In Remembrance

April 10, 2024

V. Wade Wilkins, age 70 of Montross, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Wade was a hard worker his entire life. He started working at Collins Sanford’s store in Montross, helped his father install the water system at Glebe Harbor, delivered oil with the Peoples Oil Company, and also worked for VDOT in Warsaw.

Wade started working at Sanford-Price Funeral Home in Montross, using his God-given artistic talent to carve and shape monuments. When John W. Welch, II, purchased Sanford-Price in 1985, Wade was hired to not only work in monuments, but served an apprenticeship and studied Funeral Service. Wade cared for local families at Welch Funeral Home and assisted those needing monuments until he retired in 2019.

Ordained as a Pastor in 2002, he served at many churches in Westmoreland, Richmond, Essex, and King & Queen counties, helping anyone in need. He was currently serving as Manager of B.W. White Funeral Home in Aylett, while always filling in at local churches on most Sundays. Wade was a member of Currioman Baptist Church. He absolutely loved being outdoors & hunting. Wade was always helping others with his many talents.

Wade is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gail Taylor Wilkins; children: Brenda Lee Humphrey (James), Gerald Wade Wilkins (Mandy), and Cheryl Lynn Archbold (Nik); grandchildren: Kristin & Nathan Worrell, Mackenzie & Margaret Wilkins, and Sebastian & Kaylee Archbold; great-granddaughter Annistyn Clark; brothers: J. Bryon Wilkins, Chris Wilkins (Pam), and Tommy Wilkins (Stephanie); sister, Rita Balderson (Calvin); and several nieces and nephews.

Wade was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Geraldine Wilkins, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Welch Funeral Home

Central Funeral Directors Association

Retired Funeral Director, Welch Funeral Home

April 1, 2024

Patricia Ann Jolly Perkins, 82, of Petersburg, VA, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Early Edward Jolly and Emma Florence Puckett Jolly; and was also preceded in death by her four sisters; and two brothers. Mrs. Perkins was a longtime member of Saint Mark's United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and served in many other capacities. She was also a member of the Petersburg Garden Club. Mrs. Perkins worked as a Radiology Technician, as well as physician's office assistant for many years. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Spencer V. Perkins, Jr.; sons, Spencer V. Perkins III and his wife, Nina Perkins, and their two children, Elli and Will, and Mark E. Perkins and his wife, Christy Perkins, and their son, Jeremy; as well as many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Saint Mark's United Methodist Church. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, at the church. The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Mark's United Methodist Church, Petersburg, VA.

J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home

Central Funeral Directors Association

Wife of Spencer V. Perkins, Jr., Retired Funeral Director

March 29, 2024

John "Dick" Richard Bartenslager, 90, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Brightview at Baldwin Park in Staunton.

He was born on November 27, 1933, in York County, PA to the late Dr. Arthur "Doc" Valentine Bartenslager and Mrs. Delilah Orr Bartenslager.

Dick had a rich and fulfilling life, marked by diverse career experiences that ultimately led him to find his true passion in the funeral industry.

A man of many talents, Dick pursued various occupations throughout his lifetime. From working at Smith's Transfer in Verona, at the Staunton and Augusta Correctional Facilities, to tending to the family farm, Bellemonte in Churchville where he raised his family, Dick’s work ethic and dedication shone through. However, it was his role as a licensed funeral director and embalmer that truly resonated with him. He extended his expertise as a trade embalmer for numerous funeral homes across the region and he retired from Jones Funeral Home in Winchester after eight years of service and then relocated back to Staunton. Once there, it was not long before he began a second career at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, which began in February 1996. His employment spanned an impressive twenty-three years during which he continued to establish himself as a consummate professional known for his compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to serving others.

Dick's educational background includes graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1961 – a milestone that laid the foundation for his successful career in the funeral industry. Beyond his professional endeavors, he honorably served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War, showcasing his commitment to both his country and those in need.

