Ruth M. Orfe of Charlottesville, Virginia passed away peacefully at her home on May 13, 2016. Born in Philadelphia in 1928, Ruth was the daughter of the late Frederick and Gladys Harrison and a graduate of Philadelphia's Frankford High School. She was predeceased by her husband of more than 62 years, John Orfe, who died in April 2011. Ruth and John married in 1949 and eventually selected Albemarle County as their retirement dream location after having lived in Pennsylvania and Michigan; they enjoyed many active years together, participating in community activities, swimming with other seniors at the YMCA in Waynesboro, and working on projects to benefit persons with disabilities.

As Ruth marched through her twilight years, she remained a vibrant inspiration to almost everyone who knew her; her grit, sense of humor, common sense, and determination sustained her through good times and many challenges. She loved gardening, quilting, walking, reading, the arts, Major League Baseball, and was dedicated to her church, Emmanuel Episcopal, in Greenwood. She will be missed by her family and many friends.

Ruth is survived by her four children: sons John C. Orfe, IV (spouse Elizabeth) of Schererville, Indiana, Randall Orfe, of Waynesboro, Virginia, and daughters Janis Orfe, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Lynn Orfe, of New York, New York, as well as her two grandchildren, John C. Orfe, V, of Peoria, Illinois, and Jessica E. Orfe of Honolulu, Hawaii. She also leaves other relatives in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, including several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Ruth's life will be held Monday, May 16, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Crozet, Virginia with Rev. Sarah Brockenbrough officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests that memorial contributions be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P. O. 38 , Greenwood, VA 22943; ASPCA, 3355 Berkmar Dr., Charlottesville, VA 22901; Alzheimer's Association of America, Central and Western Virginia Chapter, 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306, Charlottesville, Va 22901; The Daily Living Center, 990 East Hopeman Parkway, Waynesboro, Virginia, 22980

Anderson Funeral Home of Crozet is in charge of arrangements.