Michael Elbridge Church

Michael Elbridge Church, beloved family member, friend, and public servant, born on Valentine's Day 1941, passed away on September 8, 2025, at the age of 84. His life was defined by service, loyalty, and a deep appreciation for the people and places that shaped him.
Mike grew up as a proud "Army brat," living in Japan, Hawaii and France before returning stateside to attend Virginia Tech. His years in France left him with lifelong friends who fondly remembered their days in Orléans around the statue of Jeanne d'Arc on her horse as"Joanie on her Pony." He looked forward to their class reunions every two years, cherishing the chance to reconnect and share memories.
A man of adventure and curiosity, Mike visited every U.S. state except Alaska-a final journey he had hoped to complete, but the COVID-19 pandemic intervened.
For 35 years, Mike served the Commonwealth of Virginia with honor as a member of the Virginia State Police. Rising through the ranks as a Trooper, Sergeant, and K-9 handler, he built bonds of trust with his colleagues and his loyal dog, King, who worked faithfully by Mike's side. His career reflected his integrity, strength, and lifelong devotion to protecting others.
Beyond his professional life, Mike pursued many interests, including genealogy and research. He contributed to the preservation of history through his work with Billion Graves. He was a proud 32° Mason, holding a 50-year membership that reflected his values of fellowship and service. As a Master Gardener, he beautified his own gardens and those of his community.
Mike was predeceased by his grandparents, Ermina and Paul Remington, and Emilie and Guy Church; his parents, Mary Ann and Guy Church; and two infant brothers, Peter and Andrew Church.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ruffin House Church; his brother, Geoffrey Church; daughters: Kimberly Quesenberry (Michael), Marci McClellan (James), Emilie Dunnigan (Shay) and Katherine Church; grandchildren: Kacie Burrows (Samuel), Daniel Quesenberry (Kathryn), Andrew Poff ( Savannah), Bailey Poff (Annalee), Hunter Poff (Camryn), Haven Dunnigan and Saylor Dunnigan; great-grand children: Bennett Quesenberry, Fallon Quesenberry, Baker Poff, Easton Poff and Ayla Burrows.
The family would like to thank the caretakers at Lake Prince Woods Retirement Community, Lake Prince at Home Hospice and especially Mike's special angel, Linda Person, for their care and compassion as he battled dementia.
A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held on Friday, September 19, at Lake Prince Woods in the Portsmouth Center at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (formerly Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF)), P.O. Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021.
R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory Downtown Suffolk Chapel is serving the family. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.