Dalton Reed Vess, Sr., age 68, of 1011 Tunnel Hill Road, Millboro, Virginia died on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia.

He was born on July 28, 1955 in Clifton Forge, Virginia to the late Garnet Reed Vess and Eleanor Warlitner Vess.

He was a self-employed logger, and belonged to two pulling organizations, Appalachian Outlaws and Dragon Motor Sports.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sherry Lowry, and grandparents, Emory and Louise Vess.

He is survived by two sons, Reed Vess, Jr. (April), and Derek Vess (Rebecca), both of Millboro; two sisters, Olivia Gibson and Lisa Vess, both of Lexington; three brothers, Darrell Vess (Mary), Rodney Vess, and Michael Vess; seven grandchildren, Shania Vess, Susannah Vess, Shyanne "Farm Girl" Vess, Brantley Vess, Shaelynn Vess, Kayleigh Vess, Tayton Vess; and a great grandson, Lucas Vess; a number of nieces and nephews; and his girlfriend, Tammy Lynn Moore.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 12:00 noon at Millboro Industrial Park in Millboro with Pastor Lloyd Via officiating. Everyone is encouraged to bring their pulling trucks.

Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.

Matthew Harvey Heller, 18, of Pickaway, West Virginia, passed away Monday, April 22, 2024 at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center following a sudden medical illness.

Born March 17, 2006 in Ronceverte, WV, he was the son of Michael James Heller and Sherry Lynn Martin Heller.

Matthew was a senior at James Monroe High School where he was a Cadet with the JROTC and a member of the Air Rifle Team, ranked fourth in the state.

Matthew lived life to its fullest. He was due to follow in his father and brother's footsteps and enlist in the United State Marine Corps the day of his passing.

Matthew was a gamer. He spent hours playing with his friends online. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with his family and friends outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence Harvey and Marie Joan Heller; maternal grandfather, William J. Martin, aunt, Beckey Kennedy and cousins, Ryan Parkinson, and Kenneth Baldesari.

Including his parents, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Barbara "Baba" Martin; brother, Derrick James Heller (Brianna); nephew, Grayson; maternal aunt, Susan Holliday (Gary); maternal uncle, Kellie Martin and paternal aunts, Jacqueline Andreas, and Deborah Whelland (Louis); special uncles and aunts, Scott Witmer (Michelle), David Richmond (Polly) and Janet Sova; his dog, Milo, numerous cousins, extended family and many friends.

Arrangements are pending at this time.

Donations of sympathy can be made to the Matthew Heller Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Bank of Monroe, P. O. Box 219, Union, WV 24983.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.morganfh.net.

Arrangements by Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.

Steven (Steve) Wayne Kaptis, 70, of Covington, Virginia passed away unexpectantly on Friday, April 19th, 2024 in Alderson, WV.

Steve was born March 16th, 1954 in White Sulphur Springs, WV, the son of the late Charles and Dorothy Kaptis.

Steve attended Greenbrier County Schools, graduating from Greenbrier East. He moved to the Covington/Hot Springs area for work and to raise his family. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting and spending time with his dogs: Shay and Rusty.

Recently, Steve has been remodeling and furnishing an old log home in Alderson, WV with his companion, Bonnie Robinson of Covington.

Steve had an amazingly positive attitude, wore his heart on his sleeve, never met a stranger, and always had time to help someone. He will be sadly missed by friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Leona Hoke Kaptis; son, John Steven Kaptis; and daughter-in-law, Erica Wanda Kaptis.

Those left to cherish his memories are his son, Charles (Charlie) Kaptis; grandsons, Remington and Colton of White Sulphur Springs, WV and granddaughter, Carson Kaptis of Rupert, WV; brother, Paul Kaptis (Sandy) of Port Charlotte, FL; sister, Margaret White (Bobby) of White Sulphur Springs, WV; sister, Joy Clinebell (Roy) of Sterling, VA; and brother, Jimmy Kaptis (Lori) of Hampstead, NC; nephew, Dimitrois Kaptis (Suzie) of Rockledge, FL; nephew, Chris White of White Sulphur Springs, WV; niece, Jennifer White-Bisek (Phillip) of Keysville, VA; niece, Chelsea Brownfield of Sanford, NC and nephew, Logan Kaptis (Amelia) of Little Rock, AR.

At his request, Steve will be cremated. A visitation with family and friends will be held Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs.

Kimberly Scott Brookman, age 55, went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully on April 21, 2024.

