Bryana Marie Andrews, infant daughter of Ashton Nicholas Gibson and Alexis McKese Andrews passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. She was born in Charlottesville, VA on April 29, 2025. In addition to her parents, Ashton and Alexis, she is survived by her siblings, Cashten Conway, Oaklynn Conway; maternal grandmother, Ashley Andrews; and paternal grandmother, Krystal Cunningham. “She passed away so innocent and true, so brief was her time, we hardly knew. A baby so sweet with a precious smile, the time we had with her was so worthwhile. An early arrival in Heaven that day, met by the angels in all their array, a comforting thought as they welcomed her there, so much to see and so much to share.” Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Jill Denise Mitchen, 62, of Bedford, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on February 28, 1963 a daughter of the late Jimmy Bennett and Peggy Sterne Bennett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Russell Mitchen; father-in-law, Bobbie Mitchen and brother-in-law, Ronald Rood. She is survived by her sons, Jonathan Shields, Timothy Mitchen; step-sons, Tommy Mitchen, Frank Mitchen; step-daughter, Candice Shields; three grandchildren, Paxton Shields, Cataleya Shields, Axl-Adam Shields; very special caregiver her mother-in-law, Juanita Mitchen; sister-in-law, Becky Harrison (Daniel); brothers-in-law, Robert Mitchen, Ronnie Mitchen (Stephanie); sister-in-law, Lisa Rood; nieces and nephews, Missy, Emily, Jamie, Nita, Katelin, Leland, Erin (Jared), Hannah (Randall), Adam, Cassie; as well as other special friends. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Sedalia Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev Mike Jones officiating. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Monica Lynne Salmon, 58, of Hillsville, VA passed away on April 22, 2025. Our sweet Monica lived a life with medical challenges but never wavered in her faith. She looked forward to her eternal life and heaven now has another glorious angel. The family would like to thank the following for taking great care of her this past week: Twin County Regional, Transport Team, RMH Palliative Care and Hospice Care Team. A SPECIAL thank you to Angel Towler and her entire family, who welcomed Monice in their home and made her a part of their family for the past seven years, Wall Residences and Mt. Rogers. Monica will be laid to rest at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens beside her mother. Monica, you now have your wings and perfect body you so deserve. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Roger Lee “Buck” Waldron, 64, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Lynchburg General Hospital of complications due to heart disease. He was born in Bedford, VA in 1960 a son of the late Elton Maurice Waldron and Elizabeth Anne Trent Waldron. He is survived by two sisters, Betty Jean Waldron Burford (Mike), Tammy Waldron Small (Kenny); special aunt, Marie Trent Brownley (Steve); nephews, Jesse Burford, James Rowlett (April), Tim Rowlett (Elizabeth); great-nephews, Lucas, Jaxson; great-niece, Harper and many cousins and friends. Roger enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing. He was always happy to have a fishing pole in hand. He loved spending time with family and friends reminiscing of times gone by. Roger chose to be cremated and a small private gathering of family and friends will take place at a later date, in memory of him. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Frances Holland Clark of Bedford, VA passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, eight days after celebrating her 95^th birthday. She was born on April 10, 1930 in Hickory, North Carolina. She was predeceased by her husband, William Kenneth Clark; her parents, Nora and Glenn Holland; two sisters, Betty and Barbara; one son-in-law, Everett Wood, Jr.; and one grandson-in-law, George Ashbaugh.  She was a member of Bedford Lutheran Church. She is survived by one daughter, Robin Clark Wood of Bedford, VA; one son, Randy Scott Clark of Summerville, SC; three grandchildren, Christy Ashbaugh, Justin Clark and Matthew Clark; eight great-grandchildren, Cory, Kyle, Caitlin, Devon, Jordan, Tyler, Aiden and Liam; five great-great-grandchildren, Corbin, Oliver, Astrid, Cullen and Faith all from SC; one brother, Carroll Holland of Hickory, NC; one daughter-in-law, Linda from SC; and nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Memory Care Staff at Carriage Hill, Bedford, VA (especially Kaitlin and Deborah) for the wonderful care she received. A graveside service for family and friends where she will be laid to rest beside her husband will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Bedford, VA with Rev. Timothy Feaser officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Building Fund for Bedford Lutheran Church and mailed to: Bedford Lutheran Church, P O Box 508, Bedford VA  24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Linda Marie Darkow, 64, of Spotsylvania, VA was called home on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. She was born in Portsmouth, VA on December 16, 1960 to Herman and Eula Doss Sr. Linda was predeceased by youngest brother John Henley Doss and her father Herman. She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Scott Sr; her children, Scott (Samantha), Joshua (Bonnie), Travis (Jaclyn), Shannon (Mauricio); six grandchildren; siblings, Patricia (Aaron) McKinney, Donna “Dee Dee” (Steve) Armstrong, Herman Jr “Bill” (Pat), Catherine “Cathy” Doss; sister-in-law, Connie (Brad) Adams; and nine nieces and nephews. Linda was known for her generous heart, motherly love and strength. Linda was a force to be reckoned with and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at http://www.breakthrought1d.org. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Isaac Whitfield Bowyer, 86, passed peacefully at home on Friday, April 11, 2025. Isaac was born in Bedford County in June 1938 to the late John Henry Bowyer and Mabel Francis Taylor Bowyer. He grew up in a humble home with four siblings; James, John, Mary, and Joyce.  He attended Thaxton Elementary then Montvale High School until 8th grade when it became necessary for him to join his dad lumbering pulpwood in support of the family. In 1962, he was drafted to serve in the US Army.  He was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado in the 5th Division, 4th Squadron, 12th Cavalry, Rank: Specialist 4th class where he proudly drove a helicopter refueling tanker.  He returned to Bedford in 1964 and was employed as a projectionist at the Bedford Drive In, where he met and courted his future wife, Linda.  They were married in 1973 and resided in Bedford, where they lived the rest of their lives dedicated to one another.  They welcomed their only child, a son, Marvin “Keith” in 1974. Isaac later worked at Rubatex and then retired from Sam Moore.  He was ordained and a faithful member of the Bedford Cowboy Church and Center Point United Methodist Church.  He loved the Lord, fishing, his family, playing string instruments of the bluegrass variety, Alan Jackson, and the Beverly Hillbillies, “Well Doggies!”. He enjoyed working with his hands and repaired small engines in his retirement. He was a devoted husband and longed to be reunited in Heaven with his loving wife, Linda, since her passing in May 2020. He is survived by his Shug (son) Keith, Hun (daughter-in-law) Cheri, Lil’ Man (grandson) Andrew, Little Buddy (grandson) Kody. Also, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  The family would like to extend special thanks to the VA Home Based Care Program; Kim C, Tracey D, and team. Also, to Gentle Shepherd Hospice; specifically, Penny S. and Pam H. for the love and care they fostered in such a short time. No services will be held. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.