Ella Mae Delores Willard Raby

Ella Mae Delores Willard Raby, 84, originally of Thurmont, Maryland, daughter of the late Herbert and Mary Willard, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025 in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Ella left Maryland many years ago, moving to Suffolk, Virginia where she lived and worked independently until she retired in June 2025 at the age of 83. 

Ella had an extensive career in retail working for years at Central Foods, Leggett’s Seafood and then finally at Walmart. Ella loved to work in her garden, keeping a beautiful flower bed full of blooms. She took pride in her home, which was always clean and in perfect order. She was a collector of many things over the years from beanie babies to angels. Her favorite color was red, and she adored apple decor. 

Ella had a beloved pup, Whistle, who was a great companion for many years. Ella was full of smiles. She had a lively personality and was often the source of laughter in a conversation. She is survived by son, Steven Ennis Raby (Lisa), daughter, Stephanie Ray Tauti (Matthew), grandchildren, Joshua Raby (Rebecca), Ashley Johnson (David), Chelsea Moore (Bryan) and four great-grandchildren with a fifth due in February. She is also survived by sister, Betty Willard, sister-in-law, Barbara Willard, niece Kimbra Grimm and nephew, Rickey Willard. 

She was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth Willard, David Willard, Howard Willard and Steven Willard, brother-in-law, Lee Willard, and sisters-in-law, Nancy Willard and Alta Willard. Altmeyer Funeral Home of Virginia Beach, VA and Stauffer’s Funeral Home in Thurmont, MD have been entrusted with her care.
The family will have a private graveside ceremony at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Foxville, Md.

Ella loved children. In lieu of sentiment or flowers, she would have welcomed a donation to a children’s charity in her honor.