Eileen Leonard Foster

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Eileen Leonard Foster April 23, 2024

Eileen Leonard Foster, age 103, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away on April 23, 2024 at Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge.

Widow of Colonel David Ewing Foster, U.S. Army, Eileen was born at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on October 19, 1920 to the late Lt. General John W. Leonard, U.S. Army and Eileen O’Brien Leonard. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Natalie (Michael) Crosthwait; and her brother, John (Betty) Leonard, Jr.

She attended kindergarten in Washington D.C. (when Easter egg rolling on the White House lawn was a small neighborhood party); first grade in Georgia; second grade in Kansas (where schoolchildren still chatted in Indian sign language behind the upraised lids of their desks); third through eighth grades in Delaware County, Pennsylvania; high school at Ecole St. Joseph, Tientsin, China; college in Maryland.

During World War II Eileen served with the American Red Cross in England, France, Luxembourg and Germany. The immediate post-war years were spent in California, Texas, and Kentucky where David and Eileen were married. They soon left for Germany, then returned to Kansas, then Northern Virginia. Next, across the Pacific to the sweltering equatorial climate of South Vietnam, followed by the ideal tropical climate of Hawaii. After five years of year-round summer, she only survived the following winter in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, by wearing wool petticoats under party dresses. Moving next to Oklahoma, they found buffalo still roaming the wildlife refuge near their house. Afterwards came Alabama, South Carolina, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and lastly Albemarle County, Virginia, where they lived happily ever after.

She is survived by her nieces, Eileen (Phil) Diekemper, Kathleen (Pat) Logan, and Elizabeth Crosthwait; nephews, John Crosthwait and Richard Crosthwait; as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge for years of care. Also special thanks to Dorene Russo, her loving and devoted aide.

A funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

Preddy Funeral Home in Gordonsville, Virginia, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Ruth-Ellen Elizabeth Ragland-Johnson April 24, 2024 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth-Ellen Elizabeth Ragland-Johnson, a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Daughter, and Friend. Ruth peacefully departed on April 24, 2024, at her home in Louisa, VA. Born June 23, 1948, in Louisa, VA, she was the daughter of the late Esmo B. Ragland and Mary L. Ragland. She was preceded in death by her brother’s Albert Ragland, Raymond Ragland, and Harold Ragland, one sister, Janet Ragland, one nephew Felton Ragland and one sister-in-law Ethel Ragland. She is survived by four children, Jannelle Ragland, Boris Ragland Sr., Janet. Ragland-Temple (Mervin Sr.) and Simeon Johnson (Maxine). One granddaughter, Alicia Trice. Four grandsons Boris Ragland Jr. (Devora), Devin Ragland, Mervin Temple Jr. (TanaAsia) and Mitchell Temple (Kayondra). Four great-grandchildren Avery Harris, Caleigh King, Kason Temple and Milan Robinson-Temple. Two grand dogs Boodro Johnson, and Austin Ragland. Two brothers Esmo E. Ragland (Geraldine), and Bruce Ragland (Reva), one sister, Myrtle R. Hollins (Jimmy) and two sister in laws Emily Ragland and Maude Ragland. Eight nephews , Three nieces, Nine great nephews and seven great nieces. A special devoted niece Siobhan Ragland. Ruth also had 3 bonus children Robbie, Holly, and, Chapin Faulconer. 1 bonus grandson Trevon Gillison. A host of family and friends. Ruth was not only a mother figure to many but an adored soul, and always fashionable put together and ready to chat about her favorite reality tv shows. She was a devoted mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her, and she will be remembered for her candor, warm smile and sassy personality. Ruth lived a calm life and was a woman of the lord. She was an extraordinary cook and her homemade dishes were always the talk of the dinner. She also enjoyed reading, art, puzzles and her favorite Western TV Shows. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Preddy Funeral Home Chapel in Gordonsville, with a visitation on Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The interment will be held at Cobham Holiness Church of God.