Evalyn Kerby Rule

Evalyn K. Rule PORTSMOUTH - Evalyn Kerby Rule, 89, a loving and devoted mother and wife, passed away Sept. 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, 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 James A. Rule. She is survived by her son, James A. "Jay" Rule Jr. and his wife Jeanne M. Welch of Roanoke; 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. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum by Dr. George L. Oehler. The family will receive friends in Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, today from 6 to 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests 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 St., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.