Judith Gilliland Chase's Obituary
Judith Gilliland Chase
Judith Gilliland Chase of Stevensburg passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the University of Virginia Medical Center, surrounded by family. She was born January 19, 1941 in Clearfield, PA to the late Lynn Woolridge and Violet Kunes Gilliland. Prior to her marriage, she attended Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. She married her high school sweetheart in 1960, and began her career as an Army wife. During her lifetime, she provided love, strength, support, and friendship to all those fortunate enough to know her. As a dedicated military wife and mother, she embodied hospitality and warmth, always placing friends and family before herself. She was an avid horseback rider, horse trainer, fox hunter, and riding instructor. She opened the doors to the world of horseback riding for numerous people, young and old. She loved animals, and formed nearly human bonds with her beloved pets. She faced extraordinary challenges, always with dignity and grace. Despite facing a serious illness for over 30 years, she used that time to pursue her passions for drawing and painting, playing bridge, birdwatching, and the study of nature. She was an constant reader, always committed to the pursuit of knowledge. She could speak shrewdly on almost any topic. All who knew her delighted in her quick wit. In addition, she has been a wonderful presence at Mitchells Presbyterian Church, serving many roles during her nearly four decades of membership. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, William C. "Bill" Chase, Jr.; four children, William C. "Bo" Chase IV and his wife, Libba, of Stevensburg, Jane Chase Neal of Culpeper, Elizabeth G. Chase of Sneads Ferry, NC, and Kerr B. Chase and his wife Amy, of King William, VA; seven grandchildren, Brittany Deal and her husband Max, Clark Chase, Branson Chase, Boulton Chase, Alexandra Neal, Blair Neal, and Skyler Comisky; three brothers, John W. Gilliland, James H. Gilliland, and Joseph K. Gilliland, and their spouses, of Clearfield, PA; and numerous extended family members. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Lynn Gilliland. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 from 5 to 8 PM at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at 11 AM at Culpeper Baptist Church, 318 S. West St., Culpeper. Pastor John Grotz of Mitchells Presbyterian Church will conduct the service. Interment will follow in Mitchells Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Mitchells Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 98, Mitchells VA 22729, or the Diabetes Research and Action Education Foundation, www.diabetesaction.org. An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.com. Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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