EDGEWATER, FL—Ada Frances Harper (nee Dix), 88, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2022, in Edgewater, Florida, after a courageous battle with dementia. She was born Ada Frances Dix on December 16, 1933, in Irvington to Thomas Dix and Betty Efford Dix. Ada was the youngest of three children. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles G. Harper Jr., and daughter, Betty Kay, as well as her parents and her brothers Thomas Dix and Richard Dix.
Ada and Charles G. Harper were happily married for 61 years and lived in White Stone, where they raised their five children. Ada is survived by her loving children; Dixie Harper (Diane), Gary Harper (Debra), son-in-law Philip Ruit (husband of Ginger) and William Harper (Tina). Ada’s devoted daughter, Ginger Harper Ruit, passed away suddenly on May 6, 2022.
Ada is also survived by her sister-in-law, Margaret Dix; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and loving nieces and nephews.
Ada lived in Lancaster County for all but the last three years of her life. In 2019, Ada left White Stone to live with and be cared for by her daughter Ginger and son-in-law Phil Ruit in Edgewater.
Ada’s first career was wife and mother of five loving children. She was also a faithful life-long member of White Stone Baptist Church. As a member of White Stone Baptist Church, Ada served God and the church community in many ways. Ada held the distinction of being the first ordained female deacon to White Stone Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school, and served as a founding member of the Evelyn Murray Mission Action Sisterhood (EMMAS).
Ada adored her entire family and especially loved living on the Rappahannock River. She was often heard saying she had the most beautiful view from her own kitchen window.
She loved working with her sister-in-law, Kate Donaldson, in Donaldson’s Supermarket, where she never met a stranger. She was known for her kind smile and always had a twinkle in her eyes. Later in life, Ada worked with those who needed caring. She spent many years as an aide to clients who were unable to care for themselves, and to those who just needed extra support getting through their day. Her charm could lift anyone’s spirit. Ada was truly a kind, giving and thankful soul.
During many of the annual Thanksgiving family celebrations at the home of her nephew, Roger Donaldson, and his wife, Sue, Ada’s fried oysters were legendary. They were such a hit that someone had to guard the batches before the platters were placed out on the table. Ada made every family meal seem like a feast and was always thankful for what she had and could share.
Funeral services will be held for Ada Dix Harper and Ginger Harper Ruit at 11 a.m. on May 28, at the White Stone Baptist Church, 517 Chesapeake Drive in White Stone. Internment will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the White Stone Baptist Church EMMAS, Missions, White Stone Baptist Church, PO Box 45, White Stone, VA 22578, or call 435-1413.
