Angela Ruff Shepperd, 40, of Bedford, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2021. She was born in Bedford, VA on July 11, 1980, a daughter of Linda Miller Ruff and the late Raymond Ruff, Sr. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a brother, Raymond Ruff, Jr. and wife, Joallison; fiancé, David Patton; children, Crystal Craft and husband David, James Shepperd, Melanie Shepperd; and grandchildren, Carolinea Shepherd, Brantley Craft. Family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel. A graveside service will follow at Peaks Community Church Cemetery with Steven Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burch-Messier Funeral Home to help the family offset the cost of the funeral. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

PFC Robert Ray “Bobbie” Daniels, 17, of Bedford, died serving his country in the United States Army at Vicinity of Waegwan, Republic of Korea on August 16, 1950. He was born in Pike County, KY on September 8, 1932, a son of the late Ray Daniels and Ethel Mounts Daniels. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Audrey, Hazel, Tom, Bill, Shirley, Johnny, Irvan, Clifford, Van, Edward, Doug and Barbara. He is survived by his brothers, Eldo Daniels, Clifton Daniels; sister, Priscilla Ann Vaughn; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford with Rev. Richard Kingrea officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Friday at Burch-Messier Walnut St. Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bedford Boys Tribute Center, 102 N. Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Commander Edward Ferdinand Walder, Jr. (Ed) 90, of Lynchburg walked into his eternal glory on Saturday, at Lynchburg General Hospital.  He was born on September 12, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY to Edward Ferdinand Walder Sr. and Edna Walder.  Surviving is his loving wife of 66 years Ursula Rice Walder and his sister Rose Marie Meerbott.  Ed will also be fondly remembered by his children Lori (Billy) Clarke, Jean (Hassan) Rahimi, Douglas (Becky), John, his grandchildren Jonathan (Sofia), Jeremy (Lauren), Joshua (Regina), Jordan, Alexann, Henna, Zach (Hayley), Nicole, and his great grandchildren Kylie, Tyler, Frances, Clementine, Silas, Leroy, Wyatt, and Weston. Ed was a man of deep faith who was actively involved in his church and a man of many talents.  He was athletic and loved fishing, sailing, and especially golf.  He could fix and repair anything and was always ready to work on a project. Ed was a patriot and Commander in the US Navy.  In his military career, he worked as a Nuclear Engineer on submarines which took him and his family many exciting places over the course of 24 years.  He then retired from the Navy and worked for Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) for 15 years.  He spent the remainder of his life enjoying Smith Mountain Lake, playing golf, fishing, and pouring time, wisdom, and love into the next generations. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation with family will be held on May 6, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 at 10 AM followed by the service at 11 AM. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Gloria Seiner Walker, 80, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. She was born in Pemberton, PA on December 11, 1940, a daughter of the late John X. Seiner and Alice Gray Seiner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Lee Seiner. She was a member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church and was retired from Century 21. She loved her dogs, Hawkin and Bernie. Gloria is survived by her husband of 60 years, Merrill Lee Walker; and two daughters, Sherri Thacker and husband Howard and Shelly Ore and husband Robert. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Phillip Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or Bedford County Fire and Rescue. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Eddie Carl Staton, 67, of Lynchburg, departed this life on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. He was born on January 27, 1954 in Amherst, VA, a son of the late Eddie Ankton Staton and Myrtle Lorene Staton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Ann Staton; and his brother, Elmer “Buster” Staton. He leaves behind his brother, Raymond Lewis Staton of Amherst; daughters, Jennifer Redmond and husband Joe of Rustburg, Emily Grubb and husband Mike of Roanoke; his life mate, Della Mawyer and her children, Jody Johnson and husband Cecil of Lynchburg, Rob Womack of Stuarts Draft; two granddaughters, Faith and Kiera Redmond; two grandsons, Skylar and Ethan Grubb; and many cherished friends and relatives. A memorial service will be held 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2021, at Grace Baptist Church, 337 Lakeview Drive, Madison Heights, VA and all other times at the residence of Jennifer Redmond. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Aaron Loyd, 34, of Stewartsville, joined his mom and brother, Daniel in Heaven on Saturday, April 17, 2021. He was born on February 18, 1987 a son of Chuck Loyd and the late Carolyn Evans Loyd. Aaron, “Big A”, was known to those who loved him for his sense of humor and infectious smile that could light up a room. His love for his family and friends was undeniable, always remaining fiercely loyal to those he loved. Aaron loved to ride four wheelers, go fishing and maybe most all he loved to eat. It’s hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. We love you, Aaron. In addition to his father, he is survived by his grandmother, Norma Jean Loyd; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a “special niece”, Ellie Grace. