Our beautiful and loving mother, Trudy Loretta Hefner (Rowsey) of Roanoke, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on February 29, 2024, at the age of 72. She fought a long hard battle of many different medical conditions and now she is healed in Heaven. She passed peacefully, with her loving family holding her hands and by her side. Trudy was born February 20,1952 in Mechanicsville, Virginia to Hansford Curtis Rowsey and Lillian Vaden Staton. She grew up in Buena Vista, Virginia with her sister, Carolyn Muterspaugh and close cousins. (Wayne Bradley, Frances Wills and Charlene Bradley) She was a graduate of Parry McCluer HIgh School and went on to get her Accounting Degree from National Business College in Roanoke, Virginia. She worked hard for many years doing what she loved with her last position in accounting/payroll at Advance Auto Parts. Trudy was a caring, devoted and loving mother and Nana. She had two daughters, Chassidy Lynee Arons (Burch) and Jamie Dawn Wiley (Burch). She raised her daughters to love the Lord and in Christian Faith. She was a beautiful woman on the inside and out. She loved music, dancing, the ocean and spending time with her grandbabies. Her smile would light up an entire room. She was so strong, independent and cared deeply for her family and friends. She is preceded in death by both her parents; cousin, Wayne Bradley; and granddaughter, Hannah Leigh Whitenack. She is survived by daughter, Chassidy Arons; her grandchildren, Taylor Arons, Rylee Arons, Cally Arons and Prestyn Arons. Also her daughter, Jamie Wiley; and great grandson, Ayden Torres. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Muterspaugh (Roy); nieces, Leigh Ann Frye (Craig), Heather Renee Muterspaugh (Kevin); and many great nieces and great nephews. She leaves behind many more family and friends that will miss her dearly. At mom’s request, she did not want any type of services or celebration. She asked for a simple cremation and for her ashes to be spread over the ocean. We will honor her wishes. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation to aid and assist with her final expenses, please use Venmo – https://venmo.com/ChassidyArons5574. Thank you for the love and support you have shown us during this very difficult time. She will be missed dearly. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Month: February 2024
Judy Ann Bowden Andrews, 67, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024. She was born in Bedford VA on September 28, 1956 a daughter of the late Joseph Perry Bowden and Betty Jean Gray Bowden. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Bowden; and her special kitty, Boo-boo. Judy worked at many restaurants over the years as a cook. She loved doing flower arrangements and tending her flower gardens. She loved the mountains and the beaches and all her Harley rides with Kenny. Most of all she loved her family with everything she had. We will forever remember you and keep your memory alive. She is survived by her life partner of 17 years, Kenny Grubbs; sister, Jennifer Wilkerson & Clay; daughter, Crystal Creasey and husband Brandon; son, Terry Harris and wife Teresa; her bonus children, Matt, Andrew, Heather & Mary Carter; grandchildren, Josh, Cassie, Tyler, Autumn, Haylee, Luke, Ethan Alex; bonus babies, Riley, Hunter, Harley, Logan; great-grandchildren, Cammie, Jemma, Karsyn, Luna, Mason; special friend and cousin, Vicky St. Clair; and many other friends and family. A Celebration of life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Glenwood Center, Huddleston, VA. If you would like to bring a covered dish you can do so at that time. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother Judith (Judy) Ann Fleenor-Frye. Our sweet mother went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday morning February 19, 2024 in Bedford, Virginia. She was 76 years old. Judy was born on December 3, 1947 in Radford, Virginia. She lived and grew up in the Fairlawn Community, and raised her children there. Judy never knew a stranger; she enjoyed meeting new people wherever she went. She would give the shirt off her own back to a friend or even a stranger in need. She loved to laugh. Her children often joked that they could never get lost, all they had to do was listen for a minute and follow her laughter from a mile away. Judy was funny, sassy, and danced to the beat of her own drum. She loved to garden, she loved walks in the woods, and her animals. Her greatest joys were living on the small farm in Wythe County and at the cabin on Bent Mountain. Judy was fiercely proud of her children and grandchildren. Judy leaves behind her former spouse, John Timothy Frye I; their children, Deborah Frye (Rodney) Reedy, Mary Grace Heath, and John Timothy Frye II; grandchildren, Timothy Justin (Yvonne) Frye, Christopher Thomas (Emilee) Martin, Kathryn Iris Heath, Jacob Sebastian Reedy, Marc Curtis Reedy, Arabella Rain Heath; 3 great great-grandchildren; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, step-children and friends. Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Grace Fleenor; brother, Phillip Ray Fleenor; sisters, Bernice Lee Fleenor-Smart, Janice Marie Fleenor-Stewart; and former spouse, Danny Ray Williamson. The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Breast Cancer Foundation, the Humane Society, or your favorite charity in Judy’s name. Special thanks to Heartland Hospice for their kind and loving care. Our Heavenly Father of compassion please hear our prayer and provide us comfort. Our Momma, Gran-gran, aunt, and friend was your child. You knew her before she was, and she died in your arms. Help us focus on your blessings at this time. We commit her to you dear Father to live in perfect peace for eternity. Amen. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
