Mary Ruth "Ruthie" Spangler-Haymaker , (85 years old of Salem, Virginia, 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 is proceeded 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, Avis Lee Spangler, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law: Luther Roscoe Haymaker and Mary Elizabeth Crowder-Haymaker, Brothers-in-law Donald Eugene Haymaker, 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, Nellie Bernice Reed-Haymaker, Daughter-in-law Carole Ashley McCraw-Haymaker. 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, Katelynn (Charles) Seaman, great grand kids: Morgan Smith, Skylar Smith, Mason Seaman, Everly Seaman, Baby Boy Ping. Brother-in-law Bob (Bonnie) Haymaker, Sisters-in-law: Edith Schaeltz-Spangler, Sharon Sartin-Spangler, Karen Cooper-Haymaker, Aunt Stella Craighead-Freeman, and Very Close Cousin Benjamin Ray Spangler Sr, many Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, and last Mary's Maine Coon Cat Smokey.

Mary was born July 24, 1938 to Isaac Eldridge Spangler and Ethel Beatrice Craighead-Spangler in Montgomery County, Virginia. Mom was child number 7 with 6 older brothers and later would have 3 younger brothers, she helped raise. Mary was raised in a religious mountain musical household. Mary love of singing with playing the piano or autoharp began at 4 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 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 3 children with the challenges of Military and Wayne serving two Vietnam Tours. When Mary and Wayne Sr's kids were grown, Mary returned to her deepest and dearest of 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 become Mary stage set up and maintenance man to enable Mary to live her dream. Mary played music at Farmers Market, Festivals, Veteran's Centers, Nursing Homes, etc. Mary and Wayne Sr are both loving remembered by the music community with their love and big smiles.

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 Family wants to thank Hospice, all the Doctors, RNs, LPNs CNAs, PCAs, and Case Workers. Heart felt thank everyone for their help, encouragement and prayers.

In lieu of flowers and 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 brighten everyone's heart and will always be remembered for it.

Intermittent Dec 21,2023
I am my mother's obituary author.
Debby Spangler-Haymaker