Mae G. Surface STAUNTON - Mae Belle (Gilbert) Surface, 78, widow of Charles William Surface, of 840 New Hope Road, Staunton, died at 11:52 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 7, 2005) at Hilltop Haven, 411A G St., Staunton. She was born April 25, 1927, in Augusta County, a daughter of the late Levi Forest and Zula May (Blackwell) Gilbert. Mrs. Surface was born and raised on New Hope Road where she lived all her life. Prior to retiring on May 1, 1987, Mrs. Surface was employed by the Staunton Post Office for 24½ years. She was the first female rural carrier and the first to drive a right hand vehicle with the Staunton Post Office. She was a member of Annex United Methodist Church and the Annex Senior Citizens. Mrs. Surface was well known in Augusta County for her famous custard pies, making quilts and afghans, and her knitting of various items. She was also known for her many kind deeds by her sharing of her custard pies to her neighbors and friends. In addition to her husband of 58½ years, who preceded her in death on June 2, 2003, she was also preceded by an infant daughter, Doris Elaine Surface; a brother, Carl A. Gilbert; and two sisters, Mary G. Mitchell and Mildred G. Hoover. Family members include a son, Forest Albert Surface of Staunton; a special granddaughter, Kristina Mae Surface; a sister and brother-inlaw, Fern G. and Walter Gundaker of Williamsburg; three sisters-in-law, Elizabeth S. Gilbert, Ruth S. Coffman and Martha "Sis" Painter; two brothers-in-law, A. Paul Mitchell and Fred Painter; a number of nieces and nephews; and special friends, Andy and Thelma Anderson, Sandra Puffenberger, and Janet Pfeiffer. A service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 10, 2005) in the Annex United Methodist Church by the Revs. Russell Heinrich and Kay Marsh. Burial will follow in the Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Eddie Painter, Ricky Painter, Bobby Coffman, Mark Smith, Johnny Lane, Larry Wills, Bobby Turner, G. Woodie Wimer and the Dr. Rev. Mike Fitzgerald. Honorary pallbearers will be James Lafon, Gene Garrison, Carl Talley, Tim Talley, Grant Brinkley, Steve Surface, Joey Ham, Dr. Mitchell T. Smolkin, Dr. James A. Higgs Jr., and Dr. William Irvin. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. today (Aug. 9, 2005) in the Annex United Methodist Church and other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Annex United Methodist Church, 1570 New Hope Road, Staunton, Va., 24401. Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
.Published in The News Virginian on August 10, 2005