Mrs. Mary Hazel Rexrode, 97, formerly of Brandywine, West Virginia, died Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at Pendleton Manor in Franklin where she had resided since 2000. She was born March 30, 1912 in Miller's Run in Pendleton County, and was the daughter of Lena Mae Hedrick Hoover and stepdaughter to Isaac Pink Hoover. She attended school at Propstburg, Cedar Grove, Broad Run, Brandywine, WV and Dayton, VA. On Dec. 22, 1928 she married Lon D. Rexrode, who preceded her in death August 1, 1965. They were parents to three daughters, Bernita L. Vandevander of Baltimore, MD, deceased, Maedine R. Gardiol of Front Royal, VA and Shelby J. Bible of Franklin, WV. She had nine grandchildren: Cletus Vandevander, Jr. of Aberdeen, MD, whom she helped to raise, Dennis Vandevander of Snellville, GA, William Vandevander of Willards, MD, Susan Bruneau of Front Royal, VA, John Kaufman of Front Royal, VA, Mary Ellen Kibler of Strasburg, VA, Sandra Bennett, Carolyn Sponaugle and Amy Berg of Franklin, WV. She also had 20 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. A sister, Medie McLaughlin, resides in Baltimore, MD. Besides being preceded in death by her parents, husband and a daughter, she was also preceded in death by a very special cousin who was raised with her and like a brother, Richard (Dick) Hoover. Mrs. Rexrode worked in food service at Brandywine Elementary School and at Brandywine Restaurant. She retired from Franklin Garment Co. One of her greatest accomplishments other than her children and grandchildren was seeing the First Baptist Church of Brandywine become a reality. She was the first and oldest charter member of this church and also a charter member of Women's Mission Union (now Women on Missions). She was a regular volunteer at Pendleton Manor before becoming a resident there. Mrs. Rexrode was known as an expert seamstress and enjoyed making gifts for her family and friends. She made many of their clothes and enjoyed making all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren toys, crocheted items and quilts. She said every stitch was made with love. She made over 180 red-sock doll monkeys, which she gave not only to her family but to friends over the county. Mary Rexrode loved everyone, many of whom called her "Grandma Mary" whether they were related or not. She always had a smile on her face with her motto being "Every day is a good day." She also told her family and friends to start the day by reading the Bible and that prayer is the best medicine there is. Pastors Shyrl Smith and Daryl Ritchie will conduct the funeral at 2:00 PM Monday, June 1 at Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin. Interment will be at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandywine. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Sunday, May 31. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Brandywine, c/o Debbie Reedy, HC 74, Box 34, Brandywine, WV 26802, Mountain Hospice, P. O. Box 416, Franklin, WV 26807 or Pendleton Manor, P. O. Box 700, Franklin, WV 26807.