Lucille Virginia Routt Leathers' Obituary
It is with deep love, gratitude, and sadness that we announce the passing of Lucille Virginia Routt Leathers of Elkwood, known affectionately as “Dobba” by her beloved family, at the remarkable age of 105. Daughter of the late Carl Edward Routt and Lula Lotia Compton Routt, Lucille was born on September 6, 1920. She peacefully journeyed to her eternal home on November 20, 2025, at Culpeper Health and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family and the devoted nursing staff.
Lucille witnessed more than a century of change, challenge, and beauty, meeting each chapter of life with grace, resilience, and an unwavering spirit of determination. Beginning in the mid-1920’s, Lucille rode her horse several miles to school each morning where she successfully earned her high school diploma and, in the most recent decades, was the oldest living graduate of the Brandy School. Throughout her long life, she was known for her kindness, generosity, warmth, sharp wit (even as a centenarian), sentimentality, and strength as she survived two pandemics in her lifetime: the Spanish flu and Covid-19, among other countless challenges throughout the two centuries in which she existed. As a wife to a Seaman Second class and 1945 Plank Owner in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and then a mother to their namesake son who also served in the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer, Mariner Submariner who served on the first nuclear submarine, The Triton; she poured her love into both of her children and each and every member of her family. Lucille also volunteered as a candy striper at the local hospital and worked at G.C. Murphy Company for 19 years. Whether through her gentle guidance, her stories of days long past, or her quiet strength, she enriched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Lucille lived independently for many years after her beloved husband of 67 years passed away and continued to remain curious about the world around her. She found abundant joy in the simple pleasures – tending to her gardens and canning the fruits (but mainly vegetables) of her labor, remaining interested in the farm, crocheting afghan blanket masterpieces, loving and caring for both big and small animals (most recently her lap cat, Opie), and continuing her tradition of serving family and friends with comforting, delicious meals and desserts from her home kitchen. She maintained that her secret to longevity was to make meals from scratch and not over-indulging in dining out.
Whether it was a “bumpy” oatmeal cookie, a plate of sausage gravy and biscuits, a thrilling game of rummy or Old Maid, hot rolls at Sunday dinner, a newspaper clipping from your 1995 sporting event in which you had your shining moment, to something as simple as a moment’s conversation at her kitchen table, she always had everything you needed to make you feel special. We are all fortunate to have known and loved her. Dobba - until we meet you again, please enjoy your new found time with the family members, friends, and beloved pets that you have now joined in Heaven.
Lucille is survived by her son, Ronald Carroll Leathers (Barbara); grandchildren, David Leathers (Tammy), Terry Lassiter (Bill), Travis Leathers (Elizabeth), Kristi Leathers Black (Steve), and Kelli Leathers Payne; great-grandchildren, Lilly and Jillian Leathers Black, Katie Jane and Waverly Leathers Payne, Jessica Weimerskirch, Abby Leathers, Audrey Jenkins, David, Andy, and Holly Lassiter, Delaney Leathers; niece and great nephew, Gerry and Jeff Campbell, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Lucille was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 67 years, Gatewood Wright Leathers, Jr.; son, Gatewood “Man” Wright Leathers, III; siblings, Hubert Routt (Frankie), Ashby Routt (Helen), and Lena Routt Hitt (William).
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA. A procession will then follow Lucille to her final resting place at the Culpeper National Cemetery. The 11:00 a.m. graveside service at the Culpeper National Cemetery, 501 East Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA will be officiated by Pastor Ralph Wilson. For those unable to attend, the family invites you to watch via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NDE3MjQ4MzM5MDQ1MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brandy Station Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 19601 Church Road, Brandy Station, VA.
An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at https://www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper, VA is serving the family.
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