Rev. C. Ralph Thurber, 83, of Front Royal, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, November 15, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015, at Maddox Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Pastor Craig Lee. Interment will follow in the Bennett’s Chapel Cemetery in Warren County.

Rev. Thurber was born on July 7, 1932 in Saskatchewan, Canada, son of the late Clifford O. Thurber and Ethel Bradshaw Thurber. He served his country during the Korean War. Rev. Thurber was a graduate of Rhema Bible Training College. He was a member of the New Covenant Church in Front Royal and a life member of the Rivermont Fire Department. He drove a tractor and trailer for many years.

Surviving are his wife Dixie P. Marquess; one son Scotty Williams and wife Karen of Front Royal; two daughters Joyce Brown and husband Warren of Luray, and Jean Lampley and husband Jimmy of Manassas; two step-sons Allen and wife Bernie and James and wife Tanya; two sisters Shirley Cameron and husband Jesse of Front Royal and Mari Santor of Graniteville, Vermont; five grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren; and numerous step-great-grandchildren.

Rev. Thurber was preceded in death along with his parents by a daughter Laverne Thurber; and sister Elaine.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 19, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.