Mary Ruth Spangler-Haymaker Obituary

Mary Ruth "Ruthie" Spangler-Haymaker, 85 years old, of Salem, Va., gained her angel wings peacefully in the arms of her daughter, Debby, with stories of Heaven and family joining her on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, SFC Wayne Franklin Haymaker Sr.; parents, Isaac Eldridge Spangler and Ethel Beatrice Craighead-Spangler; brothers, Paul Daniel Spangler Sr., Bernard Matthew Spangler, James Arnold Spangler, John Winfield Spangler, Billie Eugene Spangler, Howard Kenneth Spangler Sr., David Andrew Spangler, Jonathan Wainwright Spangler, and Avis Lee Spangler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Luther Roscoe Haymaker and Mary Elizabeth Crowder-Haymaker; brothers-in-law, Donald Eugene Haymaker and Ara Aris Ayanian; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Jean Harris-Spangler, Jeannine Evelyn Kittinger Spangler, Nada Rebecca Cline- Spangler, Rosa Lee Birdsong, Theresa Ann Bowen-Spangler, Mary Lou Gaynell Haymaker-Ayanian, and Nellie Bernice Reed-Haymaker; daughter-in-law, Carole Ashley McCraw-Haymaker; and nephews, James Steven Spangler and Paul Daniel Spangler Jr.

Mary is survived by son, Wayne (Abbe) Haymaker Jr.; daughters, Debby (Billy) Wolfe and Tina Haymaker-Greene; grand kids, Don (Jess) Smith Jr., Michelle (Stephen) Jenks Ping, Caroline Haymaker, and Katelynn (Charles) Seaman; great-grand kids, Morgan Smith, Skylar Smith, Mason Seaman, Everly Seaman, and Baby Boy Ping; brother-in-law, Bob (Bonnie) Haymaker; sisters-in-law, Edith Schaeltz-Spangler, Sharon Sartin-Spangler, and Karen Cooper-Haymaker; aunt, Stella Craighead-Freeman; very close cousin, Benjamin Ray Spangler Sr.; many nephews, nieces, and cousins; and last but not least, her Maine Coon cat, Smokey!

Mary was born on July 24, 1938, to Isaac Eldridge Spangler and Ethel Beatrice Craighead-Spangler in Montgomery County, Va. Mom was child number seven (7) with six older brothers and later would have three younger brothers, she helped raise. Mary was raised in a religious mountain musical household. Mary's love of singing and playing the piano or autoharp began at four years old. Mary went with her eldest brother, Paul, to Spain and graduated 1957 Torrejon High School, Madrid Spain.

Upon Mary returning home in 1958, she met Wayne Sr. Wayne Sr. and Mary were married on December 23, 1958. Mary excelled as "A Military Wife.". Mary was a very skilled cook, gardener, and seamstress plus enjoyed transcribing her husband's class materials. Mary raised three children with the challenges of the military and Wayne serving two Vietnam Tours. When Mary and Wayne Sr.'s kids were grown, Mary returned to her deepest and dearest passions. Mary embraced playing and singing again with returning to her roots. Mary will always be Mountain Autoharp. Mary was part of two bands being Hayriders and Seneca Mountain Band. Wayne Sr became Mary's stage set up and maintenance man to enable Mary to live her dream. Mary played music at Farmers Market, Festivals, Veterans Centers, Nursing Homes, etc. Mary and Wayne Sr. are both lovingly remembered by the music community with their love and big smiles.

The family wishes to thank Mary's POAs, Loretta Spangler-Bailess and Dean Edward Spangler, for their dedication and very hard work for these last two years. Also, the family wants to thank Hospice, all the Doctors, RNs, CNAs, PCAs, and Case Workers. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for their help, encouragement, and prayers.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Oakey's North Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Oakey's North Chapel with the Rev. Chris Kingery officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Mary, the simplest request is your time. Spread music to others in need or just lend a hand / ear to an elderly person. Mary's smile brightened everyone's heart and will always be remembered for it.

Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service – North Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-1237.