Ruth Ann Spellerberg of Colonial Beach, Virginia, passed away at the age of 77 on April 14, 2025, after a long illness.  “Ruthie” is preceded in death by her Parents, Adele and Francis Spellerberg, brother-in-law, John Hudson,  and her brother Philip Spellerberg.  She is survived by Siblings: Antoinette Hudson, Thomas Spellerberg (Florie), Peter Spellerberg (Mary), Joan Bagley (Kieth), and Michael Spellerberg ( Paula) and by fourteen nieces and nephews, and 47 great nieces and nephews.  Ruthie grew up in Riverdale, Maryland where she attended St. Jerome’s Catholic grade school, Hyattsville, Md, Notre Dame High School in Washington, D. C.  She attended the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland where she earned a degree in Art Education, and then Agriculture with a specialty in fruit trees.  Ruthie worked on campus, in the parking division until she retired in 2006. She was a resident of Leisure World, where she was a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a member of the choir and the Legion of Mary, until 2020 when failing health and a building fire forced her to move in with her brother, Thomas Spellerberg’s, family in Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Ruthie shared her artistic and agriculture expertise with family and friends. She loved to create art, pottery, paintings, silk screens, etc, and she shared her artwork with her many friends and relatives. Ruthie sent original Christmas cards, and gifted museum quality paintings to her siblings.  Ruthie was always fun to be with and had an infectious laugh!  Ruthie also loved the beach, fishing, gardening, hiking and just hanging out with her large family.

During her life, Ruthie’s generosity supported many charities: St. Jude Research Hospital for children, Shriner’s, Sacred Heart Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Wounded Warriors, St Anne’s Home for unwed mothers, and Students for Life.  In lieu of flowers the family would prefer a donation be made in Ruthie’s honor to one of the above charities.

Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many nurses, aides and therapists at Mary Washington Hospice in Fredericksburg, Va., who gave us so much help, kindness and help over the last year. You made a difficult journey much easier. Thank you!

During Ruth’s decline over the past few years, we have employed many independent home aides to assist us.  Our thanks and gratitude are extended to Nicole, Charlotte, Rose, Amanda, Ketriaunna and so many others.  May God bless you for your kindness, and care.

A very special thank you to Diamond who has been with us the longest over the past few years. Your flexibility, kindness, and your obvious love for Ruth, sustained Ruth through so much and supported the family in so many ways over the most difficult of times.  We will always appreciate and love you!