Mary Ellen Hostetter of Lexington, Virginia passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

Mary was born August 14, 1926 in Lexington, a daughter of the late James Edward "Edd" Higgins and Lottie Rhodes Higgins.

Mary retired from Burlington Industries after 46 years. She was hard-working and devoted to her family. She was a wonderful mother to Ralph and Judy, who learned by her example to put God first, tell the truth and keep your word among many other valuable things.

Mary was an amazing cook, fixing many things without a recipe. She made the best chicken and dumplings. Mary had a garden, canned vegetables and made jellies until late in life.

She looked forward to family vacations with her son, Ralph's family. She and Judy accompanied them to the beach, Disney World, Maine, Gatlinburg, and driving across the United States to the West Coast and back. So many cherished memories were made on these trips.

Throughout her life, she was active in church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. Mary loved the Lord and wasn't afraid to share her faith. She was devoted to reading her Bible and prayer, and if she said she would pray for you, you can count on her to do just that. Mary was blessed with over 92 years, where she witnessed God's blessings of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren. She wanted to be here to see her great-great-grandson born and God answered that prayer this past April.

Mary leaves behind her son, Ralph Hostetter and wife, Donna of Nokesville; granddaughter, Lori James of Nokesville and sons, Bradley (wife, Courtney, son, Levi) of Haymarket, and Brandon of Nokesville; granddaughter, Michele James (husband Scottie) with children, Ashleigh, Chandler (wife, Brandy, sons, Noah and Mason), Austin and Caleb, all of Midland; granddaughter, Kimberly Hunt (husband Gary) with children Hannah, Garrison, Nicholas, Zachary and Jacob, all of Warrenton. She also leaves behind her older sister, Anna Engleman of Fairfield, sister-in-law, Isabell Higgins of Buena Vista, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Hostetter; brothers, Jimmy, Leo and Freemont Higgins; sister, Dessie Hartbarger and great-grandson, John Paul Hunt.

Mary's family finds comfort believing God's promise through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus that they will be reunited in Heaven some day with her for all of eternity.

The family will receive friends at Harrison Funeral Home from 1 to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, followed by a celebration of life service beginning at 2 p.m. Pastor John Kuvakas of Warrenton Bible Fellowship will officiate. Internment will immediately follow at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.