Mary Ellen (Hite) Earhart, 78, widow of LeRoy Burnett "Bernie" Earhart, Jr. of Staunton passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at Waynesboro Manor Assisted Living.

Mrs. Earhart was born in Staunton, Virginia on May 30, 1947, a daughter of the late James Hall Hite and Margaret (Painter) Hite.

Mary Ellen was a member of Linden Heights Baptist Church and spent her life taking care of others. For 40 years as a pediatric nurse, and throughout her life with family and friends, she gave her time, love, and steady presence to anyone who needed it. She looked after her elderly friends with the same quiet devotion she showed everyone she loved. At family reunions, she was known for her red velvet cake—a simple tradition that perfectly captured the warmth and care she brought to our lives.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Scott "Hippie" Earhart; two brothers, James Hunter Hite and John Wayne "Slim" Hite.

Surviving is a son, Timmy B. Earhart of Staunton; a brother, Homer L. Hite and his wife Joyce of Fishersville; a sister, Margaret "Peggy" Paxton and her husband Ron of Staunton; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy "Dottie" Hite of Staunton and Sandra "Sandy" Hite of Spring Hill; a brother-in-law, George "Ronnie" Earhart and his wife Patti of Mint Spring; a very special family friend, Travis W. Shifflett and his wife Amber of Grottoes and "like a grandson," Trayvin Scott Shifflett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

It is suggested those desiring make memorial contributions to Linden Heights Baptist Church, 371 Linden Dr, Staunton, VA 24401, Martha's Meals on Wheels, PO Box 2354,  Staunton, VA  24402, Hospice of the Shenandoah, c/o Augusta Health Foundation, PO Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 in the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.

A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026 in the Old Providence ARP Church Cemetery, 1005 Spottswood Road, Steeles Tavern, VA 24476 by Pastor Luke B. Smith.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.