Mary Ellen Gutshall

Mary Ellen (Gum) Gutshall, 82, of Waynesboro and formerly Monterey, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023 at River Edge Rehabilitation and Nursing.

She was born July 20, 1940 in Mustoe, a daughter of the late Alfred Sylvester and Margaret Katherine (Simmons) Gum. On December 14, 1962, she married Arnet Emory Gutshall, who preceded her in death on April 6, 2015.

A very loving and Christian woman, Mary Ellen was a member of Victory Chapel Advent Christian Church, where she was a Sunday school teacher and deaconess, as well as the secretary of the W.H. And F.M. Society. She enjoyed cooking and baking for family, holidays and church events and tending to her flowers. In her younger years, she enjoyed being part of the Highland Bowling league. Above all, Mary Ellen will be remembered as a loving and supportive wife and mother, as well as an important fixture within Monterey for having provided such loving childcare for countless families and children throughout the community.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Blair Gum; sister, Fannie Thompson; and step-sons, Allen and David Gutshall.

She is survived by her daughter, Davonna Rexrode and husband, Ron of Staunton; granddaughter, Lydia Grace Rexrode and fiancé, Isaac Burke of Staunton; sister, Ruby Rawley and husband, Steve of Mount Solon; step-children, Jean McElwee and husband, Gene of Hot Springs; Grady Gutshall of Staunton, Eddie Gutshall and wife, Jessie of Goochland and James Gutshall of Dowling Park, Fla.; sister-in-law, Ruth Anne Mullenax and husband, Owen of Nokesville; special friend, Marie Rexrode of Monterey; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as her grand-cat, KK.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Obaugh Funeral Home with retired pastor Dennis J. Baldwin officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Chapel Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Caleb and Holden Swecker, Randy Botkin, J.D. and Caleb Hiner, William Stephenson, Clay Hicks, Aaron King, Colby Armstrong and Alex and Avery Smith.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Monday, May 15, 2023 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Highland County Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 268, Monterey, Va. 24465.