Peggy Ann Fischer passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the age of 69 in Bedford, VA.  She was born Peggy Fisher on February 11, 1954 at Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, New Jersey to William Thomas Fisher and Elsie Mae Bryden. Peggy grew up in South Plainfield, New Jersey and graduated from South Plainfield High School.  She later moved to Bedford, Virginia where she worked at Peebles department store and Walmart, retiring in 2023. Peggy was preceded in death by her father; mother; and husbands, Charles Burt and Conrad Fischer. Peggy’s beautiful sunny smile will be deeply missed by her son, Brian Burt; sister, Betty Fisher Kaminski; grandsons, Brian and Devin Burt; nephews, Tommy and Michael Palfrey; goddaughters, Shannon Donavan Crans and Cheryl Donovan Zolnowski and their brother Patrick Donovan.  There may be a celebration of life in Bedford later this year. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Robert Louis Letoile, age 90, died peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Robert was preceded in death by his late wife, Dorothy Letoile. After 68 years of marriage, and 75 years together, 10 months proved to be too long apart. Robert leaves behind his four children, Lisa Sayers, Shelley Goodwin (Doug), Kim Flournoy (Rob) and Robert Letoile Jr. He was Grampy to his seven grandchildren, Lyndsey Sayers, Courtney Wills, Abbie Flournoy, Carly Suter, Tyler Flournoy, Luke Goodwin and Kathryn Letoile. He also had nine great grandchildren, whom he adored. Robert was born in Manchester, NH on November 6,1933, to William and Kathryn Letoile. He spent most of his life in New Hampshire, where he and his wife raised their four children. They moved to Bedford, VA in 2007 to be closer to family, because, as he taught us all, family is the most important thing in this world. Robert spent his life in construction, owning his own company until retirement. He was drafted by The St. Louis Cardinals baseball team in 1952, which led to a lifelong love of the sport. He spent many happy years coaching Babe Ruth baseball and passing on his knowledge, which earned him a baseball field in Hampstead, NH named in his honor, Robert Letoile, SR. Park. In the words of Grampy, “I love you more than you will ever know.” Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Doris Coleman, 95, of Madison Heights passed peacefully on Saturday January 27, 2024. She is survived by three children, Melissa Commins of Madison Heights, Susan Jatzlau and husband Gary of Forest, Belva Short and husband Daryl of Madison Heights; sister, Ann Parker and husband Roy; and many loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life in the near future. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

LeRoy George Skinner passed peacefully on the evening of January 23, 2024 with family by his side.  LeRoy had spent almost nine years paralyzed but was still able to enjoy life for many years while living in Florida. He got an opportunity to move to Hardy, Virginia close to family and enjoyed going out to eat and sports on TV with family. He would have been 86 in May. LeRoy is survived by his wife, Helen; his son, Douglas; daughter, Linda; plus, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. LeRoy graduated from Homer Central School and Alfred Technical Institute in1960 where he obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree.  He married his wife of almost 63 years after graduation.  They lived in many different places as jobs changed.  Finally, they moved to Florida close to family and bought a construction company. They enjoyed many years sailing various sailboats in New York and Florida.  When the construction businesses were sold, they enjoyed seeing the United States in an RV. His last adventure before being paralyzed was a cruise to England to see Stonehenge and the changing of the guard on his birthday. May he now be with his mom; son, LeRoy Junior; and his faithful companion Harley in God’s house.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Deborah Lynne “Debbi” Messick, 66, of Buena Vista, VA gained her angel wings on Monday, January 22, 2024. She was born in Morgantown, WV on November 25, 1957 a daughter of the late John William Messick and Mary Ellen Smith Messick. She is survived by her daughter, Kristen Nicely of Staunton; brother, Leonard Lee; her favorite uncle, Johnny Smith; another uncle, George Poole of Morgantown, WV; two amazing cousins, Jeff Poole and Randy Poole; and her two amazing best friends, Patti Fields and Daniel Nelson. Debbi was a nurse for 25 years and she helped out in the mail room at VMI as well as helping many friends and family. She was the leader of the reunion committee for her class of 76’ in Lexington. A memorial service will be held a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Jennifer Mason Napier, 40, of Amherst, ended her journey here on earth on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 with her dad and mom by her side. Jennifer was born on June 6, 1983 in Lynchburg. She was the widow of Dexter Napier. Jennifer leaves behind to cherish her memory, her son, Emanuel Charles Napier, of Amherst; father, Donald Mason of Lynchburg; mother, Mary Mason of Amherst; brother, Michael Mason & wife Tammy of Lynchburg; sister, Skylar Mason; grandmother, Patsy English; and special nephew, Jeremey Mason. As well as many extended family members; friends; and special companion, Desmond Charlton. Jennifer was an employee of Fairmont Crossing in Amherst in environmental services. She had the same position with Centra at Lynchburg General Hospital and touched many lives at both by going out of her way every day to check on patients and residents, brightening their day with her great smile and caring words. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Carilion Roanoke Memorial for all they did for Jennifer. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Tree of Life Ministries, 2812 Greenview Drive, Lynchburg, with Rev. Mike Dodson officiating. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.