Outside of work and service, Dick immersed himself in various interests and activities that brought him joy. A member of York Lodge No. 266 F&AM in Pennsylvania and attended Waynesboro's Lee Lodge No. 209 A.F. & A.M., Dick embodied kindness and grace in all interactions. He had a profound love for gardening, food, and traveling—an enthusiasm he shared with his beloved wife, Helen and his best friend, Bob Corbin. The inseparable pair cherished their time together and made countless memories filled with love and laughter. Dick was also an active member of Saint Paul's Church in Staunton where his faith guided him throughout life.

He is survived by his children, Lisa Lynn Bartenslager, Arthur Conway Bartenslager and his wife, Ruth, Brock Orr Bartenslager and his wife, Melissa, and John Talmon Bartenslager and his wife, Kelly; his sisters, Ann Hanger, Linda Henry, and Pamela Michael; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Virginia Arthur Bartenslager, who passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, as well as his grandson, Jeb Tanner Rippey Bartenslager; and his sister, Margaret "Tunie" Joan Bartenslager Robinson.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. A funeral service will directly follow at 3:30 PM with the Reverend Ryan Oswald officiating. Interment will be private with military and Masonic honors at Green Hill Cemetery in Churchville.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Dick's sons and grandsons.

It is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association (PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692) and Legacy Hospice (14 Old Oaks Drive Ste. 101 Fishersville, VA 22939).

Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Center

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Retired Funeral Director, Henry Funeral Home

March 23, 2024

Luther Gilbert Woolwine, age 78, of Christiansburg, went to his eternal home on March 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Christiansburg, Va., on April 1, 1945, to the late Rev. Charlie Noah Woolwine and Kathleen Vest Woolwine. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald Ray Woolwine, David Michael Woolwine, and Joseph Leroy Woolwine; sister-in-law, Patricia Wells Woolwine; and brother-in-law, Paul Edward Hollandsworth. Luther was employed by the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (Arsenal) for 38 years. Luther worked tirelessly for his fellow employees to improve working conditions. Those who worked with him showed their respect by allowing Luther to represent them. He served as a union steward on the shop floor in the late 1960's and early 70's. In the mid 70's Luther decided to take on additional leadership responsibilities. For 12 consecutive 2 year terms, Luther was elected by his fellow workers as a Committeeman (6 terms), Vice President (3 terms), and eventually served 3 terms as their president. Luther retired from the Arsenal in 2004 but was still active in helping fellow retirees and former Arsenal workers with the benefits to which they worked and was entitled until the onset of his illness. Luther is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Blondene Hollandsworth Woolwine. Luther is also survived by his daughter, Marie Rorrer (Mike); son Eddie Woolwine (Suzanne); grandchildren, Ashley Apjok (Scott), Kelsey Woolwine, McKinley Rorrer, Ryan Woolwine (Nicole); great-grandchildren, Maggie and Lucas Apjok; sisters-in-law, Shirley Woolwine, Bonnie Woolwine, Maxine Woolwine, Bonnie Smith (Lewis), Sandra Altizer (Fred), and Linda Hollandsworth; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Funeral Services will be conducted, on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Pastor Shake Smith and Rev. Sebert Rorrer officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery. The family will receive friends at McCoy Funeral Home, on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 6-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank Dr. Mock and the BRCC Staff, Dawn Fouse, and Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and compassion.

McCoy Funeral Home

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Father-in-law of Michael Rorrer, VFDA Past President

March 22, 2024

Alena Mae "Sue" Comer, 92, of Shenandoah, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Skyview Springs Nursing and Rehab in Luray, where she had been a patient since October 31, 2023.

Sue was born on October 26, 1931, in Stanley and was a daughter of the late William M. and Lula Butler Turner. However, she was raised by her uncle and aunt, Bernard C. and Sally Butler Dovel of Shenandoah.

She retired as a supervisor from Rockingham Sleepwear near Elkton with 25 years of service. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Shenandoah.

On May 29, 1949, Sue married Edwin W. Comer, who passed away on February 10, 2003.