John Wilson “Jack” Rankin, III, 80, of Lynchburg, died on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Jack was born at Front Royal, VA, a son of John Wilson “Jack” Rankin, II of Augusta County and Maryjane Strickler Rankin of Luray. He was the husband of the late Patricia Cuffia Rankin of Lynchburg, VA. The couple were long-time residents of Roanoke and Craig counties. (Roanoke and New Castle, VA). Jack is predeceased by his sister, the late Margaret “Peggy” Brinkley of Clifton Forge, VA and his brother, the late Paul Todd Rankin of Mechanicsville, VA. He is survived by his sisters, Nancy Rankin Hall of Cape Charles, VA and Cindy H. Watson of Bedford, VA, as well as by his nieces, Margaret “Molly” Newcomb Hayman of Wellfleet, MA and Kathryn Blair Rankin O’Donnel of Philadelphia, PA along with their families, in addition to his nephews, Eric Scott Brinkley, Paul Lewis Brinkley of Clifton Forge, VA and Andrew Todd Rankin of Mechanicsville, VA. Jack was raised in the Shenandoah Valley during his early years, and later moved with his family to Clifton Forge, VA. He played football for CFHS, graduating from there. He attended The College of William & Mary, earning money working at the King’s Arms Tavern in Williamsburg. Jack was a veteran and served in the US Army at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. His career began managing a Woolco Department Store in East Brunswick, NJ. He then returned to his home state of Virginia, to manage Woodcare Corporation, a wood and metal refinishing product manufacturing company, founded by his father. Jack later founded and operated Craig Printing Company, serving the printing needs for a wide variety of clients across various locations. Jack was a man of many interests. He loved traveling by trailer camper with his wife, Pat, throughout the US and Canada. He was an enthusiast for golf, canoeing, NASCAR races, and gold mining in the wilderness. He was a novice numismatist, loved auto mechanics, enjoyed “Supper Bridge” and spending time with his family, associates and friends. An avid reader, he was always a dependable source of stories, jokes and wit. Laughter with him will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: The American Diabetes Association, or The Craig County Fire and Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 308, New Castle, VA 24127). Services will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, St. Peter Mausoleum, 5731 Airport Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, on March 30, 2024, at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Jean Gail (Hanley) Carpenter, 86, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Westminster Canterbury of Lynchburg due to complications from dementia. Better known as Gay, she was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, James Douglas Carpenter. She leaves behind children and spouses, Kent and Cheryl Carpenter, Jean and Rick Krason, Jeff Carpenter, and Gwen Carpenter; and four grandchildren, Danny Carpenter, Emma Carpenter, MacKenzie Krason, and Reilly Krason. Born in Montclair, NJ, and raised in Verona, NJ, she was the daughter of Joseph Hanley and Agnes Catherine (Wyble) Hanley. She graduated from Verona High School in 1955 and attended Montclair State College in NJ where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1959. After graduation, Gay taught elementary school at Frederic N. Brown in Verona until 1963. She met her husband, Doug, in New Jersey, and they were married July 14, 1962. After moving to West Caldwell, NJ, they raised a family of four children during which time Gay was an active member of the Junior Women’s Club, AAUW, Home and School Association, a Girl Scout leader, and frequent bridge player. She returned to teaching in 1980 as a middle school and high school math teacher working at South Orange-Maplewood until 1992. Gay and Doug retired in 1992 to Smith Mountain Lake, VA, where they shared their retirement home with numerous relatives and friends, especially their four grandchildren. Gay continued her education career in the Roanoke City school system while leading the STEM program “Praise for Girls”. After retiring, Gay volunteered at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA. She continued as a frequent bridge player and was an active gardener and flower show judge. She also showed off her thespian skills in Bedford, VA with the Little Town Players. A mass will be held at Resurrection Church in Moneta, VA on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Collins Cemetery, Stumptown, WV. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Betty Creasy Hostetter, 80, of Big Island, passed away peacefully at the home of Wanda Gail and Kenneth Goff on Saturday, February 10, 2024. She was born in Bedford, VA on February 10, 1944 a daughter of the late Joe Owen Creasy and Lillie Agee Creasy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Hostetter; brother, Joe Louis Creasy; and sister, Mary Jane Creasy. