Ruth (“Ruthie”) Estelle Croson Marcum, of Fincastle, was welcomed into His all-consuming presence on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 85 years of age. Ruthie was born in Arlington, Va., on July 21, 1939 and lived a full life of Faith.
Ruthie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald “Donnie” L. Marcum; her parents, Carroll T. and Ruth B. Croson; brother, Carroll “Sonny” T. Croson, Jr.; and daughter, Kathy Marcum Dorsey.
She is survived by her sister, Ellen Croson Wright; daughters, Lori Dickens-Flemming, Sue Dickens Hindman (Gary), Tracy Dickens Branson (Johnny) and Lainie Marcum DuBose (Jacob). Also honoring her life are her grandchildren, Jessica Dawn Dorsey, C. Tyler Johnson (Kacey), Audrey Blue Flemming (Dan), Jacob Shortt Branson (Meg), Lucas Jennings Branson (Sonya), Kaitlyn Hindman Foltz (Corey), Kyle Matthew Hindman, Lexi Elizabeth Marcum, Josie Beth DuBose; great-grandchildren, Isla, Tyson, Jesse, Lucia; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ruthie was a graduate of Loudoun County High School and attended Madison College (JMU). She had a giving heart and often did volunteer work in Loudoun County. While in Loudoun, she was an active member, and part of the family, of the Hamilton Baptist Church. Many people will have memories of Ruthie, either directing the choir or sharing her beautiful voice in song. She married Donnie Marcum in 1983 and, once retired, moved to Fincastle. There she enjoyed boating with Donnie at Smith Mountain Lake, sunbathing and entertaining by their pool, and vacationing by the ocean in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Ruthie was an active member of Fincastle Baptist Church and would give of her time to volunteer her services at the church. Ruthie loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all her heart and it was her desire to share her love with all she met. Her faith was the light that guided her through both hardship and joyful times. She loved her family deeply and was positively radiant when she had her grandchildren or great-grandchildren in her arms. Ruthie was elegant, classy, had a great sense of humor and a little sass. She never met a stranger and to know her was to love her. She will be greatly missed.
Ruthie’s Memorial Service will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Daleville on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Dementia Society of America in Ruthie’s honor.
