Elizabeth Griffin Noakes

Elizabeth Ann (Pud) Noakes lost her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, May 18, 2014. We lost our loving and caring “Pud” and she will remain forever in our hearts. Ann was born in Charlottesville and raised in Culpeper, Virginia, the daughter of the late Jack W. and Alice Rouse Griffin. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 58 years, Col. (Ret.) Richard (Dick) C. Noakes, daughter Teresa (Larry) Michael of Denver, Colorado, son John (Jan) Noakes of Parkton, Maryland, brother Jack (Sandee) Griffin of Culpeper, Virginia, granddaughter Elizabeth Michael of Denver, Colorado, and one step-grandson, Addison Begleiter of Middle River, Maryland. Also cousins Janet Schwartz of Portland, Oregon, Jim Rouse of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Taye Griffin, Jeanie Grimes, and Tom Griffin of Culpeper, Virginia, Randy and Robert Griffin of North Carolina, and close nephew -in-laws Eric (Mel) Noakes and Trever (Staci) Noakes of Stafford, Virginia. Ann is also survived by many dear friends formed throughout her wonderful life.

Ann was a multitalented and creative young lady, from being actively involved in numerous clubs, cheerleading, librarian, and basketball player while attending Culpeper High School. She served as the Girl Scout Director for the state of Colorado while stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Later in life, Ann worked her way up the professional ladder to become a Vice President in a major moving company. Most of all, she was a devoted mother to Teresa and John, who both were born in England. Ann attended Averett College in Danville but gave up a scholarship to help put Richard through VPI (Virginia Tech). Together they traveled the world while Richard served his country as an Air Force Officer.

After supporting Richard for twenty four years and 12 rotations in the Air Force, Ann and Richard settled in Richmond, Virginia for two years before moving to Herndon, Virginia. Ann worked as a moving consultant for several companies throughout Virginia including Mayflower (Newport News) and Victory Van (Alexandria). Ann utilized her moving experience from her past military moves to later becoming a Vice President for Victory Van Lines. While still working from home at the twilight of her professional career, the couple built their retirement home, with great input from Ann in 2000 at Fawn Lake, Virginia where the couple continued to explore many exciting vacation destinations during their retirement years.

Ann’s hobbies included the love of antiques, cooking, her grand-dogs (Koki and Moji) enjoying her granddaughter Elizabeth and being a huge Hokie fan by attending Virginia Tech football games with Richard. She was a great hostess and enjoyed having friends visit anytime and loved to have large family celebrations at her home serving enormous feasts for all to enjoy.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to many friends and family for their prayers and devoted love during this difficult time. A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at Clore-English Funeral Home, Friday evening on May 23rd, from 6:00 PM till 8:00PM and a memorial service will be at the Culpeper United Methodist Church Saturday morning on May 24th at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery, Culpeper, Virginia with a fellowship reception at the Church following the burial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ann’s memory to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, 4600 East West Hwy., Suite 525, Bethesda, MD, 20814.