Fnends and co-workers gathered in the courtroom two weeks

Fnends and co-workers gathered in the courtroom two weeks ago to say goodbye to Ruth Blackwell, who retired last month after 12 years as the clerk for Rappahannock’s General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Peter Luke noted that Rappahannock is the only Virginia jurisdiction to have one clerk serving two courts. “But despite that double load, Ruth Blackwell has always been efficient, .courteous, and thoughtful.” He also gave Miss Blackw'ell high praise for the help and guidance she’s provided to him and a host of other young attorneys. “She’s been the clerk since 1 started practicing here, and I’ve learned a lot from her.”

“You look much too young to retire!” Judge John Ryan of Leesburg told Miss Blackwell. “I was surprised when I heard you were leaving. You’re doing such a wonderful job. We’ll miss you.”

“I’ve made so many wonderful friends in the last 12 years,” said the blushing retiree. “I’m sorry that some — like Judge Moffett — aren’t here today.”

“I’ve eryoyed training all the rookie lawyers,” she added, smiling at the Commonwealth’s Attorney. “I learned a great deal from them, too.”

Then from the back of the crowd came the question on everyone’s mind: “What happens to Miss Pruddy?”

Miss Pruddy is Jurisprudence, the semi-offical courthouse cat. She appeared in the parking lot four years ago, obviously pregnant and

obviously needy. After a short stint in the jail, the dainty black feline with the white bib and snowy feet moved up to the courthouse, claiming it for her own. A jar in the sheriffs office quickly filled with coins, and Pruddy took a trip to the vet’s to eliminate all chances of her populating the county with little Pruddies. Although she sometimes blessed the Washington Town Council, the Board of Supervisors and the judges with her presence and even occasionally visited The Inn down the