Maribel Sutherland Elton

Abingdon, VA - Maribel Sutherland Elton, 87, died August 2, 2015, with her family by her side in Leesburg, Virginia. She was born July 15, 1928, in Clintwood, Virginia, to Joshua Hoge Tyler and Emma Sutherland. Her early years were spent in Clintwood and Bedford, Virginia. She graduated from Mary Washington College and received a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Peabody College. After receiving her graduate degree, she moved to Germany where she worked for the Department of Defense as a librarian at a U.S. Army base. During her time in Europe she traveled widely and met her future husband, Charles. They wed in April 1959 and soon relocated to Abingdon, Virginia, where they lived for over 50 years. Maribel had a lifelong love of reading and books, working as a librarian for many years, and actively participating in various book clubs where she made many wonderful friends. Her adventurous spirit, love of animals, and sense of fun will stay with those left behind forever. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles; her twin brother, Hoge Tyler, of Fairfax, Virginia, and her daughter, Catherine Grossman, and grandson, Dan Grossman, both of Leesburg, Virginia. The family will welcome friends and relatives at a visitation on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon, VA. Memorial services will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 1:30 pm, with Dr. Robert Countiss officiating followed by a brief graveside service at Knollkreg Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at the Jubilee House for a reception in honor of Maribel’s life immediately following the service. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The Elton family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.