Gwyn Lyn Andrus Probst

Gwyn Andrus Probst, age 82--a resident of northern Virginia since 1965--passed away in Fairfax, VA on 18 February 2016 due to respiratory failure. A native of St. George, UT she was the first of seven children born to James A. and Eula Leavitt Andrus. After graduation from Dixie College and from Brigham Young University, she taught elementary school in Las Vegas for two years and then moved to Berkeley, California to teach in Alameda county for another six years and where she met her husband, Reed, who was doing graduate work at the University of California. They married in 1961 and, following the birth of Nancy, their first child, she withdrew from teaching to devote her time to rearing a family that grew to include two daughters and four sons. The couple moved to Arlington when her husband accepted employment with the government and worked at the CIA for 35 years. In 1977 they made their home in Vienna after the family returned from a year at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Her family returned to Carlisle between 1983 and 1985 while her husband served on the faculty of the War College. Throughout her life, Gwyn had a strong love of music, singing in trios in high school and junior college, in the BYU A Capella Choir, with the Carlaires at the Army War College, and--with her husband--in the Mormon Choir of Washington DC for 20 years. She also participated in local church choirs everywhere they lived. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gwyn was active in many callings including cub scout den mother for nine years, serving in the presidency of the Primary (children's) organization, and several times as a president of her local Relief Society (women's auxiliary). She also instructed high school students in an early morning seminary program in her home. Gwyn was known as an excellent cook and gracious hostess. She took pleasure in taking dishes to friends and neighbors and in inviting them over for meals and visits. She was always willing to share her recipes with anyone who would ask. In July of 2000 she was severely injured in an auto accident. Her recovery required numerous plastic surgeries, skin grafts, and other operations. Despite this life altering experience, Gwyn showed an unwavering faith in God’s plan for her life. She exhibited courage and strength in overcoming her challenges and continuing to serve. Between 2003 and 2005 she and her husband served a mission for their church in Waterbury, CT. After her husband retired in 2001, the couple made several trips abroad to such places as southern Africa, the UK, Europe, Mexico, and the Middle East. Her greatest pleasures in life, however, revolved around her family. She taught her children faith in God, an appreciation of music, and a love of learning. (All four sons are eagle scouts and each child has at least one advanced degree.) She also enjoyed being with her extended family, which holds a reunion high in the mountains of Utah each summer. In addition to her husband, Gwyn is survived by six children: Nancy, Reed A. (Julie), Shari (Keith Hayes), Richard (Angela), Peter (Rebecca), and Matthew (Keri). They also have 23 living grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Gwyn is survived by siblings D'On (Brent) Snow and Sussette (Leo) Sullivan, and brothers James (Mary) and Jay (Jackie) Andrus. Her parents and brothers Willard (Clo) and Blaine (Lynette) Andrus preceded her in death. Friends may call on the family at the LDS chapel at 2719 Hunter Mill Rd. in Oakton from 7 to 9 PM Sunday, 21 February and again on Monday 22 February at the same location between 9:30 and 10:15 AM with funeral services to follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will occur in a family plot at the Malad City, ID cemetery at noon on 27 February. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to the International Eye Foundation of Kensington, Md (ICFUSA.org)

Gwyn Lyn Andrus Probst

July 21, 1933 - February 18, 2016