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Ruth Ann Esaias, 88, the wife of the late Rev. John R. Esaias, died Nov. 15, 2011, at Godfrey House in Berryville, Va.. A memorial service was held Nov. 26 in the chapel of Duncan UMC in Berryville.

She married the Rev. John R. Esaias Jr. in 1947; they met when he was serving as a Navy Chaplain during World War II. They were married 51 years before his death in 1998.

Ruth Ann Esaias was a partner in her husband’s ministry in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia. In the Baltimore-Washington Conference he served two churches for long periods of time: College Park for 16 years from 1950 to 1966, followed by 19 years at Oxon Hill UMC from 1966 to 1985. For the last three years of his ministry he was at Glen Burnie UMC, until he retired in 1988. After retirement and a move to Virginia, he continued serving in Spotsylvania and Hartwood.

Survivors include her children, John D. Esaias of Pittsburgh, Pa., Ann O. Esaias of Auburn, Wash. and Martha R. Booros of Dunkirk; and four grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Martha Booros, 2805 Dunleigh Drive, Dunkirk, MD 20754.

Memorial donations may be made to Duncan Memorial UMC, 210 E. Main St., Berryville, VA 22611 or to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Winchester, VA 22601.