Rosemary Elizabeth Rosenthal, 78, of Huddleston, died Saturday, July 30, 2022 in Lynchburg General Hospital.  She was born in Worcester, MA on August 23, 1943 a daughter of the late John Vincent Cooke and Ellen Leonard Cooke. In addition to her parents she was preceded, her sister,  Peggy Clarke.  Rosemary is survived by her husband of 57 years, David Rosenthal, her daughter, Lynn King; son-in-law, Frank King; grand-daughter,  Maddy King; her sister, Linda Elias and many nieces and nephews.  A Mass of Resurrection will said 11:00 am Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Rd.  Moneta, VA.  The family will receive 1 hour prior beginning at 10:00 am.   Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Patsy Jean Smith Arrington, 76, of Big Island, VA went to be with her Lord Friday, July 29, 2022 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born in Bedford, Va. May 14, 1946. Patsy was preceded in death by her Parents, Parker Preston Smith and Nora Sloan Smith; daughter, Della Fifer; two brothers; and One sister. She is survived by special friend, Kyle Davis; son, Patrick Glenn Arrington and companion Liz Sellick; her brother, Hubert Smith; grandchildren, Maggie Fifer and Nathan Fifer; one great-grandchild;  numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Patrick and Liz will  receive friends at their home, 12555 Big Island Hwy, Big Island, VA. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday August 1, 2022, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church 9575 Big Island Hwy Big Island, VA with Langley Weber officiating. A reception in the parish Hall. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Julia Renee Kunkle, age 25, of Bedford, died peacefully at her home from health complications. Although her life ended far too soon, on the days she was not sick she lived them to the fullest and touched the lives of everyone she met. Julia is survived by her Finance, Brian Suphin of Stewartsville; mom, Angela (Puddy) Kunkle, dad, Robert (Taco) Fonseca, Brother, Miguel Fonseca, and sister, Sierra Fonseca of Bedford; Grandfather, Gerald Kunkle and wife Carol of Moneta; Grandfather, Rene Fonseca and wife Ignacia of Christiansburg, Grandmother Irene Adame of Texas; Aunt Amy (Mimi) Collier and husband Charlie of Huddleston; Aunt Lisa Kunkle of Texas; Uncle Brian Kunkle and wife Kristin of Va. Beach; Uncle Rene Fonseca and wife Marla of Christiansburg; cousins, a non-related sister Sheri Saul of Bedford, close childhood friend Melanie Dawn of Roanoke; her beloved God children, Bear, Juno and Zeppelin and dear friend Mary. Julia was preceded in death by her grandmother, Judi Kunkle Overstreet, Step Grandfather Charlie Overstreet both of Bedford, Uncle Ruben Fonseca of Christiansburg. A Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Ann Coleman Hess, 79, of Forest, died Sunday, July 17, 2022, in Lynchburg General Hospital.  She was born in Bedford on August 3, 1942, a daughter of the late John DeWitt Coleman and Rachel Hensley Coleman.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Hess, two sons, Randy Hess and Daniel Hess; brother, Jack Coleman, sister, Mary Bryant;  She is survived by her sons, Charles Hess (Bettie), James Hess (Tami) and John Hess (Lynn); her grandchildren, Kim, Eric, John Jr., J.D., Daniel and Justin; brother, Allen Coleman; sister-in-law, Diane Coleman; Six step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Lebanon Methodist Church, 4565 New London Rd. Forest, Virginia 24551 with Rev. Ron Davidson officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday July 20, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

 

Helen Frances Bryant, 74, of Henrico County, VA sadly passed away on July 16th, around 3:30 pm at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, VA. She is survived by her daughter Shelly Louk & husband James of Appomattox. Her son Chad Bryant & wife Tammy of Appomattox & Her son Derek Bryant of Appomattox. Grandchildren, Katie, Clyde, Ethan, Logan, Dallas, Toby, Emily, Autumn, and Serenity. And her only great grand daughter, Avenlee. Also survived by her, are brothers Prentice Ragland of Wingina, Otha Ragland of Shipman, & Earl Ragland of Bedford. Sisters- Nancy Grant of Schuyler, Betty Parrish of Rustburg, Barbara Sowell of Concord, & Carol Wood of Rustburg. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. As well as a special friend, roommate, & care giver, Virginia Glenn of Henrico, Va. She was proceeded in death by her parents Otha & Daisy Ragland of Wingina.  As well as brothers,  Charles Ragland of Bedford, Melvin Ragland of Wingina, & Lonnie Wayne (Infant). And Sisters Minnie Bell Ragland of Shipman, Fleta Ragland of Rustburg, Gracie Marie Ragland (infant), & Julie Lorraine (infant). Helen was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, & great grandmother who will be missed dearly. She enjoyed playing poker, solitaire, & bingo. She loved watching her cooking shows, news programs, & scrolling on Facebook. She loved her family and the only thing she talked about before her passing was her new great grand daughter, Avenlee.  A grave side service will be held at Maple Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church in Buckingham, Va on Sunday, July 24th at 3:30 pm. Her brother, Earl Ragland, will be officiating the service. In lieu of flowers, we’re asking you to please consider donations to Burch-Messier Funeral Home on 317 W Main St Bedford, Va to pay for funeral expenses. 

Shirley Jane (Stuart) Keister, of Bedford VA, passed away on July 3, 2022 peacefully at home.  She was born on March 12, 1935 in Blacksburg VA, a daughter of the late Armour and Laura Stuart of Blacksburg VA. Shirley was a retired teacher with 45 years teaching experience, 35 years of those years were with Bedford County Public Schools. She is survived by two sons, Stuart Keister and his wife Carol of Goldsboro, NC, Hampton Keister of Bedford, VA; a grandson, James Charles “J.C.” Keister and his wife Amanda; great-grandson, James Cameron Keister; niece, Mary Jane Wilkerson and her husband E.T.; nephew, Richard Belcher and his wife Jami; great-nephew, Matt Wilkerson and his wife Hope and their son, Logan; great-niece, Jackie Belcher Kline and husband Derick; great-nephew, Eric Belcher; great-niece, Kayla Belcher; and special cherished friends, Steve, Monic, Isaiah and Georgia Campbell and Blanton and Megan Bryant. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to American Cancer Society or charity of choice. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Vanessa Anne Morgan, 48, of Bedford passed away peacefully in her home in the early hours of July 1st, 2022 after a long battle with colon cancer. Vanessa is proceeded in death by her parents, Don & Patricia Morgan; maternal grandparents, Clyde & Mary Gross; aunt, Charlotte Stavrakis; and uncle Allen Gross. She is survived by her brother, Mark Morgan; aunt, Debbie McGuire; (sister) Tonya Brown; (Niece) Amber Reidy; (Nephew) Trevor Preisel; and special friends, Brittany Payne, Brandy Manning, Linda McKinney, Rebekah & Kameron Hunter. The family would like to say a special thanks to the Centra Hospice Team for the amazing care she received. The family thanks you for all the love and support they have received and ask for prayers and understanding during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.