Marion Ray Moser

He was the beloved husband of 55 years to his wife Virginia (“Ginny” to friends, “Ginner” to family), who preceded him in death in 2014. He was the cherished father of Laura Purvis (Tony Zambrano), Robert Moser (Kim Fillmore), and Beth Ellis (Brian) and the beloved grandfather of Jake Purvis, Matthew Ellis, Thomas Ellis, Charlotte Ellis, and Natalie Ellis. He is also survived by a host of treasured family members (nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews) around the country, including family in Ohio, New Hampshire, California, Arkansas, Tennessee, Iowa, and Arizona. Besides his wife, he was also predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Clara Moser, brothers Richard and Donald Moser, and sister Faye Moser Tschantz.

Born on January 7, 1932, in the small town of Dalton, Ohio—the town had a population of approximately 950 when Moe grew up there-- Moe was the grandson of a Mennonite minister who gave services in German. Moe was a good student and was active in sports and music throughout his years in school. He graduated from Kent State University, where he received both his B.A. and his M.A. He was the president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity there for two years, and he also served as president of the senior class.

After college, Moe met Ginny on a blind date while he was waiting to enter the U.S. Navy. He always said, “She was the best thing that ever happened in my life.” Moe served in the Navy for two years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. When he returned from active duty, Moe wed Ginny in 1959.

They moved to Madison, Wisconsin, Cleveland, and then Chicago, and they eventually ended up in Springfield, Virginia, which is where all three of their children grew up and went to high school. Moe worked in Washington, D.C., at the Civil Service Commission, which is now known as the Office of Personnel Management. He retired after 25 years of faithful service in 1986 as a G.S. 15 and went on to do consulting work after he retired.

Moe and Ginny loved to travel, enjoying their trips to Europe, China, and Russia and excursions to various destinations around the U.S., including their many family beach trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and memorable family camping trips to Nova Scotia and Atlanta, to name a few.

They each survived serious illnesses—cancer and leukemia—through their mutual support of one another.

Moe and Ginny became involved in the Unitarian Universalist Church while living in Chicago, and they were instrumental in the establishment of the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church here in Burke, Virginia, where they both sang in the choir. Moe was an active member of LLI (the Lifetime Learning Institute), organizing classes and meeting spaces for the group. He enjoyed playing bridge, and as the COVID pandemic made playing in person difficult, he and his friends pivoted and learned to play online. He enjoyed these online games several times a week over the last few years. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, plays, and music performances, always eager to show his support and love. He participated in a group that shared season tickets to Washington Nationals baseball games for many years. Moe was an active participant in life until the very end.

Loved ones and friends may call at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia, 22151, on Friday, April 22, from 5 until 8 p.m. A celebration of Moe’s life will be held on Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m at Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, 10125 Lakehaven Court, Burke, Virginia, 22015. A private interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date.