Mary Ellen (Spitler) Brake

Mary Ellen (Spitler) Brake, 89, of Greenville, Virginia went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.  She exuberantly greeted her parents waiting for her in heaven; the late Howe and Marie Spitler. Mary Ellen was born June 28, 1928 in Greenville, Virginia, where she resided her entire life. She married John William on March 7, 1948, whom she leaves behind.   Mary Ellen loved unconditionally and sacrificially devoted her life to caring for and nurturing her family.  Left to honor her memory is her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Linda Brake, her twin daughters and son-in-laws, Mary and Garland Cash; Martha and Marvin Gwin.  She will be missed by her grandchildren, Travis and his wife, Benita, Justin and his wife Shannon, David Gwin, and Sarah Bedgood as well as her great-grandchildren Wyatt Bedgood and Sloane Brake.  She is also survived by many wonderful friends and furry companions.  Mary Ellen devoted her life to her family and the church.  She cared for her parents, husband, children, grandchildren, and stray animals. She was a lifelong member of Greenville United Methodist Church and played the piano with her mother there for many years. A service will be officiated by Rev. Kevin Haynes at Greenville United Methodist Church on December 31, 2017 at 3:00.  The family will receive friends on December 30, 2017 at Henry Funeral Home from 6:00 - 7:30.   In lieu of flowers, a contribution in her memory may be sent to Greenville United Methodist Church cemetery fund or Cat’s Cradle, 122 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 as Mary Ellen never denied a stray animal food.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt and special thank you to the following caregivers:  Melanie Ryder, Sue Clark, Pat Stepp-Caul and Geraldine Quick.  We would also like to thank Hospice of the Shenandoah, in particular Monique, for the compassionate care and professionalism they provided.