Mae Loughridge

Mae Warthan Loughridge, 93, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2013 after sharing her life with Alzheimers for over 15 years. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Barbara Loughridge; daughter, Lynne Loughridge; brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Evelyn Warthan; and sister-in-law, Eunice Warthan. She is preceded in death by her husband, James Linwood Loughridge; sister, Ermine Oakes; brothers, Linwood F. “Dick” Warthan, John W. Warthan, and Marvin K. Warthan; numerous nieces, nephews, and children of friends, family, and neighbors, all of whom knew her as “Aunt Mae”. All of whom knew that her door and her heart would always be open to them. Mae dedicated her life to the care of her family and home. She will be remembered for her smile, her laughter and positive attitude. Linwood and Mae’s home always welcomed everyone entering with a hug and a warm meal. Mae could put together a hot dinner and have guests sitting at the table before they had their coat off. Her roast beef, pork roast, and pound cake will surely be missed by many a waistline. Mae’s green thumb was well known resulting in sick plants left on her doorstep to be revived and returned when well, not unlike many individuals who arrived at her door. Mae loved to garden and preserve fruits and vegetables for the enjoyment of family and guests. On many occasion she would deliver home canned goods to those whom she thought would enjoy such. The last seven years of Mae’s life were spent in her daughter’s home. Mae was cared for by James Massengill and Ruby Baker without whom Mae’s life would not have been as joyful, meaningful, and enduring. James not only cared for Mae’s daily needs but more importantly, cared for her soul. He entertained her with dance and song, and watched thousands of hours of Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and John Wayne reruns. The love they shared could be seen in their exchanged smiles and winks. Ruby showered Mae with love, good food, and body lotion, believing we should all be well fed with beautiful skin. When either Ruby or James entered the room, Mae immediately broke into a smile. Life with Mae and Alzheimers has shown all of us what an impact love and humor can have on your physical, mental, and emotional person. She enabled each of us who shared her life to look forward to seeing her smile the next day. Mae led us through this experience. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:30 PM on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior at 1:30 PM. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to Alzheimer Association, 6350 Center Dr., Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502, or First Baptist Church, Benevolent Fund, 401 N. Second St., Hopewell, VA 23860. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com