Michael Lewis Shoemaker, 49, of Madison Heights VA, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday August 22, 2022 at Lynchburg General Hospital surrounded by family. He was born in Lynchburg, VA on June 17, 1973 a son of Albert Lewis Shoemaker and the late Susan Gale Shoemaker. He was a well-loved father, brother, son and friend. He was a welder and had many talents. He was engaged to his fiancée Staci Ludwig. In addition to his father, he is survived by brothers, Danny Shoemaker and wife Gina Crago, Terry Shoemaker and wife Angela Shoemaker; sister, Jennifer Shoemaker and husband Aaron Wood; three children, Michael Shoemaker wife Colby, Joshua Shoemaker and wife Angel Shoemaker, Crystal Shoemaker-Vaughn and husband John Vaughn Jr.; five grandchildren, Malakii Vaughn, Cullen Shoemaker, Makayla Vaughn, Zane Vaughn, Bellamy Shoemaker; nieces and nephews, Colton Wood, Danny Ray Crago, Miranda Crago; beloved friend and mother of his children, Brinda Jackson; and many other family and friends. Family will hold a private viewing Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Burch-Messier Funeral Home in Bedford from 6-7. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Lynchburg Harvest Baptist Church, 2571 Carter Street with Pastor Mark Snowden officiating. Donations/Flowers are appreciated and should be sent to Lynchburg Harvest Baptist Church. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Calvin Nathaniel Willis, Sr., 56, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022. He was born in Roanoke, VA on September 12, 1965 a son of the late Pauline Willis Stover. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Eric Stover. He was employed at U.S. Pipe and formerly worked for Winoa USA (Wheelabrator Abrasives) for 20 years. Calvin loved his children beyond measure and enjoyed taking them to the creek and doing everything with his family. Calvin is survived by his wife, Ashley Manley Willis; his children, Calvin Nathaniel “C.J.” Willis, Jr., Wesley Walker Willis, Hudson Robert Willis, Ashlin Dianne Willis; step-children, Angel Santillanes (Nick), Teressa “T.T.” Foxx (Tez), Taft Sheppard, Jr.; step-grandchildren, Makayla “Bugg” Bannister, Zari Harrington, Maddox Sheppard, LaMarius “Mari” Foxx, Anarriya “Narri” Foxx, Jhatez Foxx, TyShaun Foxx, KyLayesha Foxx; sister, Donna Stover Collins (Chad); brothers, Darrell Willis, Vernon Stover; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he considered his own. A Celebration of Life/Cookout will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Liberty Lake Park (Hilltop Pavilion). In lieu of flowers please consider sponsoring a local youth to be able to play a sport or attend a sports camp. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Donald B. Hatton Jr., age 66, of Huddleston VA, went to be with the Lord on August 19, 2022 after being diagnosed with liver cancer less than a month before he passed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald B. Hatton Sr., and Elizabeth E “Betty” Hatton; and his wife, Margaret Lynn Marks. He is survived by his children, Donald B. Hatton III, Tabatha Hatton Pollard; three sisters, Beverly Elbourn, Annette Coleman and Reba Miller; two brothers, Joe Hatton (and his wife Ellen), Michael Hatton, and his grandchildren. He also leaves behind his closest friends in Huddleston Mike Setchel, Donna Brown and Robbin Gladfelter. Although he was given two to 6 months or longer to live, God knew his time was near and spoke to Donald’s heart and he was baptized and saved on August 18, 2022, Donald always had a smile on his face, he enjoyed fishing, Kayaking, playing pool and spending his times with his friends up on the mountain. He believed in helping children’s causes, he would donate his hair to Lock of Love, and collected the tabs off of cans by the bags full for children’s cancers. There will be an interment service on September 24, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Glebe Landing Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Glebe Landing Baptist Church Laneview, VA 22504. There will also be a celebration of life with his friends on October 8, 2022 in Huddleston, VA. We will miss you Donnie, Go rest high up on that mountain! Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Rhonda Lee Prah, 60, of Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 in Lynchburg, VA surrounded by her family. She was born in Phoenix, AZ on May 10, 1962 a daughter of Ronald Frost and the late Elizabeth Marie Hammerle. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her fiancé, Jerry E. Brown; and her sister, Gina Marie Frost. She was a beloved mother and friend to many. You could often find her taking care of her beloved flowers and plants. Rhonda will always be remembered as Momma Rhonda to many of friends of the family. She is survived by her sons, Brian Davis and fiancée, Ashley, Kyle Prah and wife, Maressa; and granddaughters, Fallon Davis, Kiley Prah, and Kendell Prah. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Leonora D’Angelo Wolf RN, 74, passed away peacefully in her home on Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Virginia, on August the 15th, 2022, with her husband of 54 years Joe Wolf and family by her side. Originally from Long Island, New York, Lee was an active member of the Smith Mountain Lake community. She served a number of years as the school nurse for the local Stanton River Middle and was heavily involved with Lake Christian Ministries, as well as the Resurrection Catholic Church.  A loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Friend. Sadly, missed by all who knew and loved her.  A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, August, 22, 2022 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Father Carlos Lerma officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lake Christian Ministries. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Donald E. Armstrong, 87, of Forest, passed away on Aug. 13, 2022. He was born in Sandy Lake, PA on Aug. 8, 1935 to Paul H. Armstrong and Doris W. Carlson Armstrong. He was a 1953 graduate of Sandy Lake High School. He then served in the United States Army for 3 years.  