Ruth Ellen (Orr) Garretson

Ruth Ellen Garretson, 81, of New Market, passed away at home on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

She was born on October 24, 1943, in Oak Park, IL, and was a daughter of the late Robert Orr and Mary Louise Jones Orr.

Surviving in addition to her husband, Alan Garretson, are a daughter, Kristin Louise Shriver and husband Matthew; three brothers, Donald Orr, William Orr and John Orr; four grandchildren, Dylan Shriver, Drew Shriver, Ellen Shriver and Kelly Garretson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons, Scott Alan Garretson and Jeffrey James Garretson; and a brother, David Orr.

Memorial services will be January 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Manor Memorial United Methodist Church in New Market, VA.

Ruth was a social worker with degrees from Southern Ilinois University and a master's degree from George Mason University. She was always interested in politics and served as an intern on the hill while eaning her master's. She worked as a lobbyist for education in Georgia and for women's rights in Virginia.

Her joys in life were her grandchildren, dogs, gardening, music, and decorating. She sang in the choir at Manor Memorial for many years. She was a Master Gardener and had a love for roses. She traveled the country to help with animal rescues after natural disasters. Her hobbies included cross stich and needle point.

She will be dearly missed by family and friends.

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