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 eight 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. 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.; and 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 2 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum by Dr. George L. Oehler. The family will receive friends in Loving Funeral Home, Portsmouth, Va., on Friday, September 5, 2008, from 6 to 7:30 p.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. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.