Donald married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jean Dye, on June 22, 1957. Don wore many hats while living in PA. He worked law enforcement at Pymatuming, with the PA highway department with Elmer Silata, and last as Secretary and Treasurer with Sandy Lake Township.  He enjoyed volunteering with Helping Hands and was involved from its beginning. Don retired to Virginia where his children live.  In VA, he made weekly visits to a local nursing home where he enjoyed visiting and sharing with the residents. He loved watching the many animals on his farm including cows, sheep, and pets. He enjoyed riding his tractor, hunting, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a member of Forest Baptist Church. Donald is survived by his wife, Norma, at home, and one son, Todd Armstrong and his daughter, Haley of Newport News, VA.  Also, one daughter, Andrea Weisenstein and her husband Keith, of Forest, VA and their children:  Samantha Morley (Gavin) of Bedford, VA, Stephanie Humble (Robbie) of Havelock, NC, Julia Meadows (Mark) of Lynchburg, VA, Jeff Weisenstein (Cody) of Bedford, VA, Luke Weisenstein of Williamsburg, VA, Adam Weisenstein (Tiana) of Lynchburg, VA, Grace Weisenstein of Forest, VA, Rebekah Weisenstein of Forest, VA and 9 great-grandchildren. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert J. Armstrong. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to Helping Hands (51 Lake St., Stoneboro, PA 16153) or the charity of choice. There will be a Memorial Service for the immediate family only. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360

Mamie Craig Newman, 95, of Bedford, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022.  She was born in Bedford County on August 6, 1927, a daughter of the late Paschal Hopkins Craig and Luettie Jane Stevens Craig.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Nathaniel Newman; brothers, Lewis “Pac” (Pauline), Billy (Beulah), Garrett “Big Boy” (Frances), Robert and Warren Craig (Bobbie); sisters, Isabell Craig Johnson (Claude), Eleanor Craig Newman (William); half-brother, Harold Craig (Mamie); half-sisters, Bevie, Hessie and Rose Bud.  She is survived by her children, Carolyn Newman Epperly (Lynwood); Johnie Michael “Mickie” Newman (Glenda); Donna Newman Stimeling (Sonny); Danny Allen Newman (Lisa); Vickie Newman Bentley (Kirt); Valerie Newman Wilson (Austin); Vanessa Newman Kent (Jay); also, a special sister-in-law, Gwendolyn “Bennie” Craig; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  The family will receive friends Friday, August 12, 2022 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bedford Church of God.  A Celebration of Life will be held 12 noon on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Bedford Church of God with Pastor Dave Metz and Pastor Danny Newman officiating.  Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Bedford Church of God, 1212 E. Main Street, Bedford, VA  24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Nancy Carroll Lindsay Arthur, 89, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022. She was born in Bedford County on April 8, 1933 a daughter of the late Thomas Carl Lindsay and Caroline Witt Lindsay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Samuel Arthur; siblings, Wayne Olin Lindsay, Melvin Thomas Lindsay, Curtis Lewis Lindsay, Josephine Audrey Lindsey, and Frederick Neal Lindsay. Nancy attended New London Academy and was employed at Craddock-Terry Shoe Corporation and she retired from Rubatex Corporation. She was a lifelong member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church. She is survived by her children, Carolyn Rose Arthur Bates (Clarence), Beverly Ann Arthur Stanley (Steve), Clayton Charles Riggs (Debbie); grandchildren, Patricia Riley (Justin), Eddie Dodson (Mikey), Brandon Dodson (Angel), Amanda Stanley, Michael Stanley (Kelly); Step-grandchildren, Clinton Bates, Calvin Bates (Cheri); great-grandchildren, Baylee Dodson, Sam Dodson, Max Dodson, Cedric Johnson, Lily Johnson, Stella Stanley; siblings, David Haden Lindsay, Donald Ray Lindsay and Ronald Jay Lindsay (both adopted as Girdner). A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel with Pastor Phil Kelley and Pastor Clayton Riggs officiating. Burial will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and all other times at the home of Carolyn Bates, 3627 Timber Ridge Road, Bedford. Memorial contributions can be made to Timber Ridge Baptist Church, 3234 Timber Ridge Road, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Anthony P. Cusumano, 84, of Hardy, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022. He was born in New York on May 10, 1938 a son of the late Joseph Cusumano and Francesca Lentini Cusumano. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Pearl Kefalas. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Maffei Cusumano; sons, Anthony Cusumano and wife Nora, Christopher Cusumano and wife Susan; daughters, Francine Cuciti and husband John, Nancy Phelan and husband Timothy; ten grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Jennifer, Deanna, Jessica, Marisa, Tyler, Erica, and Amanda. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Resurrection Catholic Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in his memory. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Ira Dewey “Pete” Kirby, II, 80, of Bedford, died Tuesday, August 2, 2022, in Lynchburg General Hospital.  He was born in Bedford County on June 21, 1942, a son of the late Ira Dewey “Big Pete” Kirby and Wylema Gray Kirby. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and the Gideons. He was also an Eagle Scout. Pete retired after 38 years with Piedmont Label and enjoyed his family and church, mission trips and woodworking. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Turner Kirby; two sons, James Gray Kirby and John Dewey Kirby; his granddaughters, Katherine Diane Kirby; Amber and Ashley Clark; and the mothers of his granddaughters, Tracy Bishop and Tammy Kirby; his sister, Judy Sue Kirby; his step-sister, Annette Overstreet (Glenn); his nieces, Lisa Herrera (Christopher); Lorinda Yates (Brad) and Tara Bryant (Chris). A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022, at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Owsley and Rev. Dawn Compton officiating.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.