Elsie Ruth Dowell Surber

Saltville, VA

Elsie Surber, age 86, gained her angel wings on Monday, October 16, 2023. She leaves behind a legacy of love and selflessness that will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Elsie was a devout Christian, known for her unwavering faith, servant hood, and her dedication to living a life of love, just as Christ did. She lived by "God first, others second, and self-last." Throughout her life she was always a caregiver to everyone. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, friend, and a fun-loving prankster. Elsie attended Christian Faith Ministries where she loved to sing and worship the Lord with her church family. Her life was a shining example of selflessness and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hazel W. Dowell; her husband, J.D. Surber; daughter, Lena Baker; granddaughter, Ashley S. Cline; great-grandson, Lukas Cline; four brothers, David, Doug, Elbert "Smokey," and Paul Dowell; and four sisters, Mildred Stewart, Dorothy Chapman, Evelyn Hayes, and Sheila Smith.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her four daughters, Marlene Allison and fiancé David Hayden, Cindy Kestner and husband Gary, Margaret Surber, and Brittney Surber; three sons, Tim Surber and wife Debbie, Nathan "Nook" Surber, and Tony Snodgrass and wife Donna; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend who was like a son, Michael Holley.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Christian Faith Ministries with Pastor Zack Halsey officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 12 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will follow at the Allison Family Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations made be made to Christian Faith Ministries.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Elsie Ruth Dowell Surber.