Evalyn K. Rule

Evalyn Kerby Rule, 89, a loving and devoted mother and wife passed away on Wednesday September 3, 2008 in Roanoke, VA. Her highest priorities were serving her family, friends, and community, and educating. She was a consummate teacher until the end, educating in many diverse ways. Her life's focus was on helping others. She gave everything her best efforts, and inspired the best in others. Evalyn was born in Lexington, KY and following the loss of her parents, she moved to Clifton Forge, VA. She lost her father at the age of 8 and her mother at the age of 16 she went to live with her aunt, and ultimately met and married James A. Rule, also from Clifton Forge. She graduated from Mary Washington College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1942, and went on to take graduate courses in teaching, counseling, and education. This was unusual for a woman at that time. She taught, primarily 5th grade at Westhaven Elementary School in Portsmouth from 1943 through 1952, then taught students one-on-one in the home environment. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, the American Association of University Women and volunteered for Portsmouth Social Services until her health would not allow her to do so. Evalyn was the widow of the late James A. Rule. She is survived by her son, James A. Jay Rule, Jr. and his wife, Jeanne M. Welch of Roanoke, VA; cousins, Francis Killpatrick Fresh and her husband, David of Lexington, VA; nieces, Anne Kerby Wright and her husband, Roy, Dimmitt Kerby Houff and her husband, Jimmie all of Clifton Forge, VA A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum by Dr. George L. Oehler. The family will receive friends in Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel Friday from 6-7:30p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to: James A. Rule, Sr. Engineering Scholarship Fund Virginia Tech Foundation c/o Mr. Bob Bailey, Regional Director of Major Gifts, VPI & SU, University Development 0336, Blacksburg, VA 24061 or to First Presbyterian Church, 515 Court Street. Portsmouth, VA 23704.