LaRue Mae Waters Davis (Orr), known simply as LaRue or Aunt Rue to her family and friends, was born in the spring of 1936 in the bustling borough of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As fate’s sunset draped its final hues on November 9th, 2023, she departed this world in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and gentleness.
Born into this world under the bright sign of the Mayflower, LaRue was a beacon of joy, steadfast in her love, faith, and tranquility. Her life was adorned with the companionship of two husbands, the late Sheldon and the surviving Raymond, whom she had been with for 38 years. From her fruitful union to Sheldon, she was blessed with twin boys, Randy Waters, wedded to Kimberly, and Rodney Waters. She also bore a daughter, Bonnie (Waters) Newman, the wife of Craig. Each of them is a testament to her nurturing spirit and abiding love. She also had many nieces and nephews, family friends, and kids who referred to her as “Grammy”, even if they weren’t biologically hers.
A matriarch in the truest sense, LaRue was the proud grandmother of Shawn Waters, Brandon Waters (husband of Natasha), Shane Waters, Michael Sites (husband of Lori), Keri Clark (wife of Jonathan), Brittany Peck (wife of Joshua), Jordan Newman, and Kelsey Waters. The lineage of her love extended to great-grandchildren – Brianna Waters, Caven Clark, Easton Waters, Riley Waters, Emerson Waters, Clayton Peck, and Ava Clark. Each precious soul is a living testament to her legacy of warmth and compassion.
In her professional life, LaRue served as a waitress, displaying the humble grace and patience that suited her gentle nature. She worked many years at The Family House and Gateway Travel Plaza, in Breezewood. But it was in her private life that her true passions bloomed. She delighted in the culinary arts, her hands creating magic in the form of baked goods and comforting meals for her loved ones. Her pastries did tantalize the senses, and her meals were a feast not only for the stomach, but for the soul. Blessed was the table where LaRue presided, for there was always room for one more. Whether she was cooking for a family dinner, or baking for a special request, she always made whatever was ordered. She enjoyed baking and donating her scrumptious goodies to be sold for any fundraiser. Her apple dumplings were the very best!
LaRue found her joy in the simple pleasures of life, often on the square dance floor with Raymond, do-so doing until her heart was content. She would love to immerse herself in the rollicking melodies of Bluegrass festivals, trips to Dollywood, and anywhere Raymond would take her. They shared many trips over the years, to all over the US. Visiting family far and wide, and stopping to see the sights along the way. Raymond never hesitated to take her wherever her heart desired, even if she did complain about his driving the whole time. Her heart knew no bounds when it came to her family. She reveled in the joy of spoiling her Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, leaving no doubt in their young minds that they were cherished and loved beyond measure. LaRue’s penchant for spoiling her grand and great-grandchildren was well-known, their laughter and smiles being her greatest reward. Travels were embarked upon, not for the sake of merely seeing new lands, but for the priceless opportunity of creating memories with her dear ones. Many trips were taken to Hershey Park over the years.
A faithful woman, LaRue found solace and peace within the walls of her church. She gave back to her community through volunteering, her small acts of kindness rippling outwards and touching countless lives. She delighted in the thrill of sleeping in, a great cup of tea in the morning, a donut from Milky Way, shopping, and getting her hair done on Thursdays. She was never seen without her coordinating earrings, necklace, and pin; a face of makeup complete with bright lip stick. Hot pink was a favorite of hers. She was known for her flair with her clothes, all things that glittered and sparkled. LaRue was a kind and gentle soul, but undoubtedly one of the feistiest women you’ve ever met.
She welcomed anyone into her home, even if it was just for a minute. If the curtains were open, Grammy was home! She loved when the kids would stop and just say hi, always stuffing their pockets full of snacks and a drink. Many birthday parties and sleepovers were had at Grammys, complete with cake for breakfast. After all, who’s going to yell at Gram?
As the sun sets on the life of this remarkable woman, we celebrate her love, her faith, and her generosity. Though we mourn her passing, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in every life she touched, every meal she prepared, and every dance she danced. Like a song carried on the wind, LaRue’s legacy will continue to touch our hearts, reminding us of a woman who truly embodied the best aspects of life.
Remember her as the loving matriarch, the faith-filled woman, and the gentle soul that touched all our lives. Let us honor her memory by emulating her love, her faith, and her gentleness. And as we gaze upon the starry vault of heaven, let us remember that somewhere amidst the cosmic ballet, a bright star named LaRue continues to shine, reminding us of a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.
There will be a visitation held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 2 p.m. till 8 p.m. at the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home Inc., McConnellsburg, PA.
There will also be one hour of visitation held prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home Inc. with Pastor Jeff Mowen officiating.
Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Shade Gap, PA.
Per Gram’s request, interment will be private.
Arrangements were made by the Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home Inc., McConnellsburg, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LaRue Mae Waters, please visit the floral store.
