Ellen Brumback Dever

Ellen Catherine Brumback Dever, 96, died peacefully at her home in New Market, VA with family members present on July 8, 2016 after a short illness. Ellen was born on December 12, 1919 in Middletown, VA at Belle Grove. She was the oldest of five children of the late John Herbert and Lizzie Catherine Brubaker Brumback. Her twin brother, Eldon Brumback, was born several minutes later. Ellen worked on the family farm and graduated from Middletown High School in 1938. She attended James Madison University and earned a bachelor's of science degree in Home Economics in 1942. Ellen met Robert F. Dever, a former Navy pilot in 1946 in Martinsburg, WV where they both worked in extension. Ellen and Bob were married on Marcy 27, 1948 at Belle Grove and eventually settled in Adelphia, MD to raise a family. In 1961 the family moved to New Delhi, India with USAID, where Ellen taught at the American International School until they returned to the United States in 1964. Ellen continued to teach until she retired in 1975, when she and Bob built their home outside New Market, VA to be closer to family and friends. Ellen was devoted to her family and home throughout her life. She enjoyed gardening, reading, quilting, traveling and had been an active member of Manor Memorial United Methodist Church. She was active at Belle Grove, where she served as a docent and participated in numerous activities and fund raising. She was a long time active member of the New Market Garden Club. Ellen is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert F. Dever of New Market, VA; her daughter, Linda C. Howard and husband Joel Howard of Tuscan, AZ; her son, James R. Dever of Rileyville, VA and grandchildren, Sage and Erik Dever; and her son, Steven F. Dever and wife Debra D. Dever of Manassas, VA, grandchildren, Jason, Loren and Tyler Dever and great grandchildren, Emily and JJ. Ellen will be greatly missed by her brother, Clyde J. Brumback and wife Douglas C. Brumback of White Post, VA and their family; by the families of her predeceased siblings, Eldon Brumback, Malcom Brumback and Jane Housum; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends and neighbors. Ellen donated her body to the University of West Virginia's Medical School. The family invites friends to a memorial service and celebration of Ellen;s life on Saturday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at Manor Memorial United Methodist Church, New Market, VA. A reception for family and friends will be held immediately following the service at Farrow Hall, Manor Memorial United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA. Arrangements are in the care of Theis Funeral Chapel in New Market, VA.

Ellen Brumback Dever

July 12, 2016