Mary Ellen Tolen Gargus, 72, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Mary Ellen was born in Thomasville, NC on December 6, 1948 to Robert and Alistine Tolen. She is survived by nieces Delynda T. Mehlhop (Andrew) of Texas and Dorlene T. Wilson of North Carolina, nephew Robert Tolen, Jr. of New Jersey, stepdaughters Colleen Juras (Paul) of North Carolina and Karen Ware of North Carolina, stepsons Keith Gargus of Nicaragua, Kevin Gargus of Missouri, and John Gargus of Pennsylvania, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert M. Gargus, parents Robert and Alistine Tolen, brothers Billy Joe Tolen and Robert Tolen Sr., sister-in-law Doris Jean Tolen, and niece Deanne T. Young. Mary Ellen grew up in Asheboro, NC and graduated from Asheboro High School.  She attended East Carolina University, earning a degree in Biology.  In 1971, Mary Ellen married Bob Gargus, the love of her life, and moved to Northern Virginia. She worked as a teaching assistant at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) for 17 years. Following her work at NOVA, she and Bob started an Independent Video Equipment Distribution business. After retiring to Lake Anna, she was an active member of both Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (Buckner, VA) and St. Jude Catholic Church (Mineral, VA). Mary Ellen enjoyed playing golf, gardening, and volunteering at Louisa County schools. She was a member of the Belmont Club of Women, Sassy Sisters, and KS Club of Louisa.  In 2015, Mary Ellen was diagnosed with Parkingson's Disease and subsequently moved to Texas to live closer to her niece Delynda and her family. At the assisted living facility, she started a Parkinson's support group, played Bingo, and was always ready for the weekly Happy Hour. She loved her family, travel, and all things in nature. She loved all animals, especially her cats Gina, Lily, and Annie. Even with her medical disabilities, she was always an inspiration to many.   Thank you to all of Mary Ellen's caregivers, especially Kim, Leah, Chris, and Maritza. You became family and Mary Ellen loved you dearly.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Mary Ellen Gargus to the Houston Area Parkinson's Society (HAPS), 2700 Southwest Freeway Suite 296, Houston, Texas 77098