Pattie Lynn Foster Watkins, 53, of Raphine, Virginia, died Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at her home.

Born February 7, 1973, she was a daughter of late George Foster and Ruth Hammond.

Surviving are her husband, Donald Watkins; children, Kasey Ford (Lance), Chelsey Rutz (Eddie), Destiny Watkins, Haley Martin (Kaylee), Alexis Watkins (Logan), and Dylan Watkins; grandchildren, Journi Moore and Julius "Julz" Schimmel; brother, George Foster (Heather); special niece, Megan Foster; and a very special friend, Alice W. Hartless.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, at Harrison Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Brandon McClung.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

Gregory Lee Cooper, 61, of Lexington, Virginia, died Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital.

Born October 23, 1965, he was a son of the late Carolyn Cooper Jackson.

Surviving are his domestic partner, Lioba "Lilly" Hinderberger, and son, Daniel Hindenberger.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, November 16, at Harrison Funeral Chapel by the Rev. Matthew Knight. Burial will follow at Long FamilyCemetery.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.

Jean Wood Persinger, age 92, of McKinney Hollow Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died Thursday, November 12, 2026 at LewisGale Hospital, Alleghany.

She was born January 30, 1934 in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to the late Darius D. Wood and Carlie Callaghan Wood.

She was a retired teacher’s aide for Sharon Elementary School, a lifetime member of Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, and a life member of Women of the Church.

Jean loved gardening, flowers and spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Wallace “J.W.” Persinger, Jr.; two brothers, Bobby Wood and Richard Wood; two sisters, Betty Croy and Virginia Craft.

She is survived by three sons, Kevin Persinger (Neva), Greg Persinger (Stephanie), Jeff Persinger (Mary Carol), all of Clifton Forge; four grandchildren, Ben Persinger (Taylor), Ethan Persinger (Abby), Rachel Persinger, Maggie Persinger; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church with Reverend Skip Hastings officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, General Fund, 544 Church Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24426.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling the arrangements.

Wesley Eugene Hise, age 65, of Hot Springs, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at his home.

He was born April 4, 1961 to the late Fred Wesley and Charlotte Lou (Jones) Hise.

In April he retired as an accomplished, self-employed plumber and landscaper; his “happy place” was on a mower. Not one to sit idle, Wesley began working for Jack’s Trash Services in September, working in the scale house at the transfer station. He loved his job, and he loved working for the Woodzells.

Above all, he will be remembered for his love of helping people in his community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles “Pete” Jones; sister, Patricia Darlene Hise; as well as all his paternal and maternal aunts and uncles.

He leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Tina L. Hise of Hot Springs; three children, Jason David Hise of Michigan, John Wesley Hise of Florida, and Elizabeth Ann Santrock of Ohio; brothers, Ronald Hise of Hot Springs, Richard Hise and wife, Karen of Hot Springs, Mike Hise and friend, Linda of Louisiana, and Shawn Hise of Florida; sister, Brenda Gutting and husband, Stuart of Brookneal; three grandchildren, Ella, Ruby, and Raylon; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as his beloved dogs, Bella, Noah, and Chole.

In keeping with Wesley’s wishes, his body was cremated and a celebration of life will be held and announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hot Springs Rescue Squad, P. O. Box N, Hot Springs, Va. 24445.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. De Law Seawright, age 91, of Hartwell, Georgia, formerly of Millboro, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Walden’s Cove Personal Care Home.

De was born on May 11, 1935, in Millboro Springs, Virginia, to the late Earl Law and Macil Law.

In 1960, De earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Radford University. In 1968, she earned a Master of Education degree from Virginia Tech (VPI). She taught at Emmanuel University from 1969 to 1983. She also served as a member of the Board of Education for Emmanuel University from 1995 to 2002.

Later in life, De joined her husband in the ownership and operation of Seawright Jewelers in Hartwell, Georgia.

In addition to her parents, De was preceded in death by her husband, Gus Seawright; two brothers, Alvin Law and Cleotis Law; and one sister, Adeline Newton.

De is survived by her sister, Hilda Robertson, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, whom she loved dearly.

Per De’s wishes a graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Nancy Hart Memorial Park. De will be laid to rest along side her husband following the service.

Flowers are accepted or donation may be made in De’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

Services have been entrusted to Coile and Hall Funeral Directors of 333 E. Johnson Street, Hartwell, GA 30643.

Retired Brig. Gen. William Twyman Williams IV, known as "Twy," passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on August 6, 1937, in Rockbridge County, Virginia to William T. Williams III and Susan M. Williams, he was raised with deep values of family, integrity and faith.

After graduating from Fairfield High School, Twy attended Washington and Lee University before graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1961, launching a distinguished 30-year military career.

A veteran of the Vietnam War, he flew over 800 combat missions in C-123s, F-105s, and F-4s. He earned a master of science degree and served in leadership and diplomatic roles across South Korea, the UK, Turkey, and Washington, D.C., including as senior air force adviser at the Naval War College.

Promoted to brigadier general in 1985, he served as NORAD command director and deputy commander of the Canadian NORAD Region. He retired in 1990 with over 4,300 flying hours and numerous decorations.

In retirement, Twy returned to his home in Lexington where he raised cattle and cared for his parents. Following his parent’s death, he settled on the Northern Neck. He enjoyed sailing, fishing, photography, singing in his church choir and music. He will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to his community, church and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Daniel, Jack and Preston.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sisters, Suzanne and Annabel; sons, Mark and Robert; daughter, Mary; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, at the Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church or to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund where 100% of donations go directly toward research. Online condolences may be expressed to his family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Oakey's Funeral Service - East Chapel, Roanoke, (540) 977-3909.

Charles Winston Tomlin, 89, of Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026.

He was born in Amherst County to William Samuel Tomlin and Ethel Tomlin Hall.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by sons, Clifford William Tomlin and Everett Tomlin.

Winston was a member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and retired from Burlington Industries with 40 years of service.

He loved collecting knives, coins, musical instruments and guns. He was also very talented in repairing guns and instruments. Winston was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved socializing and telling stories. He loved sharing his hobbies and stories with his grandchildren whom he adored. Winston was also a cattle trader and loved horseback riding.

Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Virginia; children, Sandra T. Shay (Mark) and Samuel Tomlin; grandchildren, Allan Shay, Jake Tomlin (Sydni), Parker Tomlin and Ben Tomlin; great-grandchild, Colter Tomlin; two sisters, Helen T. Cox of Lexington and Lorene T. Webb of Friendswood, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, November 13, at Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Chapel by the Rev. W. David Bain and Rev. Butch Grow. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Connie Jo McClung Bryant, of Lewisburg, West Virginia, passed away on November 11, 2026 after a brief illness.

Born March 14, 1942, Connie was the middle daughter of the late Granville and Virginia Quillen McClung.

Connie grew up in Smoot on her parents’ cattle farm, Louconelo - (named for Gran and Virginia’s three daughters - Lou Ann, Connie, and Eloise.) Connie, a 1960 graduate of Smoot High School, obtained her bachelor’s degree from Concord College and a master’s degree from the WV College of Graduate Studies. Like her mother before her, Connie began her career as an elementary school teacher. At the time of her retirement she was principal of Ronceverte Elementary School.

Her professional achievements, however, paled in comparison to her roles as a devoted mother and loving grandmother.

Connie is survived by her husband, Curtis Bryant of Lewisburg; her son, Wesley Bryant and his wife, Patty of Lewisburg; her granddaughter, Sydney Bryant of Lewisburg; her younger sister, Eloise Elliott and husband, Mark of Princeton, WV; her nephew, Todd Hylton of La Jolla, California and her nieces, Denna Zimmerman of Clifton, Virginia and Brooke Jackson of Blacksburg, Virginia.

