Eric Edward "Ric" Garrett, 67, of Spotsylvania County passed away Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, in the arms of his wife, Linda.

He retired in 2000 as a teacher from Prince William County Schools and had formerly taught in Willingboro, N.J. He was a member of Rappahannock Model Railroaders Inc. and Joy Song Singers and a former director of religious education at St. Matthew Catholic Church. He and his wife were foster parents in Prince William, Stafford and Arlington counties.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Linda; children Shirley Garrett, Kelly Leva, Martha Garrett, William Garrett and Carmen Garrett; brother Brian Garrett; and grandchildren Kaitlin Leva, Mackenzie Leva, Frankie Garrett and Shaun Coleman; nieces Rita St. Clair and Katie Prickett; and nephew Fred Ryder.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Jeane Garrett; son Stuart Garrett; and brother John Ryder.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Fredericksburg. Interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park in Bensalem, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 3805 Cutshaw Ave., Suite 212, Richmond, Va. 23230; or Micah Ecumenical Ministries, Box 3277, Fredericksburg, Va. 22402.

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralser vice.com.