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Catherine Walker; granddaughter, Lillie Walker; and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to her nephew, Cody Lee (Roger) Goff for helping to take care of her. Betty was a member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider sending donations to Heartland Hospice in Lynchburg, VA in her name. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Phil Kelley officiating. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Clyde Howard Toms, 95, of Bedford, died Friday, February 9, 2024 in Oakwood Health & Rehab. He was born on November 6, 1928, a son of the late John Guy Toms and Mary Lucy Karnes Toms. Howard retired from Rubatex Corp. He loved all animals and just being outdoors, working with his hands and visiting family and friends. He always left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He is now reunited with his wife of 53 years, Margaret Anne Kennedy Toms and our Heavenly Father. Howard is survived by two sons, Thomas Clyde Toms of Montvale; Terry Lee Toms and fiancée, Doris Hurt of Vinton; his grandson, Michael Cole Toms, attending Thiel College in Greenville, PA and his mother, Carol Toms of Thaxton; many nieces and nephews. Special Thanks to niece, Virginia Royal for your home cooked meals and special desserts. Thanks to Doug Carter and J.T. Laughlin for being there for Dad and making him smile. Thanks to Emily Payne for being Dad’s assistant for the last four years. Thank you to Dustin Michael Dooley and Tina Dooley Lawson for making Dad’s life great. A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in the Kennedy-Toms Cemetery, 1143 Lauralane Dr.Bedford, with Margaret Key officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Daniel Edward Grabeel, Jr. (Danny), age 65, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Lewis Gale Hospital in Salem, VA. He was born in Richlands, VA by Dr. Daniel Edward Grabeel and Dixie Arden Herring Inman. Danny was known by all to love theater. He had a great sense of humor and was a talented actor, singer, and dancer. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Bluefield College, Bluefield, VA in 1984 and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA in 1988. He had a skilled director’s eye for set design, choreography, and directing, and was a master at the needle and thread for costume design. He had the confidence to stand in front of a crowd to share his passion. Every student, actor, or neighbor who met Danny kept him in their hearts because of the unforgettable mark he would leave. He is survived by his father, Dr. Daniel Grabeel and stepmother, Marjorie Mills Grabeel of Lynchburg, VA; children, Noah Charles Grabeel of Portland, OR, and Victoria Katherine McHugh and son-in-law Collin McHugh of Roanoke, VA; sister, Shelly Grabeel Abernathy of Fayette, IA; and stepfather, Virgil Inman of Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his mother Dixie Arden Herring Inman; and sister, Katherine Lucille Bennett Stone. The family will hold a private interment at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Genea Gale Woods, 27, of Roanoke, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024. She was born in Roanoke, VA on January 18, 1997 a daughter of the late Aaron Eugene Woods and Rhonda Gale Patsell. She is survived by her children, Ariaya Woods, Addy Mosely, Anthym Brawley; grandfather, Ronnie Patsell (Odessa); brother, Aaron Lee Woods; aunts, Pam Isom, Rhonda Woodford; uncle, Gerald Patsell; two special friends, Des Moseley, Tre Brawley; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford with Rev. Steve Roberson officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Claude Melvin Hamlet, 91, of Madison Heights, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was born on April 29, 1932 a son of the late Lula Morton and Robert Lee Hamlet of Phenix, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughters, Sue Allen, Brenda Hicks; five brothers, Robert (Dick) Hamlet, William (Bill) Hamlet, Dave (Ronald) Hamlet, James Preston (JP) Hamlet, Harold Hamlet; brother-in-law, Owen Waller; and sisters-in-law, Peggy Hamlet and Lynda Hamlet. Hamlet served in the United States Navy and was a Korean War Veteran. He returned to the area and worked and retired as a supervisor for Flowers Bakery for 30 years. He is survived by his only sister, Carol Hamlet Waller; sisters-in-law, Betty Hamlet and Dorothy Hamlet; his children, Mark Hamlet, Brenda Salassi (Steve), Bonnie Day (Danny), and Albert Allen. He also leaves behind numerous nieces; nephews; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. As well as not to forget his beloved companion, his dog Shane. There will not be a service or visitation at this time. We are deeply thankful to Burch-Messier Funeral Home for their assistance. Thank you to Centra Hospice (a special thank you to Amber, Krystal, Sheri and Patty) for your compassion and care. Care advantage (Shelby) for your support and kindness. A special thank you to his neighbor and dear friends Harold and Debra Viar. Any donations in Hamlet’s honor should be made to your local humane society. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.