Raymond Louis Gilbarte, Jr., 83, of Wirtz, VA passed away Monday, November 29, 2021. Ray (known affectionately as “Pop”) married Veronica Blaszek in 1965.  They have four children, twenty grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law. He worked as a special agent for the FBI from 1961 to 1995. When he retired, he held the position of Deputy Assistant Director. Although he held an important position, his top priority was his family. He was able to coach many of his children’s teams and always left work early to watch them play sports or attend school activities. He was an avid runner often running 5 miles through DC on his lunch break in addition to triathlons and marathons on the weekends. As his earthly race is now finished his love, generosity and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Rd. Moneta, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to Lake Christian ministries in Moneta, Virginia. https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/d3f9de28-fbc7-41c5-884e-1d5a028e26c8 Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Bonnie Paige Tate Bierer, 49, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021. She was born in Roanoke, VA on August 12, 1972 a daughter of the late George Lee Tate and Edith Forbes Tate. She is survived by her husband, John Joseph Bierer; cousin, Kathryn Ann Sowers and her son, Todd Sowers and wife Cindy and their children, Christiaan, Austin, Hannah, all of whom she thought of as her immediate family; and her dog, Andy. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Vinton Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dale Leslie “Skip” Ferris, 70, of Roanoke, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021. He was born in Roanoke, VA on August 14, 1951 a son of the late Evelyn Martin Ferris and Clyde Leslie “Skippy” Ferris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David A. Ferris. He is survived by a brother, Terry N. Ferris; sisters, Lana (Charlie) Obenchain, Debby Ferris; nephews, Jeff Nelms, Greg Nelms, best friend and caretaker, Linwood Craft; and several great-nieces and a great-nephew. Per his wishes no services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Angela Michele Ruff, 46, of Evington, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. She was born in Bedford, VA on August 4, 1975 a daughter of Thomas Jackson Ruff and Mary Jane Amos Ruff. Angela was a loving mother, daughter, and sister, and her son Alex was her world. She loved her trips to the beach. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her son, Alex Gelatka; sister, Kimberly Ruff and fiancé Jerry Wyatt; fiancé, Michael Gelatka; and numerous other family and friends. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Michael Walter Klimchuk, of Bedford, VA, formerly of Plymouth, MA, passed away after a long and courageous fight on November 23, 2021. Born in Brockton, MA, on April 9, 1959, to the late Walter and Jeanne (McDonald) Klimchuk. He is survived by the love of his life, partner in crime and best friend, Marie (Maini) Klimchuk, son Joseph and his wife Lauren Corbett of Bedford. Also survived by siblings Nancy Klimchuk, Marcia (Robert) Coyle and David (Donna) Klimchuk, and Mother-in-law, Carol Mahoney. Predeceased by sisters Patti, Maureen, and her husband Peter Bedard. Mike was a determined and talented entrepreneur, starting as a paperboy and working up to owning one of the largest Colors on Parade franchises in the country. Both capable and humble, he was a mentor to many throughout his life and truly enjoyed seeing others succeed. When he wasn’t working, he was home tending to the farm and family he loved. A lifelong lover of pets, his heart was always open to strays and rescues. He could often be seen running errands around town, with his dog riding shotgun in the truck. The family would like to extend their special thanks to Carolyn and the Palliative Care Group at Lynchburg General Hospital for their compassionate care during this difficult time. Private services to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, at Michael’s request, donations in his memory can be made to https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org, a charity very dear to his heart. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Janice Kaye Reid Bobbitt, 72, of Bedford, daughter of Charles W. Reid and Elenor Craig Reid Newman passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Trevor. She is survived by her three children, Brian Bobbitt, Kimberly Bobbitt, Chip Bobbitt and wife Loretta; two grandsons, Isaiah Bobbitt, Luke Bobbitt; and other family and special friends. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Thaxton Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Danny Newman officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Catherine Weeks McGuire, 80, of Bedford, daughter of Roy and Geneva Weeks, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021. She is survived by her husband, William McGuire; daughter and son-in-law, DeAnn and Matt Murphy; and grandsons, Alexander and Brady Murphy. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends at her home after the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

It is with great sorrow that we must let you know that Dr. Robin Murphy, ND passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, in Floyd County, Virginia. Robin’s wife, Judith Toscano, close friends, and students were by his side. Robin was an ardent proponent of Homeopathy for the last 50 years and helped train many great Homeopaths. He was a gentle healer and wonderful human being. He was loved, admired, and cherished by all who knew him. He helped thousands of people and taught students all over the world with passion and dedication. His legacy in writings, teachings, and academic journals will be a lasting contribution to the science of Homeopathy and Natural Health. Leaving to mourn, his wife, Judith Toscano; daughter, Kachina Domenick Johnson; grandson, McMillion Houston, VI, his mother, Verna Worden; three brothers, Todd, Bryan, Gary; sister, Shelley Murphy; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends; and his two cats, Spanky and Chloe. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2022. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Terry Lee “Little Bear” Howell, 70, of Rocky Mount, a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corp received his heavenly angel wings on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. He was born in Galion, OH on September 5, 1951 a son of the late Harry Howell and Helen Stover Jollie. Terry enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. at the age of 21. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Private First Class. He is survived by his significant other of 20 years, Lisa Bly; daughters, Tammy Lynn Perdue (Jeremy Janney), Brenda Jean Perdue (Francisco Lagunes); sisters, Hazel Waldrop (Tom), Pansy Damaron (Kevin); special nephew, Ernie Vaughn (Sharon); granddaughters, Amber Shively (Wesley Turner), granddaughter, Elizabeth Akers (Ralph Akers); grandsons, Justin Shively (Lorrie), Dustin Gantt, Stephen Perdue; and fifteen great-grandchildren. A special thanks to Jennifer and Taylor Steiner and Erin and Jason Janney. No services will be held at this time. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.