She is survived by her son, Gary D. Comer of Stanley and his wife, Patsy Lucas Comer, who served as her caregiver and was her "best buddy."

Gary and Patsy will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 18, at the Bradley Funeral Home, 187 East Main St., Luray.

A private graveside service will be held at the Mount Lebanon Christian Church Cemetery, Comertown Road near Shenandoah.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to the Page County Animal Shelter.

Condolences may be sent to Gary and Patsy Comer, P.O. Box 277, Stanley, VA 22851.

Gary and Patsy wish to thank the staff at Blue Ridge Hospice and Skyview Springs Nursing and Rehab for the excellent care given to mom during her illness. Special thanks is extended to "The Boys" at the Bradley Funeral Home and the staff at Kyger Funeral Home.

Bradley Funeral Home

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Mother of Gary Comer, Employee of Bradley Funeral Home

March 20, 2024

Helen Virginia (Arthur) Bartenslager, 87, wife of John Richard Bartenslager, passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Berkshire Health and Rehabilitation Center in Vinton.

Helen was born on May 26, 1937 in Lyndhurst to the late David and Anna Arthur.

She drove a school bus for Augusta County for thirteen years. After her school bus days, she changed her profession and went to work for the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Helen was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Being a housewife was what made her happiest which gave her time to spend with her family that she loved dearly. She and her husband spent a lot of time on many adventures which included being a part of what her children and grandchildren were doing. Spending time with her family is what made her happiest.

In addition to her husband of sixty-three years, she is survived by her children, Lisa Bartenslager, Arthur Bartenslager and his wife, Ruth, Brock Bartenslager and his wife, Melissa, and John Talmon Bartenslager and his wife, Kelly; her sisters, Francis Winegar and Nancy Stinespring; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Betty Ann Duncan and Ellen Towler (her twin), and her beloved grandson, Jeb Bartenslager.
A funeral service will be conducted at the Henry Funeral Home chapel at 3:00 PM on Friday, March 22, 2024 with the Reverend Ryan Oswald officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 PM.

Interment will be private at Green Hill Cemetery in Churchville.

Friends may stop by the home of Lisa Bartenslager at other times.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons, Zach, Tucker, Erik, Isaiah, and Clay, and two special friends, Abbott Graham and Charlie Rimel.

Memorials donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Center

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Wife of John Richard "Dick" Bartenslager, Longtime VFDA Member and https://www.henryfuneralhome.net/Retired Funeral Director/Embalmer

March 15, 2024

John Harvey “Harv” Givens, III, 66 of Pearisburg, VA went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 11, 2024, at his home. Harv was born on June 13, 1957, in Petersburg, VA and was the son of Gertrude “Perk” Smith Perkins Givens and the late John Harvey Givens, Jr. Beside his father, he was preceded in death by his infant baby brother, James Archer Givens; his paternal grandparents, John H. Givens, Sr. & Winnie J. Givens; his maternal grandparents, Archer W. Perkins and Alice Smith Perkins; uncles, Thomas Cale Givens, Ferrell “Snag” L. Williams, Sr., Chapman Isaac Johnston, Jr., Archer W. “Spooney Perkins, Jr., Charles Fletcher Perkins, Sr.; aunts, Mildred Givens Johnston, Anna Lee Williams, Jean Givens Owen, Helen Farrier Givens; and cousins, Chapman Issac Johnston, III, John Chapman, Thomas Cale Givens, Jr. and Amy Perkins Duncan.