She was born April 13, 1969 to Brooks and Donna Scott of Frankford, West Virginia.

She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.

She worshipped and served faithfully at Henning Church of God.

She was a secretary at Greenbrier East High School for several years. She worked in medical records and billing department at Greenbrier Physicians Clinic for a number of years. She also worked in the Business Center at The Greenbrier Resort.

In addition to her grandparents, she was preceded in death by her father, Harrison Brooks Scott Sr., Frankford, WV and father-in-law, John Brookman of Fairlea, WV.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include her spouse of 34 years, Tony Brookman; beloved son, Edward Brookman; precious grandson, Greyson Brookman; mother, Donna Scott; siblings, Angela Scott and Brooks Scott Jr.; several dearly loved nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Margaret Brookman, and numerous extended family, church family, and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Henning Church of God, 3599 Vago Road, Frankford, WV with Pastor Robert Hefner officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service, Friday at the church.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.morganfh.net.

Arrangements by Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg, WV.

David Edward McKenna, age 77, of Jackson River Turnpike, Hot Springs, Virginia passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at the Alleghany Health and Rehab Center, Clifton Forge.

He was born November 2, 1946 in Ohio to the late Edward and Ruby Shear.

He was a self-employed painter and a member of Ashwood United Methodist Church.

David loved nature and being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Boyles McKenna of Hot Springs; and a host of close friends.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. No services are scheduled at this time.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, handed the arrangements.

Ovila Joseph (Joe) Cormier, 82, of Covington, Virginia, died Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

Mr. Cormier was born February 18, 1942 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, a son of the late Francis Pierre Cormier and Helen Lillian Melanson Cormier.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean B. Cormier.

Joe served his native country of Canada in the Canadian Navy.

He was a service representative for Lab Corporation of America, retiring in 2004 after 31 years.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and a retired member of the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue Department. He was a member of Cliff Dale Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Doraley Armentrout Cormier, of Covington; three daughters, Shannon (Scott) Mitchell of Covington, Lisa (Dwayne) O'Neal of Front Royal, and Teresa (Jamie) Fisher of Tampa, FL; one son, Wallace Little, Jr. (Tiffany Aswell) of Lillington, NC; six grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Raymond Christian officiating. The family will receive their friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time.

The family asks that memorial contributions in Mr. Cormier's name by made to: Boiling Springs Fire Department and Rescue Squad, 5407 Potts Creek Road, Covington, VA 24426.

Arritt Funeral Home has been entrusted to oversee arrangements.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.

Samantha Joy Keen, 22, of Beckley, West Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Beckley.

Born October 8, 2001 at Ronceverte, she is a daughter of Felicia Ann Spencer Perkins of Crawley and the late Samuel Larkin Keen.

In addition to her father, Samuel Larkin Keen, she is preceded in death by a brother, Ezekiel Aricebo Perkins; maternal grandmother, Lou Ella Campbell; maternal grandfather, Michael Wayne Spencer; paternal grandmother, Karen Joy Ennis-Smith; and paternal grandfather, Joseph Keen.

Samantha attended Greenbrier County Schools and was a hostess at Fish Frenzy in Beckley.

She loved music, was quick witted, loved to pick flowers, loved to help others, was kind and caring, and overall was a beautiful soul.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her daughter, Klover Rain Ellison of the home; her fiancé, Douglas Ellison of Beckley; her mother, Felicia Ann Perkins (Jacob Perkins) of Crawley; two sisters, Ireland Jewel Keen and Zowie Leone Perkins; and uncles, Timmy Keen, William Spencer, William Keen, Walter Keen and Joseph Keen; and a nephew, Samuel Allen Larkin Hundley.

A graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at James Memorial Church Cemetery, Second Creek.

A visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until departing for the graveside service at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg.

Lawrence Edward Oney, 62, of Frankford, West Virginia, passed away on the morning of April 19, 2024 at his home with family by his side.

Lawrence was born October 16, 1961 in Frankford, the son of the late David and Betty Miller Oney.

Lawrence was a carpenter.

Surviving are his companion, Alberta Blankenship; daughters, Heather Mustain (Cody), Julie Oney, Tiffany Ryder (Matthew), Kimberly Oney, Brandy McMillion (Joey) and Michelle Blankenship (Jay); grandchildren, Evan, Reed, Nate, Kolby, Baylee, Hunter, Alicenne, Chance, McKiah, Winter, Carissa and Levi; sister, Barb Gills; brothers, James and Steve Oney; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Mr. Oney's wishes he will be cremated with services at a later date.

The Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Dreama Dale King Blake, 87, of Hot Springs, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Bath Community Hospital in Hot Springs.

She was born December 26, 1936, in Covington, Virginia, the daughter of the late Connie and Mary Gaines King.

She was married to the late Cecil Gilbert Blake, who preceded her in death on June 5, 2018.

She retired from the housekeeping department at The Homestead Resort.

Dreama was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a member of the Falling Spring Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where she was a dedicated member of the church choir. Dreama loved to sing, loved her flower garden, and the view from her front porch on the Mountain.

She is survived by three children, Deborah Quesenberry of Hot Springs, Teresa Morris and husband, Ricky of Covington, Virginia, Timothy Blake and wife, Amy of Hot Springs; two grandchildren, Rebekah Burns and husband, Austin, and Isaac Blake, all of Hot Springs; four great grandchildren, Charlotte Ruth "Charlee", Selah Nadine, Samuel (Holden), and Iralynn Jo Burns; a lifelong friend, Pauline King of Covington, Virginia, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Stanford, Basil, Curtis, and Wayne; four sisters, Nadine, Raeburn, Glenna, and Dorothy; and a son-in-law, Jesse Quesenberry.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Falling Spring Evangelical Presbyterian Church with Pastor Mike Matlack, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Falling Spring Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 115 Spring Church Road, Hot Springs, Virginia 24445.

The McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home, Hot Springs, is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Carl David Griffin, age 88, of Woodbridge, died Thursday, April 18, 2024 at his residence.

Mr. Griffin was born July 8, 1935 in Bath County, the son of the late Ira Hendrick Griffin and Ada Bennett Griffin.

He was employed as a iron worker in the construction field during his working career.

Mr. Griffin was a member of the Pentecostal faith.

In his spare time, Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working with crafts involving wood and paints.

Mr. Griffin is survived by two daughters, Mary Ann Webb and Betsy Griffin, both of Covington; a grandson, Robert Griffin; and three great grandchildren, Kimberly Wickley, Amy Austin and Sara Griffin.

Mr. Griffin was preceded in death by his children, Robert Griffin, Cynthia Griffin and Calvin H. Griffin and three sisters, Sally Falls, Mary Persinger and Katie Williams.

A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Edith Snedegar officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Griffin's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Robert Allen McCoy, Sr., age 78, of Covington, Virginia, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at The Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge following an extended illness.

Robert was born August 17, 1945 in Ranielle, West Virginia, a son of the late John Omer and Goldie Jackson McCoy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Warren McCoy, James McCoy, and Wayne McCoy; and two sisters, Wanda Perry, and Addie Childs.

Robert grew up on the family farm in Williamsburg, WV and graduated from Frankford High School in 1963.

A devoted patriot, Mr. McCoy proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He had the utmost respect for the U.S. Flag and the national anthem.

He retired from Alleghany Power/First Energy in 2008 after more than 31 years as a Lineman.

He was a lifetime member of Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, WV and was a faithful trustee at Mountain Valley United Methodist Church in Covington.

Robert also carried on a family tradition passed on from his grandfather and father as a leather craftsman. The three generations were famous for the "McCoy Saddle" that is still widely sought after today.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 31 years, Katherine Montgomery McCoy of Covington; two sons, Robert (Christine) McCoy, Jr. of McMurray, PA and Jason (Roseann) Lee of Covington; two daughters, Julie (Corey) McQuade of Athens, WV and Robin (Robert) Jackson of Covington; four grandchildren, Carson McCoy, Kimber McCoy, Tyler Jackson, and Fisher Lee; two sisters, Barbara Shannon of Pittsburg, OK, and Linda Germeroth of Frederick, MD; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his beloved companion Yorkshire Terrier, Hedi.

In accordance with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. Eunji Kim officiating assisted by Mr. Tom Rose. The family will receive their friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. A private internment will be held at a later date.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Phil McCoy, Wayne Jackson, Ronnie Baker, John Turner, Sonny Thompson, James Napier, Ray Richardson, Michael Richardson, and T.J. Humphries.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to: Mountain Valley UMC, 5316 Hayes Gap Road, Covington, VA 24426, Andrew Chapel UMC, Williamsburg, WV, or the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, VA 24426.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Mary Jane Holcomb, age 82, of Covington, Virginia, died Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Brian Center Nursing Care, Low Moor.

Mrs. Holcomb was born July 9, 1941 in Covington, the daughter of the late Lacy Newton Burns and Elizabeth Holcomb Burns.

