Mary Ruth Echols' Obituary
Mary Ruth Echols, 88, of Rapidan passed away on Monday, November 25, 2013 at her residence. She was born August 21, 1925 in Maryville, TN to the late Paul M. Irvin, Sr. and Martha Painter Irvin.
Mrs. Echols grew up in Eastern Tennessee and later in Nokesville, VA where she attended Brentsville District High School. After marrying her husband Edwin L. Echols on August 13, 1943 she was a homemaker until the 1960’s, then rejoined the workforce doing logistics for the NSA until his declining health in the late 70’s. Mrs. Echols was a Sunday School and bible teacher for over 65 years and was an accomplished seamstress, artist and oil painter. She made 2 memorable trips to Israel to fulfill her personal desire to tour the Holy Land.
She is survived by her children; Donald I. Echols and his wife, Yolanda of Rapidan, Linda Lee DeArmond and her husband, Toby of Gallup, NM, and Martha K. “Copper” Mabie and her husband, David of Lake Anna; four siblings, Paul M. Irvin, Jr. of Unionville, Carolyn Grand of Cumming, GA, John M. “Mickey” Irvin of Manassas and Martha “Sue” Petterson and her husband, Werner of Three Oaks, MI; six grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband who passed away in 1980, Edwin L. Echols and one brother, James Dennis Irvin.
The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
The family requests no flowers please, but rather instead make a donation in her name to Hospice of the Rapidan, PO Box 1715, Culpeper, VA 22701.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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