Ann Johnston LeDuke

Virginia Ann Johnston LeDuke, age 90, passed away on August 30, 2023. Ann was born in Marion, VA on October 3, 1932. She was raised on her family's farm outside Marion, surrounded by her father's 10 brothers and sisters and her mother's 8 brothers and sisters and their families. Ann met her future husband, Ernie at Marion High School. After high school Ann attended Mary Washington College under a state program where she committed to teach for 3 years following graduation. She studied Art. After college Ann and Ernie married in August, 1954. They began married life living in a small house on the farm while Ann taught and Ernie worked for his father at his Pyrofax bottled gas and appliance store. When Ernie decided to pursue his Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, Ann finished her teaching commitment there and then moved to work in interior decorating at a local design shop. Ann continued to pursue her love of art the rest of her life while she spent time working as Director of Christian Education at the Methodist Church and, later, as a real estate agent in Columbus Indiana where she and Ernie lived for many years. Ann and her family lived in England for 3 years where she was very happy to be able to visit many of Europe's most famous art museums. She was active in her church and community including membership in the League of Women Voters. After retirement, Ann and Ernie moved to Atlanta, GA in 2002 to be near their daughter and family there.
Ann is predeceased by her parents, Henry Clay Johnston and Ruth Snider Johnston, as well as her husband Ernest Russell LeDuke and brother, Roger Nye Johnston (Roberta, deceased). She is survived by her daughter Gwyndolyn LeDuke Hollins (Kelly, deceased), and grandsons, Arthur Alexander Hollins and Harper McCullough Hollins of Decatur, GA; her son, Ernest Johnston LeDuke (Marsha), grandson David LeDuke (Sierra) and great granddaughters Regina, Margaret and Lucy LeDuke of St. Johns, FL; grandson James Webb (Katie) and great granddaughter Nora Webb of Charlotte, NC; sister Mary Maud Kelly (Jeff, deceased), and niece Kathy Beitzel (Roger) of Aurora, IL; nephew Don Kelly (Jody), of Traverse City, MI; and niece Elizabeth Johns Morrison (Rufus), of Bristol, TN.
Contributions can be made in her honor to the Decatur United Methodist Church where Ann was a member and the Humane Society of the United States. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Virginia. The drawings at the top of the page are Ann's work.