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 Cascades Golf Course and the Cascades 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 and spouse Greg of Chesterfield, Virginia, Joyce M. Grove of Bridgewater, Virginia; three grandchildren, Brad Grove and wife Denise of Bridgewater, Virginia, Kelly Grove Herron and husband Scott of Weyers Cave, Virginia, Katie Grove Swartzendruber and husband Steve of Bridgewater; seven great-grandchildren, Camden and Briton Herron, Zach, Brady and Paisley Grove, Noah and Lane Swartzendruber; a close family friend, Hal Wainwright; and many special nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her stepfather, George G. Frye; a son-in-law, Sidney Grove; and six sisters, Clara Lowry, Kathleen Urban, Hazel Shaffier, Edith Jenkins, Betty Rodgers, and Margaret Smith.
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. A private interment will be in Warm Springs Cemetery. There will be a memorial service at Lance Chapel (Bridgewater Retirement Community) in Bridgewater at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Pallbearers will be her grandson, Brad, and great-grandsons, Zach, Brady, Noah, Camden, and Briton.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgewater Retirement Community, 302 North Second Street, Bridgewater, Virginia 22812.
Sorry to hear about Ethel fine family from bath county prayers for family and friends
Prayers for family
Prayers
Ethel was a fine lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her at our Woodzell reunions. She was special to all our family. Praying for her family through this difficult time.
She was a wonderful lady. Knew her when she worked at the Cascades Inn
Was a wonderful lady – knew her a long time
Ethel was a wonderful lady. I had the pleasure of working with her at the Cascades Inn for 19 years. We had some many good times. She will be missed.