She was a lifetime resident of this community. Mrs. Holcomb was employed as a molder by the former Arcadia Polymers and also worked at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, cleaned houses for many people and sat with numerous people convalescing at home.

Mary was a member of Cornerstone Church.

Mrs. Holcomb is survived by a son, Michael W. Holcomb of Covington; a niece, Sharon Kay Campbell of Covington; a nephew, Michael Allen Campbell and wife, Leilani of Charlotte, NC; and special friends, Rita Chittum Deguzman and husband, Robert, Bobbie Charles and Lucinda Hanna.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Holcomb is preceded in death by her sister, June Holcomb Campbell in 2011; her brother-in-law, William Carroll Campbell in 1991; and her nephew, Thomas Carroll Campbell in 1990.

A memorial service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m.. Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Cornerstone Church with Rev. Curtis Stump officiating.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mrs. Holcomb's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.

Ms. Barbara Lynne Rapple, age 70, of Covington, Virginia, died suddenly, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at her residence.

Ms. Rapple was born October 13, 1953 in Mercer County, PA, the daughter of the late Donnell James Rapple and Polly Manning.

During her working career, she had been employed as a beautician as well as worked as a physical therapist assistant for a number of years before her retirement.

Ms. Rapple loved maintaining her beautiful yard, gardening and planting gorgeous and colorful flower gardens. Barbara's favorite hobbies were visiting thrift shops and antiquing which she would use her "finds" to create beautiful displays that amazed visitors to her home.

Ms. Rapple is survived by a sister, Kelly Jernigan of Williamston, NC and her nieces and nephew, Amber Rose Bowen of Greenville, PA, Logan Shane Chess of Greenville, NC and Layla May Chess of Williamston, NC.

A memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mrs. Rapple's memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com..

Johnny Lewis Nida, Sr., 78, of 3713 Potts Creek Road, Covington, Virginia, died Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Mr. Nida was born September 26, 1945 in Alleghany County, a son of the late Henry Lewis Nida and Lillian Plymale Nida.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Haley Grace Nida; two brothers, Marvin Nida, and Donald Nida; and one sister, Anna Mae Ray.

Johnny retired in 2011 from Westrock after thirty years of service in the recovery department. He was formerly employed with Hercules Inc.

He was member of Pinnell Chapel United Methodist Church, a retired member of the Boiling Spring Fire Department and Resue Squad and was a member of the Covington Moose Lodge #610 for fifty years.

Johnny loved being with his family, riding his motorcycle and classic cars.

Surviving is his wife of 57 years, Shirely Linton Nida; one son, John (Ambra) Nida Jr.; one daughter, Lorie Nida Byer, all of Covington; three grandchildren, Seth (Beth) Dame, Tiffany (Keith) Dame and Asher Nida; six great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. David Brown officiating assisted by Rev Darwood Rowan. The family will receive their friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

The interment will be made in Lone Star Cemetery.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Arritt Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Nida's name may be made to: Pinnell Chapel United Methodist Church, 205 Summit Dr., Covington, VA, 24426 or to the Boiling Spring Fire Department and Rescue Squad, 5407 Potts Creek Road, Covington VA, 24426. Friends wishing to send condolences online may do so at arrittfuneralhome.com.

Vince Edward Bartley, 59, of Scottsburg and formerly of Covington, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, April 16 after a long illness.

Vince was born on December 22, 1964 in White Sulphur Springs, WV to Eva Bartley Spellman and the late Doug Bartley.

He was a longtime drywall contractor in Alleghany and Halifax/South Boston area.

Vince enjoyed golf, playing cards, fishing from the pier, and hunting with Uncle Buddy.

He never met a stranger, and had many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Doug Bartley; grandparents, Gilmer and Nellie Vass, and two aunts, Angela Caldwell and Jean Bowling.

Vince is survived by his mother, Eva Bartley Spellman of White Sulphur Springs, WV; two sisters, Laura McFadden and husband, Lawrence from Cleveland, Ohio, Kathy Lytle and husband, Tony from Covington, VA; three nieces, Cassandra Bailey of Union, WV, Isabella McFadden and Brenna McFadden, both of Cleveland, Ohio; two uncles, Buddy Vass and Douglas Vass of Covington; several cousins in the Danville area, and his cats.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Alleghany United Methodist Church, 5115 Kanawha Trail, Covington, VA with Shannon Cox officiating.

The family suggests memorial tributes be made to your local Humane Society.