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.
Valarie Shannon Coffey, 45, of Madison Heights, VA was peacefully called to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 6, 1979 in Lynchburg, VA a daughter of Terry Coffey, Sr. and the late Kathy Litchford. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her fiancé, Larry Dean Pillow.
She was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church and worked in management at several area grocery stores and at Gabes. In addition to her father, Terry Coffey, Sr. she is survived by her stepmother, Sharyn Coffey; son, Matthu Morris whom she considered her WHOLE WORLD; brother, Terry (TJ) Coffey, Jr.; sister, Shawna Ranson (Brian); niece, Brooklynn Knight; nephew, Blayne Rankins; and many other family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Gethsemane Baptist Church with Rev. Carlton Duck officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A special thank you is extended to Centra Hospice. 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 95th 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.
Richard Thomas Long, 77, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. He was born in Kentucky on October 27, 1947 a son of the late Carol Parks Long and Dorothy Wines Long. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Baxter Long. He was a retired mechanic from Georgia Pacific with 44 years of service. He was a member of Sedalia Baptist Church. Richard coached his own children in sports and many others in the community and was also a referee. He enjoyed farming, especially working with his cattle and his many trips to the stock market. He liked cutting hay on T-room stretch. He loved his morning biscuits at Hardee’s but most of all he enjoyed socializing with his friends. Richard never met a stranger and he was an unbelievable father and wonderful man. Richard is survived by the mother of his children and close friend, Deborah Jean Long; children, Kelly Michele Long; Brian Thomas Long (Melissa), David Michael Long; grandchildren, Nathaniel Cobbs, Gavin Shafer, Sadie Jean Long; brothers, Carol Parks “Parkie” Long II (Rhonda), Sammy Long (Janet), Neal Long (Judy); sisters, Carolyn L. Brown, Ilene King; several nieces and nephews; good friend and neighbor, Richard Wroncy; friend and partner in crime, Jimmy Abbott; and his faithful dog, Button. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Sedalia Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends 2 hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon. Memorials may be made to the Pearson Cancer Center. “I love you more.” 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.
Patricia Burnette Denson of Evington, VA passed away on April 11, 2025, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Patricia was a strong, beautiful woman who had more heartaches than any one person should ever endure. Always the fighter, she lived many years longer than Dr. Baker ever expected. She had been suffering from COPD for several years and succumbed to pneumonia. She was born in Lynchburg, on July 9th in some undisclosed year, as she was forever 39. She was the daughter of the late Russell B. and Lorraine F. Burnette. She attended Brookville High School and was employed by Nationwide Insurance until her retirement. She was the wife of the late Andrew N. Denson who passed in 2006. She was also predeceased by her son, Jason Ray Keyes, who also passed in 2006. She was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Barbour (Larry) of Forest; her grandchildren, Austin Carr of Halifax, Jenna Carr (Rohan) of Asheville, NC; and great-grandchildren, Aubrie, Raegan, Paisley, Briar and Cannon all of Halifax. She is also survived by her sister, Deborah Harris (Johnny); and niece, T.J. Edwards (Kyle) of Lynchburg. She is also survived by a very special cousin, Jerry Fitzgerald, Jr. (Tracey). She leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. A Memorial service will be held on April 24, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Mountain View Church, 1077 Viewpoint Lane, Forest, VA 24551. If you would like to donate in Patricia’s memory, please consider The Friends of Campbell County Animal Control in Rustburg, VA. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Ronnie Lee Goff, 65, of Big Island, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Born on April 15, 1959, Ronnie was a lifelong Virginian who took pride in his work with Bedford County Waste Management. Known for his strong work ethic and quiet dedication, he was a man who lived simply and found joy in the little things—especially in the peace and challenge of a good day’s fishing. He is survived by his mother, Louise Goff; his daughter and son-in-law, Ginger and Butch Coles; and his beloved granddaughters, Victoria Coles and Elizabeth Coles. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Patti Goff; his nephew, Cory Goff and wife Beth; great-nieces, Ginny and Abby Goff; and great-nephew, Caleb Goff. Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Sydney Goff. In keeping with his wishes, no services will be held. Ronnie will be remembered for his quiet strength, his deep love for his family, and the calm presence he brought to those around him. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.
Orman Little “Dee” Bailey, 90, of Altavista, died Wednesday, April 10, 2025, in Oakwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford, Virginia. He was born on November 29, 1934 in Campbell County, a son of the late Arthur Christopher Bailey and Helen McCraw Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Sheryl Glenn and four brothers, C.T., Mack, Wesley and Donald Bailey. He was a retired brick mason in the construction industry. Dee is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alva “Patsy” Reynolds Bailey, two sisters, Georgia Davis of California, and Barbara Sides of Chester, Virginia. He also had two daughters, Helen Diggs of Tennessee and Ann King of North Carolina, three stepdaughters, Deborah Lovette, Kathryn Vaughan, and Patrica Jennings. In addition, he had 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Per his request, no services will be held. Friends are welcome to visit the family at Dee and Patsy’s home in Altavista. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, Virginia, 570-586-7360.