Anita “Sharon” Ireland Keesee

July 24, 1955 – February 26, 2026

Sharon Ireland Keesee, beloved wife, devoted bonus mother, cherished grandmother, talented artist, and treasured friend, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Sharon was the heart of her home — a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Curt Keesee. Together they built a life grounded in love, strength, and commitment. She embraced her role as a bonus mom wholeheartedly, loving as her own and giving freely of her time, wisdom, and heart.

Affectionately known as the “craziest grandma ever,” Sharon found her grin her grandchildren. She filled their lives with fun, warmth, and unforgettable memories. Her laughter was contagious, her hugs were comforting, and her love was steady and unconditional.

Sharon was also a gifted and talented artist. She had a remarkable eye for detail and a creative spirit that shined through everything she touched. Whether working with paint, pencil, or craft, she had the ability to bring beauty to life and turn simple materials into meaningful works of art. Her artwork reflected her personality — thoughtful, vibrant, and full of heart. Many of her creations will remain treasured keepsakes for her family, serving as lasting reminders of her talent and the love she poured into every piece.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eli Washington Ireland and Jo Ann Gregory Ireland.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Curt Keesee; her bonus children, Samantha Jennings (Jeff) and Curtis Keesee III (Tiffany); her seven grandchildren, Casey Rice (Nathan), Joshua Jennings, Tara Jennings, Sean Jennings, Haley Keesee (L.J.), Dakota Keesee, and River Keesee; and one precious great-grandchild, Oakley Richardson.

She is also survived by her brother, Jacky Ireland (Donna); her niece, Amanda Ireland-Desmond; her nephew, John Ireland and his wife Susan; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Landon, Riley, and Eli; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Though her earthly presence is gone, the love and creativity she poured into her family and her art will continue to guide and comfort them. Her spirit lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren, the strength of her family, and the beautiful pieces she leaves behind.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Arrangements are currently being finalized and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Patricia Lynn Bragg, 55, of Bedford, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born in Fairfax, VA on February 15, 1971, a daughter of the late Ronald Lee Bragg, Sr. and Vanessa Adale Lyons Bragg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Lee Bragg, Jr., and her best friend, Tiffany Burnette Hamilton.

Ester “Marie” Tyree Layne, 87, of Forest, VA went to be with her Lord & Savior on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. She was born in Virginia on July 23, 1938 a daughter of the late Jesse William Tyree and Louise Vaughn Tyree.

She was saved in September of 1962 and worked in the ministry at Thomas Road Baptist Church for 30 years and was in the Moral Majority. She also worked for TD Thornton at Progress Printing. Marie was a good mother and wife. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress and she had a wonderful life because Jesus came into hers.

Marie is survived by her husband of 68 ½ years, Marvin Larry Layne; children, Marvin L. Layne, Jr. (Michelle), Cheryl Kane (Barry), Jeff Layne (Brenda), Stephen Layne (Michelle); grandchildren, Amber Layne, Jessie Hemric (Brett), Holly Ballowe (Thomas), Anthony Bourn, Megan Hudson (Andrew), Camden Layne, Jack Layne, Riley Layne; great-grandchildren, Autumn Hemric, Colton Hemric, Kendall Hemric, Logan Ballowe, Levi  Ballowe, Landon Ballowe, Gabriel Bourn, Harper Bourn, Ocean Layne, Ella Layne, Liam Hudson; sisters, Myrtle Jennings, Marian Williams; brothers, Russell Tyree and Preston Tyree.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in the chapel of Virginia Memorial Park, 11490 Forest Road, Forest, VA with Rev. Danny Smith officiating.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Dorothy ‘Dottie’ Jeanette Hicks Ellis, 79, of Bedford, VA, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the daughter of Gerone and Elizabeth Hicks and was born in Hot Springs, VA.

Dottie was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her 3 children, grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, who will always remember her love and devotion. 

She is survived by her children, Diana (Donald), Debbie (Randall) and Amy (Paul); her grandchildren and great grandchildren; Diana’s Family – Zach (Shani) and Zara, Riley (Seanti), Bailey (LJ), Chesney and Cameron; Debbie’s Family – Trevor (Abbey) and Winnie, Austin (Kendra), Andy (Maddie), Haley and Tyler; Amy’s Family – Ashly (Jacob) and Carson, Wyatt and Wade, Morgan (Lane) and Liam and Mason, Christopher and Nolan, and Brooke; her sister, Shirley and her brother Jim (Betty); and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Mary. 

The family would like to give thanks to Centra Hospice for their excellent care of Dottie. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 3 pm at Walnut Street Chapel at 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, VA with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating. 

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Frank “Richard” Ashman, 80 of Bedford VA, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Born October 11, 1945 in Philadelphia PA. Eldest son of the late Frank J. and Marian E. Ashman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dean C. Ashman.

He is survived by his brother, David M. Ashman and wife Janet; sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Ashman Anderson; sister-in-law, Barbara Mitchell; four nieces; five nephews; and 23 great-nieces and great-nephews.

Richard served four years in the Air Force, a Vietnam veteran. He lived several years in St. Petersburg Florida where he loved the warmth and sunshine.