Harv was born in Petersburg, VA and moved to Pearisburg when he was 4. Growing up, summers were spent at his grandparents’ farm in Dinwiddie. Time on the farm was spent playing with his cousins, picking tobacco, corn, watermelons, cantaloupes and helping feed the cows and pigs. When he wasn’t “working”, he was hunting, fishing, and playing church softball. Also, every Christmas was spent on the farm. In school sports he loved playing tennis, throwing the shotput, and playing football. Upon graduating Giles High School in 1975, he moved to his maternal grandparent’s farm for 4 years, returning to Pearisburg where he lived for the rest of his life. Harv retired from the Celanese Plant in Narrows after 31 years of service and was a former Captain of the Celanese Fire Brigade. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg, was a member of the Pearisburg Jaycees, and a longtime member of the Giles Masonic Lodge # 106 A.F. & A.M. in Pearisburg. His passions were hunting in all forms, fishing, watching NASCAR, softball and golfing. In his retirement, he could be found golfing at the Giles Country Club which he called his second home. He was a member of the “Pembroke Posse,” the Woodcutters Cabin up Stoney Creek, and the Rowanta Hunt Club in Dinwiddie. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and all his hunting buddies. He never met a stranger, and his goal was to make you laugh and feel welcome. His heart was as big as he was, and he will be missed by all.

Besides his mother, he is survived by his brother, Robert Alan Givens (Dianna) of Pearisburg; nephew, James Michael DeHart (Stephanie) of Berthoud, CO.; great niece, Willow Lynn DeHart of Berthoud, CO.; uncle, Robert F. Perkins of Richmond; cousins, Deborah P. Westmoreland (Marvin), Charles F. “Peter” Perkins (Joy), Cheryl Lynn Perkins (Pam Stolz), Bobby Gray Perkins (Jenny), Michael Perkins all of Dinwiddie, Ferrell L. Williams, Jr (Karen) of La Grange, GA, Louise G. Barrow (Malvern) of Richmond, Keith Owen (Monica) of Cleveland, OH, Steven G. Owen (Becky) of Virginia Beach; and many, many other cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2pm at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg with the Rev. Clay Holt, the Rev. Keith Owen and Charles Henderson officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the church 2 hours before the service, from 12 – 2 pm. Masonic graveside services will be conducted by RW Timmy Spicer for Giles Lodge # 106 A.F. & A.M and the 41st Masonic District. Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg or to the Giles Lodge #106 Honor Board in Harv’s name. Online condolences can be sent to the family at Givens Funeral Home.

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Brother of Robert Givens, Owner of Givens Funeral Home

February 25, 2024

Floyd Lester Morris, 89, of Albemarle County, died Friday, February 23, 2024, at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Born in Batesville, Virginia on April 25, 1934 he was the son of the late Amos E. Morris, Sr. and Bertha McAllister Morris. On November 22, 2021, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Mildred Geer Morris. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by his siblings, Ruth Ellen Morris, James Elwood Morris, Earl A. Morris and his wife Hilda, Fred G. Morris and his wife Barbara, Lucille M. Hall and her husband Chalmer and Betty M. Adcock and a brother-in-law Ronald Hodges.

After graduating from the Miller School of Albemarle, Floyd started his work career with Coca Cola of Charlottesville. After leaving Coca Cola he went to work for the King family at King & Roberts. In 1966 he and his wife co-founded the family business, H. & M. Novelty Company, Inc. Floyd retired at the age of 85 to care for his love Mildred who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Floyd was an avid sports fan and golfer.

He is survived by his loving and devoted two sons, Cary Allen Morris and his wife Claire Marx Morris of Richmond, Barry Keith Morris and his wife Lisa A. Meyer of Albemarle County, VA. He was a proud, loving and doting Papa to his 5 grandchildren, Leigh Morris Stisser of Staunton, Carla Geer Morris of Charlottesville, Keith Allen Morris and his wife Anna Lehnen of Durham, NC, Caitlin McAllister Morris and fiancé, John Stumpf of Charlotte, NC, Grayson Elizabeth Morris of New York and his four great grandchildren, Evie, Lucy, Charly and Jack Stisser. Papa always said “Having grandchildren was so much fun, he wished he could have figured out a way to have had them first!”

Additional survivors include a sister, Charlotte M. Hodges of Charlottesville, brothers Amos E. Morris Jr and his wife Millie of Charlottesville and Glen F. Morris and his wife Nancy of Culpeper and many nieces and nephews..

