Ethel Frances Lowry McElwee, 97, of Bridgewater, Virginia passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Bridgewater Assisted Living Facility.

She was born August 24, 1928, in Hot Springs, Virginia, the daughter of the late Sherman Garfield Lowry and Lottie Frances Woodzell Lowry Frye.

She retired from the Homestead Resort where she worked at the Lower Cascade Golf Course and the Cascade Inn.

Mrs. McElwee was a devoted member of Eden United Methodist Church until moving to Bridgewater in 2008. There she attended the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. She loved crossword puzzles and crocheting, making many pieces for others. She enjoyed spending the day on the boat fishing and camping at Lake MooMaw. She loved singing and listening to music. Mrs. McElwee was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Ethel was married to Berlyn Edgar McElwee who preceded her in death on June 17, 2018. They were married in December of 1946 sharing 71 beautiful years together.

She is survived by two children, Eddie McElwee & spouse Greg of Chesterfield, Virginia, Joyce M. Grove of Bridgewater, Virginia and; three grandchildren, Brad Grove & wife Denise of Bridgewater, Virginia, Kelly Grove Herron & husband Scott of Weyers Cave, Virginia, and Katie Grover Swartzendruber & husband Steve of Bridgewater; seven great grandchildren, Camden & Briton Herron, Zach, Brady and Paisley Grove, Noah and Lane Swartzendruber; and close family friend, Hal Waynewright

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Sidney Grove; and six sisters.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with Chaplin Steve Swartzendruber officiating. Interment will be in Warm Springs Cemetery. There will be a memorial service at Lance Chapel in Bridgewater at a later date.

Pallbearers will be her Grandson and Great Grandsons.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgewater Retirement Community, 302 North Second Street, Bridgewater, Virginia 22812.