Ruth Ellen Edwards Hurley, affectionately “RE,” 48, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, at her home in Urbanna.

 

She is survived by her husband, Walter Boyd “Walt” Hurley Jr.; two daughters, Rachel Virginia and Sarah Grace, and one son, Walter Boyd III “Trip”; parents, Rachel Packett and W.D. Edwards Jr. of Saluda; two brothers, William D. (Jennifer) Edwards III of Warner, and James R. (Rebecca) Edwards of Saluda; one niece, Kaitlin; five nephews, Michael, Marshall, Randy, Andy, and Quincy Edwards; one grand-niece, Sadie Vance Edwards; sister-in-law, Donna Hurley (Dennis) Williams; best friend, Susan Ray Silver, and granddaddy, Charles and Bitsy Bristow.

 

Ruth Ellen graduated from Chesapeake Academy in 1979, from York Academy in 1983, and from Lynchburg College in 1987 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and taught special needs children in the Middlesex County School System. She was presented at the 89th Holly Ball, was a member of the Garden Club of Virginia (Middle Peninsula), and served on the Board of Trustees of Ware Academy. Ruth Ellen was also an inspired visionary and integral part of the family business.

 

She will always be remembered for her passion for gardening and love of friends, the beach, the river, and her dogs, Rudy, Willie, Sam, and Lilly Belle, and most importantly her unparalleled love and dedication to her family. She was an inspiration to so many and revered for her grace, courage, and wisdom.

 

A celebration of her life was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at Saluda Baptist Church.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society (RE Strong), c/o Susan Silver, P.O. Box 370, Urbanna, Va. 23175.

 

Arrangements by Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Saluda, Va.