In keeping with Floyd’s wishes his family celebrated and honored his life in a private graveside service at Holly Memorial Gardens where he was laid to rest beside his beloved Mildred.

In lieu of flowers and food the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Miller School of Albemarle, 1000 Samuel Miller Loop, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 355 Rio Rd W STE 102, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901.

Condolences may be shared at Kygers.com

Kyger Funeral Homes

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Father of Barry K. Morris, Kyger Funeral Homes

January 12, 2024

Samuel Lee Green, 84, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, January 11, 2024 from Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, TN. He graduated from Appalachia High School in 1957 and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1960. He was a member of the Appalachia Church of Grace. He loved God more than anything in his life, witnessing to anyone he came in contact with. He devoted his life to his community, working at Roy A. Green Funeral Home for more than 6 decades. He was a former member of the Appalachia Lions Club, and a founding member of the Appalachia Rescue Squad. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Roy A. and Mary Ruth Green.

Sam is survived by his wife, Charlotte Green of the home; sons, Sammy Green Jr. (Natalie) and Todd Green (Kim); grandchildren, Jill Gollaway (Ryan), Lee Green (Clarissa), Michael Green (Chelcee), Brandon Green (Mindy), Hunter Green (Christina), Marlena Green; great-grandchildren, Faylee Green, Cara Gollaway, Leah Gollaway, Georgia Green, Paislee Green, Ivy Green, Joshua Green, Gracie Green, Trey Green, Holly Green, Lainey Green, Naomi Green; brothers, Allen Green (Joyce), Eddie Green (Alice), Joe Green (Beth), David Green; sisters, Judy Skorupa (Ray) and Jane Davis; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

The Green family will receive friends from 2 to 5 pm, Sunday, January 14 at the Roy A. Green Funeral Home, Appalachia. Funeral services will be conducted 1 pm Monday, January 15, at the Appalachia Church of Grace officiated by Rev. David Rose. Procession will follow to the American Legion Cemetery for the committal.

Roy A. Green Funeral Home

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Owner Roy A. Green Funeral Home

January 10, 2024

Donald Edgar Yonce, 83, of Hillsville, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Commonwealth Senior Living in Hillsville. Mr. Yonce was born in Rural Retreat, Virginia to the late Fred Melvin and Pauline Fulton Yonce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Glenda Shepherd Yonce.

Survivors include his sons and daughter’s-in-law, Gregory and Vickie Yonce and Wesley and Cassie Yonce, niece and spouse, Sabrina and Randy Webb, great-nieces Amanda Webb and Lydia Webb, and great-nephew, Caleb Webb, special cousin, Garry Branscome, and special neighbors, Ann and Montie Largin, and his fur baby Gucci.

Don served the community he loved by working at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel for 50 years and caring for people during their most difficult time of need. He also served on the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a Life Member and past Chief along with other offices. He received numerous firefighter awards within the Twin Counties. Don was a member of First Baptist Church Hillsville, where he served as Deacon and on various committees. Don was a member of the Army Reserves, the Hillsville Jaycees, he served on the Hillsville Town Council, was a member of the Twin County Regional Hospital Board, received the Twin County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, a member of Hillsville Masonic Lodge 193, and most recently was the Grand Marshal of the annual Hillsville/Carroll County Christmas Parade. Don also loved to go to Virginia Tech Hokies Football games. Don never met a stranger.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Commonwealth Assisted Living and Mountain Valley Hospice. He loved you all.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 12:00 pm with the Reverend Scott Flippin officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilkinson Memorial Cemetery. Masonic Lodge 193 will perform Masonic rites and last rites will be conducted by the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department Honor Guard. Don will lie in state on Thursday from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm, prior to the funeral service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hillsville Volunteer Fire Department, 115 Fulcher Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343 or to the First Baptist Church, 1401 North Main Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.

Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel

Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association

Retired Funeral Director and Manager of Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel