Mrs. Virginia Ellen Mathis, age 63, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at her home. Mrs. Mathis was born in Fannin County, GA on April 11, 1948 to the late Audlee Ritchie and Marie Dilbeck Ritchie. She was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church and assistant Sunday School teacher for over forty years. Mrs. Mathis was a survivor of cancer for six years. She enjoyed cross stitching, cake decorating, and recipe collecting. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathy Payne and Linda Underhill. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Luther Mathis of the home; children and spouses, Melinda and Richard Rymer of Ritchie Creek, Betty Jo and Gary Stanley of Blue Ridge, JoeJoe and Dale Mathis of Ritchie Creek and Wesley Jones of Blue Ridge; brothers, Tommy Ritchie of Dalton, Johnny Ritchie of Blue Ridge, and Roger Ritchie of Blue Ridge; sisters, Carol Baliles of Copperhill, Frances Hamilton of Hiawassee, Mary Mashburn of Murphy, NC, Wanda Millsaps of Blue Ridge, Doris Ritchie of Blue Ridge, and Lois Jones of Turtletown; and five grandchildren, Miranda Stewart and her husband David Stewart, Anthony Rymer, Jarrod Stanley, Brady Stanley, and Tyler Jones. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from Lebanon Baptist Church with Rev. David McClendon and Min. Keith Ritchie officiating. Music was by David Anderson and Robbie Mathis. Pallbearers were Anthony Rymer, Jarrod Stanley, Brady Stanley, David Stewart, Don Millsaps, and Robert Ensley. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of Lebanon Baptist Church. Interment followed in Lebanon Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lebanon Baptist Church Bus Fund P.O. Box 309 Epworth, GA 30541. Condolences may be sent to the funeral home at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements. .