Ruth Virginia Marvel's Obituary
Ruth Virginia West Marvel, 100, of Seaford, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 8. She was born in Bridgeville, DE to Cora Gray West and Howard B. West on November 3, 1917.
Ruth graduated from Bridgeville High School in 1936 and married Burton Arthur Marvel of Seaford that same year. Ruth and Burton lived in Niagara Falls and Wilmington, DE before establishing their family home in Seaford. Ruth was active in many civic and community organizations, including the Republican Women’s Club, the Methodist Women’s Circle, Eastern Star, D.A.R. and a member of St. John's Methodist Church. Some of Ruth’s most enjoyed interests were travel and playing cards with the “Girls.” She was known for her delicious dumplings which she made often for Eastern Star Luncheons and Dinners. Ruth and Burton built the Marvel Building, located on Route 13A, in 1955 and opened Marvels Food Center soon afterward. Marvel Food Center was one of the first family markets to extend their hours to be open 7 days per week and featured many other ‘firsts in the community like freshly roasted whole chicken and a meat market with a full time butcher, Greyhound and Trailways bus service, in addition to Western Union. In later years and after retirement, Ruth helped with the Orthopedic Children's school bus driven by Burton.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Burton. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Art and Jean Marvel of Seaford and Phil and Cynthia Marvel of Oxford, GA. Grandchildren: Pam Marvel (David) Campbell (Hagerstown, MD); Steve Marvel (Denise) (Seaford, DE); Sonyanna Hathaway (Kennessaw, GA); Chris Richardson (Marilyn) (Covington, GA); and John Richardson (Dawn) (Covington, GA). Great Grandchildren: Zachary Campbell; Megan Campbell; Lance Marvel (Lauren); Shane Marvel (Cassidy); Jordan Marvel; Jacob Hathaway; Luke Hathaway; Austin Richardson; Haleigh Richardson. Great Great Grandchildren: Kenzleigh Marvel; Kendall Marvel; Ledger Richardson; and Paxton Richardson; and her sister, Margaret Harvie, of North Miami, FL.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM, at Watson-Yates Funeral Home, 609 East King Street, Seaford, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow the services at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Seaford, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ruth's memory to St. John's United Methodist Church: 300 Pine Street; Seaford, DE 19973.
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