Blanche McConchie Andrews, 97, of Evington, VA went to be with her Lord Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Oakwood Manor. She was born in Appomattox, Va. September 9, 1923. Blanche was preceded in death by her Parents; first husband, Lathan L. Page and her second husband, Clarence Gordon Andrews, Jr.; daughter, Connie Mitchell. Blanche was a Lifetime member of First Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA. She is survived by daughter, Bonnie Lewis; granddaughters, Tonya A. Dalton, Shannon Mitchell-Newhouse; grandsons, Jon P. Lewis, Greg Mitchell; great-grandson, Dillon J. Dalton; great-granddaughter, Scarlett M. Lewis; great-great-granddaughter, Madisyn S. Eagle and Four Other great-great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Fort Hill Memorial Park Lynchburg, Virginia.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Marcel Flavin “Mars” Ranger, age 97 passed away peacefully December 17, 2020 in Lynchburg, Virginia due to the Covid Virus.  He was born May 9, 1923 to Roaul and Hortense Ranger in Coteau Station, Quebec, Canada.  He and Jeannine Richer were married for 64 years till her passing in 2016.  They shared a life on the ranch in the community of Redland, Oklahoma raising their family of three children. Mars was a true frontiersman!  At the age of 34, married with 2 young children and expecting a third child, he left his large family of 10 siblings in Alberta, Canada and took his new family to Los Angeles, Ca. via Greyhound. Not knowing a soul in the United States, he carved out a successful life for his family.  He was a carpenter with a farming background. At the age of 40, he picked up his belongings and family and headed east on Route 66 with no destination in mind.  Idabel, Oklahoma became his new life. He owned and operated a cattle ranch and ag lime spreading business for several years.  He enjoyed traveling with his RV and volunteering on Canadian wheat harvest for his brother in Saskatchewan, Canada.  He truly enjoyed carpenter work.  He helped his son build poultry buildings and a custom home. Dad’s passing has saddened the family but he lived a long productive healthy life.  So that brings smiles. Mars and Jean spent several retirement years in Nevada.  They built a large rabbitry and raised rabbits for butchering.  The last few years was spent in Virginia near David’s family. Survivors include two sons, David Ranger and wife Denise of Lynchburg, Va., and Norman Ranger and wife Lallee of Idabel, Oklahoma and a daughter Elaine Redel and husband Murray Redel of Eaglesham, Alberta, Canada; 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Graveside services are December 23, 2020 at 11am at his final resting place at St. Thomas More Catholic Church Columbarium in Lynchburg, Va. “RIP DAD” Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, VA 24523