He was an entrepreneur. Richard’s special interests were a drummer, an artist, photographer, and loved cooking gourmet foods.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Rita Thompson 82, of Bedford, Virginia passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Rita who was born in Kanahwa, West Virginia. She was one of 9 siblings. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Donald and Erma Burdette. She was also proceeded in death by her husband, Russell J. Thompson; and her oldest son, David Thompson. She was the devoted wife to Russell Thompson for 48 years until his death in 2012. She also lost her baby girl, Mary Anne at birth. A loss which she never truly stopped grieving, but now they are both together in the arms of Jesus.

She began life’s journey in the mountains of West Virginia, where she met Russ and they began a life together raising their two children, David Keith Thompson and Joe Thompson. They moved to Ohio in those early years to find work that wasn’t in the coal mines. Later they moved to Louisiana for job opportunities, and the family would agree that Louisiana were some of the best times of their lives. Her son Joe who was born 2 1/2 months premature and was partially blind at birth and then lost his sight at the age of 15. Rita and Russ both devoted their lives to the education and bringing up of their son. They were determined that he would grow up like any other child. She drove a bus for the state school for the blind, and paved the way for equality in the public school system for blind children. Even though her son was blind that did not mean he got off easy. She was harder on him than any other children. It made him the man he is today. A husband, father and now Papa. Later the family would move to North Carolina, and in 1985 to Bedford VA.

She had many different jobs, but her favorite was being Mawmaw to her two grandsons. She would spend many days in her garden and yard making it beautiful and passing her knowledge and love onto her family.

She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Joe and Wanda Thompson of Bedford, VA; a daughter in law, Gaby Thompson; grandsons, Scott Thompson, Jonathon Thompson and wife Hannah with their two children Emmaleigh and Grayson of Amherst, VA; and granddaughter, Michelle Baumann.

A special thanks to the many care givers who cared for Rita in the recent past. Especially the staff of the Bedford Hospice house. These past months were made special by them, and she was very grateful.

The family and friends of Rita Thompson hold onto the truth that she accepted Christ as her savior on December 4, 1994. She is now at peace in her heavenly home.

Services were held at bedside.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Eddie Blankenship, who left us on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Born on January 21, 1953, he lived a life filled with love, joy, and positive influence. His spirit, wisdom, and kindness will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Joseph leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory. His legacy will be carried on by his devoted daughter, Amy Kerr; his caring brothers, Wayne Blankenship and Cecil Blankenship; and his beloved sisters, Sherry Sullivan and Kathy McDowell. Joseph’s joy in life was never more evident than in his role as a grandfather. His grandson, Shelton Blankenship; and his granddaughter, Alexis Davis, will forever remember the lessons and love he shared.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Pauline Blankenship. His respect and adoration for his parents were evident throughout his life and their influence shaped the thoughtful and considerate man that he was.

Those wishing to honor Joseph’s memory are welcome to join us at a Celebration of Life service. It will take place on February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at New Beginnings, 751 Blue Ridge Ave., Bedford, VA 24523.  As we share stories and memories of Joseph, we will remember not just that he died, but that he lived, and that his life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

The family would like to express their gratitude for your sympathetic thoughts, prayers, and messages of comfort during this difficult time.     

We encourage those who knew and loved Joseph to continue to remember and celebrate his kind spirit, his open heart, and his everlasting commitment to his family. He will forever remain in our hearts.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Pauline Ann Dooley Wood, of Bedford, passed away, Saturday, February 14, 2026.  She was the daughter of the late, Herbert Paul Dooley, Sr. and Mary Christine Noell Dooley.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James Howard Wood; brothers, Lemuel Dooley, H.P. Dooley, Jr., and sister, Ruth Dooley McCown.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristy Milton (Craig); grandson, William Milton; her brothers, Ralph Dooley (Jewell), Allen Dooley, Jack Dooley, Conrad Dooley; her sisters, Lenore Burger, Roberta Settlemyre, Helen Dooley (David Hawkins) and sister-in-law Nancy Dooley. Ann is also survived by brother-in-law Raymond Wood, sisters in law Mae Brookshier, Frances Stanley, Joyce Blankenship, Evyleen Wood, Sheree Wood, Dorothy Wood, many nieces and nephews, and her special caregivers, Annette Spinner and Renay Willis.

Ann was born in Stewartsville, VA and was a lifelong resident of Bedford County.  She retired from People’s Furniture. She was a member of Bedford Baptist Church, Bedford Professional Women, and a founding member of the Keep Bedford Beautiful Commission.

The family would like to give thanks to Bedford County Nursing Home and Centra Hospice for their excellent care of Ann.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Friday, February 20, 2026 at Bedford Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Dellinger officiating.  Burial will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made to the Bedford Professional Women, P.O. Box 316, Bedford, VA  24523

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Teresa Joan Sacco Love, 81, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She was born in Pennsylvania on November 6, 1944 a daughter of the late Joseph Sacco and Teresa Ducsay Sacco. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Anderson Love; sons, Scott Wayne Hickman, Dwayne Hickman; brother, Mark Sacco; and sister, Judith Sacco.

She was a member of Bedford Christian Church and a long-time volunteer at Bedford Memorial Hospital gift shop.

She is survived by her grandson, Trevor Scott Hickman; daughter-in-law, Kim Hickman; brother, Henry Sacco; and sister-in-law, Barbara Sacco.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Bedford Christian Church with Rev. David Walton officiating.

Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.