Rachel Ellis Cruey

WOODFIN – Rachel Lucille Ellis Cruey, age 94, of Woodfin, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 7, 2023.  Rachel was born on December 2, 1928 in Buncombe County. She was the daughter of the late Lucille Medler and Roy Ellis. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Carl Benison, second husband, Lindsey Cruey; and brothers, Ernest Ellis and twin, Roy Ellis, Jr.

Rachel moved to Bristol, TN with Carl in 1949 before returning to Woodfin in 2019 to be near her sister.  During her working life and in retirement, Rachel spent her free time in service to others.  For years she and her second husband Lindsey were active in AARP attending several conventions.  They regularly delivered meals on wheels, donated gallons of blood through the Red Cross and traveled as much as possible.  Rachel was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Bristol, VA for over 50 years where she was an American Sign Language interpreter during services.  In her spare time, Rachel was an avid crocheter, knitter, and first-rate cookie baker.  One of her delights was hosting card game nights with her neighbors.  She played daily.

She is survived by her sister, Louise Holden (and husband Allen); stepdaughters, Faye Shaffer (husband John), Patsy Jessee (husband Ray), Nancy Wolfe (husband Roy), and Lynne Jorgensen, 9 step grandchildren and 18 step great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 5 nieces, Teresa Putnam (husband Ralph), Janet Keever (husband Jeff), Cynthia Ellis McAbee, Nancy Ellis Capps,  and Margaret Ellis; and nephews, David Ellis, Joseph Ellis, and Wade Zachary (wife Brenda).

A memorial service is planned for 2pm on November 5, 2023, at the First Baptist Church, Bristol, Va.