Jeffrey Michael Haletsky of Lynchburg, VA passed away Dec. 16, 2020.  Jeff was born Oct. 25, 1969 in Manassas, VA to his parents Andrew & Mary Haletsky of Kill Devil Hills, NC.  Jeff is preceded in death by his brother Michael Aaron Haletsky. Jeff traveled to the Philippines & England with his family.  He grew up in Manassas and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School.  Jeff worked many years at Navy Federal Credit Union in the mailing dept. which he enjoyed very much. In addition to his parents, Jeff is survived by his wife of 15 years Suzan Vanover Haletsky of Lynchburg, VA,; 3 sisters, Andrea Morgan & husband David, Michelle Brittigan, Lisa Horton & husband Steve; and many nieces & nephews.  A private graveside service will be at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the  Leukemia & Lymphoma  Society.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Donald Alan Smith of Forest, VA passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the age of 87.  Donald died peacefully with his wife Angela and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by his side. Donald was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to father Frank Laubach Smith and mother Mildred Stoneback Smith, and baptized into Christ at Salem Lutheran Church. Donald graduated from Penn State University with a BS degree in Geophysics and joined the United States Navy upon graduation.  Donald attained the rank of Lieutenant, serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer.  After working as a geophysicist at E. G. & G. Inc, Donald formed Hydrosurveys, Inc, a mobile organization internationally known for its oceanographic surveys and services. As Chief Geophysicist, Donald pioneered high resolution seismic techniques and applied his experience on projects around the world.  He carried to completion the detailed seismic study for the proposed English Channel Tunnel and was in charge of the interpretation and mapping. In 1978, Donald’s life went a new direction when he and his family moved to the beautiful state of Virginia as the new owner of a horse and rider shop, now known as Western Ways, located in Forest, VA.  Many people to this day talk about Donald’s German Shepherds who were a constant fixture in the store and always at his side.  After 23 years of growing and operating a successful retail business, Donald sold Western Ways and retired to enjoy his family, home in the country, horses out back, and fun times with grandchildren and great-children. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 52 years, Shirley Rose Smith, his grandson, Daniel Graham Osterkamp, and infant grandchildren Abby and William Russell. So blessed to find love again in 2012, Donald is survived by his devoted wife, Angela Palladino; sister, Louise McCormack of Bethlehem, PA; daughters, Karen Russell (Terry),  Cindy Osterkamp (Lex), and Lori East (John); eight grandchildren, Eric (Jenn), Scott, Ashley, Brian (Allison), Caitlin (Grayson), Lindsay (Khiry), Jessica (Brandon), and John Jr (Kinzie); six great-grandchildren, Sarah, Lydia, Christopher, Thomas, Kasen, and Colton, and six step-children, twelve step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren on the way. A visitation for Donald is planned for Friday, December 18, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel located at 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, VA.  The funeral will follow immediately at 2:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Aaron E. Yaeger (Our Savior Lutheran Church).  A small graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Virginia Memorial Park, 11490 Forest Road, Forest, VA. People wishing to honor Donald’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Don’s family expresses deep appreciation for his compassionate care rendered by Good Samaritan Hospice, Acti-Kare CNA Jenny Wright, and Burch-Messier Funeral Home. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kenneth Daniel “Dan” Rothgeb, 59, of Bedford, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020. He was born in Newport News, VA on August 2, 1961, a son of Marian Crump Rothgeb of Buckingham and the late Joseph Delano Rothgeb. He proudly served his country in the 82^nd Airborne Division of the United States Army and was a retired engineer from the Norfolk & Southern Railroad. Dan took pride in his family and enjoyed spending time with his favorite fishing buddies, Easton and Chase. In addition to his mother, Dan is survived by his sons, Jacob Rothgeb and wife, Emilie, Landon Rothgeb and Jessica Shuey; grandchildren, Easton Rothgeb and Chase Rothgeb; brother, J.D. Rothgeb and wife, Pam; sisters, Sherri Bell and husband Jeff, and Terri Nguyen; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Concord Baptist Church FOCUS Center, 6114 Deer Run Road, Farmville, VA with Rev. Rick Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

James Lindsey “Jim” Hall, Sr., 72, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Edith Overstreet Hall. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. Masks will be required.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Patricia Ann Taylor Cook, 78, of Monroe, VA passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Lynchburg General. She was born in Lynchburg, Va. August 1, 1942 a daughter of the late Randolph Roark and Fonzi Giles Roark. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmy Taylor and her second husband, Richard Otis Cook. Patricia was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved to travel and spend time outdoors. She is survived by two sons, Christopher Taylor (Cynthia), Scott Taylor (Cheree); four granddaughters, Jessica Taylor, Laura Taylor, Sophie Taylor, Stormy Taylor. The family will hold a private memorial service.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7

Gregory Allen Mahanes, 70, of Appomattox, passed away on December 12, 2020. He was born in Richmond, VA on May 1, 1950, a son of the late Dr. Robert H. and Shirley (Butterworth) Mahanes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Mahanes III. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Martha (Hale) Mahanes; nieces; nephew; cousins; and loyal friends. Due to Covid-19 the family will hold a private service. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Sheron Allen Cheek, age 73, of Bedford, died on Monday, December 7, 2020 after a brief illness. She was born in Bedford County on May 16, 1947, a daughter of the late Homer F. and Lina Ramsey Allen. She was a retired nurse and member of Pecks Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Sheron was preceded in death by all 9 of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Roger W. Cheek; Son & Daughter-in-Law, Michael S. & Debi B. Cheek, Evington; Daughter & Son-in-Law, April Cheek-Messier & John P. Messier, Bedford; seven Grandchildren; Marah Cheek, Shane Cheek, Benjamin Messier, Emily Messier, Anna Messier, James Messier, Scott Messier. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who she loved deeply. A private funeral service for the family will be conducted on Thursday, December 10, 2020 by the Rev. Bryan Sheehan. A public celebration of Sheron’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorials in Sheron’s name may be made to Pecks Baptist Church, 1020 Pecks Road, Bedford, VA 24523 or the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, LTD, PO Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements are by Burch-Messier Funeral & Cremation Service, Bedford.