This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: KENNELLYMARKA Surnames: Elliott, Marsh ,Riefer, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.elliott/7080/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Charles Marsh Elliott Charles Marsh Elliott, 80, died Sunday, May 17, 2009, in Newville at Green Ridge Village Swaim Health Center. He was born to Charles Hull and Louise Marsh Elliott Sept. 9, 1928, in Alexandria, Va. Charles graduated from Washington and Lee High School, Arlington, Va., and Waynesburg College, Pa., where he met and married Bettie Lou "Betz" Riefer in 1953. Charles was commissioned in the U.S. Navy after completing Officers Candidate School in Newport, R.I. His Naval ports included Philadelphia, San Diego and Norfolk, where he served at the Fifth Naval District Headquarters, first on active duty, then as a civilian until retirement in 1985. During that time he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and then retired as Commander. He is survived by his wife, Betz; a devoted daughter, Karen Elizabeth and husband John Mason Thorp, of Arlington, Va.; two grandchildren, Emma Katherine and David Elliott Thorp; a brother, John and his wife Margaret, of Leesburg, Va.; and nieces and nephew John Jr., Margaret Ann and Elizabeth. While serving in Norfolk, Charles and his family lived in Virginia Beach where they became charter members of King's Grant Presbyterian Church, where they both worshipped and served for more than 40 years. In 2004, Charles and Betz became residents of Green Ridge Village retirement community in Newville. They made Big Spring Presbyterian their church home where a number of Charles' ancestors worshipped since the 1700s, as evidenced by their graves in the church cemetery. Charles is and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is remembered for the integrity of his character and a readiness to share his talents. His faith was strong; he was compassionate, fair and had a well-honed sense of humor. He lives now with his Heavenly Father where his family is assured that he is no longer bound by the pain and frustration of Earth's ills and disease. A memorial service will be led by Pastor William C. Beck at Green Ridge Village in the Garden Court at 2 p.m. June 14. Charles' body has been donated to a medical school through the PA Humanity Gift Registry. His cremains will eventually be inurned in the columbarium of his former church in Virginia Beach. Memorial contributions may be made to Green Ridge Village, 210 Big Spring Road, Newville, PA 17241; Big Spring Presbyterian Church, Corporation St., Newville, PA 17241; or the charity of your choice. The Egger Funeral Home Inc. is handling the arrangements. Presbyterian Church," Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.