“Into your hands, O merciful savior, we commend your servant Ruth Anne.”
Obituary for ruth anne (macneil) troxell
Ruth Anne (MacNeil) Troxell passed away on October 1, 2021, at the Winchester Medical Center with her husband Wilson at her side. Ruth Anne was born on February 8, 1944, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Edgar LeRoy MacNeil and Madeline (Reed) MacNeil. Ruth Anne grew up in Richmond, Virginia, where she graduated from Douglas Freeman High School. She earned bachelor of science and Master’s degrees in education, with honors, from Longwood University.
She married Wilson E. Troxell on June 14, 1987, at Calvary Episcopal Church in Front Royal, Virginia.
Ruth Anne proudly taught lower elementary classes at A. S. Rhodes School in Front Royal, Virginia, for 44 years. She also served as head teacher for approximately 15 years and chaired the Rhodes 50th Anniversary celebration. She was honored as the 2008 Rotarian Elementary School Teacher of the Year and the Warren County Teacher of the Year for the 1991/92 academic year.
Ruth Anne joined Calvary Episcopal Church in 1979. She served on the vestry, served as lay Eucharist minister and lay reader, worked with the catering committee, and was a founding member of the Wednesday morning Eucharist. She was a member of the adult choir, directed the children’s choirs, and established a hand bell choir, which she directed for 20 years. At her death Ruth Anne was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Jackson where she served as a lay reader, the chair of the St. Andrew’s Card Ministry, and greeted everyone on Sunday mornings with a warm smile. She was also the secretary for the Southern Shenandoah Region.
Ruth Anne joined the Alpha Delta Kappa International organization of women educators in 1990. She served as necrology chair of the state chapter from 1992-1994 and as president of the Winchester Alpha Rho chapter from 1996-1998.
She was a former member of the Front Royal Oratorio, singing under the direction of Dr. William Averitt, performing Haydn’s “The Creation,” Handel’s “Messiah,” Brahms “A German Requiem” and “Faure Requiem,” and Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols.”
She loved to travel, sing, read, and do needle work. She was a baker extraordinaire, winning many awards in the county fairs especially for chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins, and lemon pound cake.
Ruth Anne was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James R. MacNeil (Harriet) and Herbert MacNeil, and sisters Elizabeth Barrett (Dick), and Madeline R. MacNeil. Surviving with her loving husband of 34 years, Wilson, are many special nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Ruth Anne had a strong faith and loved unconditionally. She taught confidently with a soft voice. She suffered many challenges without complaint. She often shared hope, joy, and sorrow with a special note, card, or call. Her kind gentle spirit and warm smile made all feel special.
Love you Ruthie – Wilson
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 132 N. Royal Avenue, Front Royal, VA, with The Rev. Valerie Hayes, officiant and Rev Kathleen Murray homilist. Masks will be required.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ruth Anne’s memory to the Alpha Rho Scholarship Fund in care of Alpha Rho Treasurer Linda Feamster, 365 Proclamation Drive, Apt. 2316, Winchester, VA 22603-5007 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Condolences may be sent to the family at maddoxfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are being handled by Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal.
Burial of the Dead Rite II Service Bulletin
“Let us pray for our sister Ruth Anne that she may rest from her labors
and enter into the light of God’s eternal sabbath rest.”