In Remembrance

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

December 23, 2023

Raymond F. “Ty” Miller, Kingsport, TN and formerly of Gate City, VA (1937-2023)…Husband, Father, Grandfather, Veteran, Funeral Director, Sportsman, Home Chef, Electrician, Coach, Scoutmaster, VA Guardsman, Gourmand, Award-winning Taxidermist, all around good guy and friend to many…Died Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the V.A. Mountain Home Medical Center, after a brief illness. He was 86.

Preceding him in death were Mother and Father, Nell and J. Fred Miller of Clinchport/Gate City, VA, son, Stacy R. Miller, and an infant daughter, Jennifer Paige Miller, all of Gate City, VA.

Ty is survived by his wife, Bettye F. Miller, of the home, sister, Ramona S. Miller, Concord, NC, son Shane Miller, Gate City, granddaughters, Isabel Miller and Emma Miller, Gate City, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, the Home Canning Staff of Fairview Community Center, and multiple bereaved restauranteurs across the greater Southeast.

Mr. Miller chose to cremate with a private committal at a future date. A service of Gratitude and Celebration of Life will be held July 25, 2024, in accord with the family’s wishes.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to his family and extended family with your support, words of encouragement, stories, kindness, and to the staff of the V.A. Medical Center, especially the Hospice for their love and care.

An online guest register is available for the Miller family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Raymond F. “Ty” Miller.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond F Miller, please visit our flower store.

Gate City Funeral Home

Southwest Funeral Directors Association

Husband of former VFDA President Bettye Miller

December 17, 2023

York, Pennsylvania bid farewell to a cherished resident and an extraordinary soul, Robert Stephen Rae, who peacefully passed away on December 15, 2023, at the age of 65. Born on March 29, 1958, in New Kensington, Allegheny County, Bob's legacy is an enduring narrative that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.Bob's vibrant spirit and kind-hearted nature defined his remarkable journey, reflecting a life well-lived. A licensed Funeral Director and the founder and owner of Golden Considerations, Inc., Bob's entrepreneurial spirit made him a trailblazer in the Funeral Insurance industry, earning him national recognition.A man of deep faith, Bob attended Living Word Community Church, and he only ever missed a service when modeling Jesus by spending time with sinners - on the golf course at Regents' Glen - where he found solace and shared his infectious laughter and warm smile. His dedication to community service was unparalleled, as he tirelessly worked to bring people together. Bob's genuine and compassionate nature touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of kindness that will endure through the ages.Bob's commitment to family was unparalleled, celebrating 42 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Constance "Connie" Ruth (Shaffer) Rae, on July 17. Together, they formed a bedrock of love and support for their three sons: Joshua Robert (and his wife, Sarah), Mitchell Stephen (and his partner, Joel), and Matthew Alexander (and his wife, Laura). The joy of Bob's life extended to his cherished grandchildren: Maximus Rae, Otto Rae, Sawyer Rae, Collins Rae, Quincy Rae, and Baker Rae.An avid golfer, Bob proudly recorded two holes-in-one, a testament to his zest for life and appreciation for its finer moments. In addition to his golfing achievements, Bob's generous heart extended to Logos Academy, his crowning charitable achievement. In lieu of flowers, the family requests generous donations to Logos Academy at https://logosyork.org/bob-rae/, ensuring that Bob's legacy of giving back continues to thrive.The celebration of Bob's life will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Rd., Red Lion, with the Reverend Aaron Anderson officiating. Prior to the service, friends and family are invited to a visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. As a mark of respect, the burial will be private. The arrangements are being handled by Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, a place where Bob once lent his compassionate services in 1991.In the narrative of York's history, Robert Stephen Rae will forever be remembered as a beacon of love, generosity, and business acumen. May his laughter echo in our hearts, and may his legacy of kindness continue to shine brightly.

Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Friend of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association

Uncle of Mark Gutierrez of Golden Considerations

December 5, 2023

Arthur Raymond Maddox, 67, of Front Royal, died November 24, 2023 at the Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Winchester, Virginia.

Mr. Maddox was born January 5, 1956 in Front Royal, Virginia, the son of Charles Raymond Maddox, Jr. and Elaine Barraclaugh. He was married to Sharon B. Maddox for over 45 years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 11 W. 2nd Street, Front Royal, Virginia, with interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery followed by a reception at the Calvary Church Parish Hall. The service will be conducted by The Reverend Valerie Hayes.

Arthur graduated from Warren County High School in 1974. He played trumpet in the marching and stage bands. Arthur played football and ran track where he maintains the triple jump record for Warren County. Arthur graduated from Virginia Tech in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He was a charter member of the Marching Virginians. He obtained his Mortuary Science degree from Catonsville Community College in Catonsville, Maryland.

Arthur had been a Kiwanian, a Rotarian and a member of the Izaak Walton League of America. Arthur was baptized, confirmed, and married at Calvary Episcopal Church where he sang in the choir and played bells. He also served as Junior and Senior Wardens and was a Trustee of the church. Arthur sang with the Winchester Arts Chorale and the Blue Ridge Singers. Arthur owned and operated Maddox Funeral Home, Inc. for over 40 years, being the fourth-generation family member in the funeral profession.

Along with his wife, he is survived by a son, Arthur Kyle Maddox (Sarah) of Front Royal; a daughter, Mary E. Maddox (Mitchell) of Front Royal; seven grandchildren, Simon and Thorin Maddox, Marcellus and Penelope Mathewson, and Emma, Audrey, and Tucker Veitenthal, all of Front Royal; two brothers, Charles Maddox (Martha) of Broadway, Virginia and William Maddox (Brenda) of Harrisonburg, Virginia; a sister-in-law, Leah Lowe (Dave) of Littleton, Colorado; nieces and nephews, Laura Jewell (Ethan) and Joseph Maddox, both of Harrisonburg, Perry Maddox (Nidhi) of Los Angeles, California, Anna Lowe of Raleigh, North Carolina, Haley Nichols (Tim) of Kansas City, Kansas, Captain Zachary Lowe, U.S. Army, (Kaylin) of El Paso, Texas; three great-nieces; and one aunt, Betty B. Leckie of Front Royal.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Maddox.

Pallbearers will be Howard Leach, Bruce Rappaport, Michael Spory, John Strickler, Wilson Troxell, and Alfred “Chip” White.

Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Maddox Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends at Maddox Funeral Home on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Blue Ridge Hospice and the Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Winchester, Virginia.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.maddoxfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are being handled by Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal.

Maddox Funeral Home

Shenandoah Funeral Directors Association

Owner Maddox Funeral Home