Gwendolyn Ruth Kellogg Urban, 77, graduated to heaven’s glory and was received into the arms of Jesus on May 30, 2016 at Compassionate Care Hospice at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, DE. Gwen concluded her journey with cancer holding the hands of loved ones and began eternity welcomed by departed loved ones, including her infant son, Tommy.

Born in Camden, NJ, in 1938, Gwen was the daughter of Rev. Edward Kellogg and Eleanor (Peterman) Kellogg. Gwen served faithfully for 50 years as a minister’s wife, pianist, organist, soloist, and choir director. She loved music and had a shimmering soprano voice, which blessed several choirs she sang with over the years.

She belonged to the Fairfax Choral Society, the NOVA Madrigal Singers, and the Delaware Valley Chorale. After studying at Wheaton College for a year, she married Edwin Urban in 1957. A few years later they with their daughter Melanie traveled to Taiwan to be missionaries, where Gwen studied Taiwanese. During their time in Taiwan, Gwen gave birth to their younger daughter, Melissa. In 1968, she and Ed started a Christian school in Leesburg, VA, where Gwen developed the academic kindergarten program and taught music. Later as a grandmother, Gwen received her Elementary Education degree from Hood College after teaching in Christian schools for more than 20 years, and she continued to teach Kindergarten in a public school until retirement. Gwen loved to travel, making trips to the Holy Land, the Bahamas, Europe and the British Isles, Florida, and many places of interest in the United States. Gwen’s grandchildren loved their Gammie’s spunk, determination, sense of adventure, impeccable tidying skills, and her delicious grits.

She is survived by her husband, Rev. Edwin Clinger Urban III; daughter Melanie Ruth Bird and husband David of Wilmington, DE; daughter Melissa Beth Craig and husband Bryce of Phillipsburg, NJ; sister Susan and husband Roger of Cutler Bay, FL; brother Edward Kellogg and wife Doreen of Chattanooga, TN; sister Deborah Kropp and husband Alan of Berkeley, CA; sister Janice Heath and husband Dr. Gregory of Chattanooga, TN; 8 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her son Thomas Edwin Urban.

All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of Gwendolyn as we say our goodbyes. A memorial service will be held at Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Rd., Newark, DE 19711 on Saturday June 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. A visitation time beforehand begins at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary and a luncheon will follow afterward at 12 p.m in the fellowship hall. A graveside service will be held at The Union Cemetery, 323 N. King St., Leesburg, VA 20176, on Monday June 13 at 11 a.m.