Marita Ruth Cummins, 73, of North Caldwell, WV, passed away after a challenging fight with cancer on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Peyton House Hospice in Fairlea, WV.

Marita was born on May 8, 1946 in Syracuse NY, the only child of the late Gerald and Evelen Raymish Cummins. After spending her early life in Syracuse, Marita attended Potsdam State College in Potsdam, New York where she earned dual degrees in English and French. On completing her education she taught for 15 years at several schools in northern New York State and retired from the Gloversville, NY School system in 1982.

After her teaching career, Marita, following her husband, moved to upper Michigan and then to Tennessee. During this period she acquired a self-taught encyclopedic knowledge of botany and the care and nurturing of plants, and became a Master Gardener who was active in many gardening and flower societies. Applying her college background in English, she was in demand as a popular writer for these organizations in newspapers, magazines, and periodicals.

Fascinated with computer technology, Marita acquired a facility in computer-aided art and design and became known for her creative seasonal and personalized cards. Marita was always a delightfully thoughtful, loving, funny, and interesting, person to be with. She truly will be missed by her husband, family, and many friends.

Marita is survived by her husband, Dr. Donald DeLaney of North Caldwell, WV.

Per her wishes, Marita was cremated and there will be no memorial services.

The Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home handled the arrangements.