RIDGELEY – Dawn Marie (Marker) VanMeter, 51, of Ridgeley, WV, passed away Friday, December 1, 2023, at Ruby Memorial Hospital.

Born August 18, 1972, in Cumberland, she was a daughter of Barbara J. (Simmons) and Robert J. Marker, Sr.

Dawn is survived by her husband of 22 years, Aaron Ryan VanMeter; daughter, Veronica J. VanMeter; beloved dog, Blue; brother Robert J. "Rob" Marker, Jr. and his wife, Kim; and sister Michelle L. Thomas and husband, Matt; mother and father-in-law Sue and Leonard VanMeter; brother-in-law, Todd VanMeter and wife, Katrina; nieces, Madeline, Jordan, Kelsey, Audrey, Brittney, Bailey and Danielle; and nephews, Noah, Austin, Scott, Trevor, and Cooper.

Dawn was a 1990 graduate of Fort Hill High School and a 1994 graduate of Frostburg State University, where she majored in business with a concentration in marketing. She went on to work as a project manager at the Aspira call center in Frostburg. Dawn was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church.

Anyone who knew Dawn (and there are many of you), knew what an incredible, silly, outgoing, and loving person she was. Always one to be the center of attention, Dawn never shied away from a chance to party, dance, and celebrate. She loved sharing her favorite music (Dwight Yoakam) and basketball team (Duke) with anyone who would listen. As a daughter, Dawn was a handful but a joy; as a mother, she was kind and loving; as a wife, she was a beloved partner; as a sister, she was a best friend; as an aunt, she was crazy and fun. It is painful to lose someone who was so adored, and it is especially difficult when that person was so full of life. Dawn never seemed to run out of energy; she lived her life as we all should: with confidence and spirit.

As she would hug you goodbye, she often said, "Love you, babe." Dawn, we love you, babe.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 2 to 4pm and from 6 to 8pm.

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated.

Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children's PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Even in death, Dawn continues to positively affect people. As an organ donor, she was able to help save numerous lives.