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2021 at Simpson Funeral Home, 5161 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, with Rev. Steve Miller and Rev. Doug Powers officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, 140 Mountain View Rd., Vinton. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Edith Dooley Turpin, 93, of Bedford, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 16, 2021. She was born in Bedford, VA on February 8, 1928, a daughter of the late Fred Ozone Dooley and Minnie Wills Dooley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son, Michael; daughter, Deborah; and granddaughter, Laura Arrington. She was also preceded in death by four sisters and one brother. She is survived by a son William Perry “W.P.” Turpin and wife Carol; daughter Donna Turpin Arrington and husband Steve; grandchildren, Jody Eckart and husband Steve, Michael Turpin and wife Christy, Preston Turpin and wife Megan, Wendy Arrington Eason and husband Larry, Kristy Arrington Estrada and husband Adam; great-grandchildren, Holly Eckart, Hunter Eckart, Shane Turpin, Irvin Buchannon, Elise Eason, Hali Turpin, Silah Turpin, Ariah Turpin; and numerous nieces and nephews. A heartfelt thanks to Dr Willis and the staff at Friendship Health and Rehab for their excellent care, love and support.  A grateful thank you to Linda Smith and Charlotte Mays who looked after Mom before she moved to Friendship. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, with Rev. Danny Holdren officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend her service will be broadcast on Facebook live by visiting Burch-Messier Funeral Home’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Kelly Gene Slonaker, 48, of Bedford, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2021. He was born in Washington, D.C. on April 27, 1972 a son of Dana Russell Jackson and the late Calvin Eugene Slonaker. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Dana and Donald Jackson; son, Cody Slonaker; grandson, Kayden Cordell Slonaker; sister, Misty Little; and two nieces, Lanie Blankenship and Jessie Bowden. Family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Robert H. Wheaton, 96, of Huddleston, passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021. He was born in Pompey, NY on January 27, 1925 a son of the late Francis Xavier Wheaton and Helen Austin Wheaton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Long Wheaton; and a daughter, Amy Wheaton Cardoza. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Navy, serving during WWII. He was retired from General Electric. He is survived by his children, Kathleen A. Wheaton, Thomas M. Wheaton, Eileen W. Haungs (Jim); grandchildren, Brodie M. Williams IV (Dawn), Lisa Kibler Martin (Tim), Brooke N. Williams (Adam), Seth B. Williams, Emily Casdorph (David); great-grandchildren, Nicholas S. and Ellery A. Martin, Cassidy M. Williams, Kennadi M. Liskey, Owen F. and Cora A. Casdorph. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Road, Moneta, VA with Father Salvador Añonuevo presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Resurrection Catholic Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Melissa Suzanne Sandidge Hubbard (Missy,) born July 1, 1962, departed this life on April 11, 2021. She was the oldest daughter of Willie A. Sandidge Jr. and the late Barbara Charlene Floyd Sandidge. Missy graduated from Rockbridge High School in 1980. She lived in Rockbridge County most of her life, with brief periods spent in Baltimore, Roanoke, and Martinsville. She was the devoted wife and soul mate of Monty Allen Hubbard. Missy and Monty were together for over three decades until he preceded her in death on October 10, 2019. Their love story was the greatest passion of Missy’s life. Missy dedicated her heart to her family. She was very close to her grandchildren and enjoyed a close and impactful relationship with Jozalyn, Kaelin, and Alyvia. Despite the cruelty that kept Missy estranged from Elizabeth Sky, she loved her granddaughter very much and hoped to reconnect with her right up to the very last breath. She was a fiercely protective mother who cherished her sons, Forrest and Jared with every fiber of her being. She adored her daughter-in-law, Crystal, and counted her amongst her greatest treasures. Missy and her two sisters, Valerie and Melanie were an unconquerable circle of love and support for one another and she played an invaluable role in the lives of her nieces, Ivy and Jaymie and her nephew Beau. She is survived by all of her grandchildren, sons, father and beloved stepmother Pat, sisters, the aforementioned nieces, and nephew, and a much-missed niece Barbara Kathleen. She was an incredible friend and was loved by many. Often a bright light in a dark place, Missy leveraged kindness, compassion, courage, and resilience to make her world a better place. She had a fabulous sense of humor and was a natural-born storyteller. Missy’s family is holding a Celebration of Life for her at 6:00 p.m., on April 23, 2021 at the Double Decker at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista, Virginia. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.