Dorothy Ellen Anderson, 88, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, January 15, 2024. Dorothy was born to Silas Sanders and Sylvia Pearl Sanders on September 18, 1935 in Boswell, Oklahoma. She was one of eleven children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her sisters, Peggy Shores, Rosie Wright, Gladys Edwards; her brothers, Athern Sanders, Robert Thomas, Donald Wright, William Wright, Howard Wright, and Bernard Sanders; daughter, Beverly Anderson; sons, James Anderson and Robert Crigger; and granddaughter, Nicole Anderson Frei. She is survived by her brother, Roy Wright; daughters, LaDonna Kathleen Chatfield, Sylvia Robyn Rudy and her husband Richard, Lori Elizabeth Henderson and her husband John David, Stephanie Marvetta Crigger; and her son, Curtis Jerome Terry, Jr, and his wife Miho Takenami. She was a beloved Nana to twenty-six grandchildren; forty-five great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Dorothy was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She adored her family and was happiest when her large brood surrounded her. Although she did not have much in terms of wealth or material possessions, Dorothy’s door was always open to anyone who needed help and had numerous other surrogate children who happily called her “Mom” or “Nana”. Dorothy retired after 32 years of working as a nurse at Virginia Baptist Hospital on the skill care unit with many other wonderful women. She loved sewing, reading, quilting, yard-sailing, and cooking. She spent countless hours toiling away and creating quilts for her family and gossiping with her best friends Cecilia Almond and Shirley Parker. At her request there will be no service but a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

L. R. Ogle, 85, of Gladstone, VA passed away at the home of his daughter, Janet Ferguson surrounded by his loving family on Friday, January 12, 2024. He was born in Sevier County, TN on May 8, 1938 a son of the late Clifford Ogle and Ella Ogle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Kathrine Holbert Ogle; son, Ronnie Ogle; daughter, Vanessa Angus; grandson, Jamie Huber; son-in-law, Milton Ferguson; and two brothers, H.V. and Bob Ogle. He is survived by his sister, Lola Bowers; daughters, Marlene Denning (Wayne) of Hurt, VA, Janet Ferguson of Gladstone, VA; grandchildren, David Huber (Cindy), Crystal Burks (C.B.), Kevin Huber, Michael Gunter (Rachel), Jason Angus, Kelli Mays (Joe), Katie Franklin (Derek), Daniel Angus (Christen); and a special granddaughter, Melissa Huber; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He spent his earlier years traveling up and down the east coast working as a diesel engineer on the dredges. At the age of 38 he retired to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning and operating his own farm, “Ogle’s Ponderosa”. He could tell you any and everything you would need to know about cows and farming. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch and spending time with his family who he loved dearly. The family would like to thank James River Hospice, especially his nurse Brandy Paulette for the excellent care that was provided. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Vickie McDonald Poston, 68, of Thaxton, passed away on January 7, 2024. She was born in Roanoke, VA on August 13, 1955 a daughter of the late Ammon Clifton McDonald and Dorothy Jones McDonald. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Arthur “Milton” Poston, Jr.; children, Curtis Wayne Poston (Kathy), Tammy Shawntel Poston, Phillip Daniel Poston (Kimberly); grandchildren, Amber, Ashley, Dallas, Heather, Ally; three great-grandchildren, Kinsley, Madilyn, Carson; and sister, Jeri Starkey. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Cool Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Shane McSweeney and Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Burial will follow at Peaks Church Community Cemetery. 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.

Aria Lillian Athenz Magann, our angel has gone to be with the Lord on Friday, January 5, 2024. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on September 21, 2023 a daughter of Aziah Nicole Magann and Joey Lawrence Bass. In addition to her parents, Aziah and Joey; she is survived by her sister, Athena Rose Malaziah Magann; grandparents, Amy Ratliff, Rachel Magann, Gregory and Anna Bass, Melissa Jones, Jerome Jones; great-grandfather, Gary Tomlinson; aunt, Julie C. Wright; uncles, Calvert J. Crawford, Jay E. Wright, Romel Jones, Tyrel Jones; and cousin, Justin M. Wright. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-73