Chris) of Sevierville, Tennessee, and Donna Hobbs Fitzgerald (Edward) of Leonardtown, Maryland, sister-in-law Alice Hobbs of West Candler, NC and her many nephews and nieces who she mentored and loved throughout their childhood and early adulthood.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Thomas Oakes Hobbs of Candler NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Nancy’s name.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. In accordance with Nancy’s wishes, cremation services will take place. A graveside service of committal will take place at Boggess-Hobbs Family Cemetery, 7 Mill Fall Road, Fairmont, WV 26554 at a later date. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com
