Mary Ann Rider Alexander, of Timberville, VA, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026 at Life Care Center of New Market, where she had been a resident for eight years.

Her family wishes to thank the dedicated employees at the Life Care Center of New Market for the loving care that was given Mary Ann during her long stay there while battling multiple sclerosis.

Mary Ann was born on February 19, 1941 in Martinsburg, WV to the late Harold C. Rider and June Tabler Rider.  Mary Ann graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1959 and went on to earn her degree from Shepherd College in 1964.  During her time at Shepherd, she was a proud member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.  Following graduation, she dedicated five years to teaching elementary school, sharing her patience, kindness and love of learning with countless young students.

On September 8, 1962, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Raymond D. Alexander, Jr.  They shared 63 wonderful years together.

Mary Ann was a member of Reformation Lutheran Church.  She was happiest when caring for those she loved and found great joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Raymond Alexander, Jr., her daughters; Debbie Ritchie (Mike) of New Market, Kathi Kahl of Basye and her cherished granddaughters; Emily London (Aaron) of Weyers Cave, Paige Ellia (Brandon) of Fredericksburg, and Alexandra Kahl of Knoxville, TN.

Mary Ann treasured her family vacations to Emerald Isle, NC, where she delighted in riding the waves and swimming in the ocean.  She had a lifelong love of animals and always welcomed a beloved cat or dog into her home.  Above all, she devoted herself to caring for her family, offering unconditional love and a warm sense of humor that brought joy to those surrounding her.

She will be remembered for her caring heart, steadfast love and the many ways she put others before herself.  Her family will deeply miss her kindness and sense of humor.

Pastor Brad Burke will conduct a funeral service at Reformation Lutheran Church in New Market on Wednesday, August 5 at 10:00 AM followed by a graveside service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in New Market.

There will not be any services at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cat's Cradle of Harrisonburg, the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA in honor of Mary Ann's lifelong compassion for animals or a local fire department or rescue squad.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.