In addition to her parents, Connie was predeceased by her older sister, Lou Ann Hylton, in 2015.

To honor Connie’s memory please read to your children, bake cookies with your grandchildren, and spend time with the people you love. Memorial donations may be made to Greenbrier Humane Society, 151 Holliday Lane, Lewisburg, WV 24901.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with service following at 2:00 p.m. in the Wallace and Wallace Chapel, 884 N. Jefferson Street, Lewisburg, WV 24901.

Mary Alice Van Stavern, 68, of Ronceverte, West Virginia, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026.

Mary Alice was born July 18, 1958 at Ronceverte to Dorothy LeMaster and the late Waymond E. Sears.

Mary Alice with her husband, Wayne Van Stavern, worked together in their accounting and tax preparation business and later for the accounting department at The Greenbrier Hotel. She was also a paralegal and worked for the law firm of Masters and Taylor of Charleston.

Mary Alice’s hobbies were cross stitch and crochet.

Other than her father, she was preceded in death by grandparents, Gracie and George Persinger and stepfather, Edwin D. Eggleston.

Survivors include her husbandm George Wayne Van Stavern; mother, Dorothy R. LeMaster and husbandm Donald; children, Benjamin P Brooks, Sarah Marie Brooks-Carrington and her husband, Christopher L. Carrington, and Edmund R. Brooks; grandchildren, Hunter Lee Brooks, Hanna Grace Brooks, Asher Graigorie Brooks Heath Edwin Brooks; sister Margo G. Branscome; half sisters, Stacey Sears and Lori Sears Martin; aunt, Osie Canterbury.

A celebration of life will be Thursday, December 3, 2026 at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg with Pastor Roger McDaniel officiating.

The Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Amelia Kay Clark, 65, of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, passed away October 15, 2026 at White Sulphur Springs Center.

She was born February 7, 1961 in Greenbrier County, WV, a daughter of the late George and Marie Cook Clark.

Amelia retired from the laundry department at White Sulphur Springs Care Center after 22 years of service.

She loved taking nature walks and spending time with her family.

She leaves behind a son, George Clark and wife, Sherry; two daughters, Crystal Clark and Jessica Clark; two grandsons, Joseph and Cody Linthicum; a great granddaughter, Emma Linthicum and a sister, Faye Barker.

A celebration of life service will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the White Sulphur Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church.

The Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Wendell Bruce Hammond, Jr., age 94, of Florida, formerly of Covington, Virginia, died November 3rd, 2026. He was the husband of the late Joy Colleen Pearson Hammond to whom he was married for 57 years.

Mr. Hammond was born August 10, 1932 in Middletown, OH, the son of the late Wendell Bruce Hammond, Sr. and Maude Stacy Hammond.

He attended Lemon-Monroe High School where he graduated with honors. He attended Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. After graduating he moved to Covington, where he worked for Westvaco for fifteen years before transferring to Owensboro, KY where he worked for eight years. Wendell then moved his family to Oregon where he was employed by Willamette Industries for twenty-six years before his retirement in 1997. Wendell and Joy then moved to Naples, FL in 2000 to enjoy retired life.

Wendell was of the Presbyterian faith and attended McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church while living in Covington.

Mr. Hammond is survived by son, Wayne Bradley "Brad" Hammond of Salem, OR; three granddaughters, Sarah Hammond Bingham of Independence, OR, Alexandria Joy Hammond of Independence, OR and Hillary Nicole Hammond of Salem, OR; two step-grandchildren, Chris Keown and Stephanie Holland, both of Oregon; four great grandchildren, Nora Virginia Bingham, Wendell Arthur Stephens , Dorothy Evelyn Stephens and Harriett Michael Stephens, all of Independence, OR; a sister, Treva Mae Schiff of Bartlesville, OK; two brothers, Jack Hammond of Eagle Rock, VA and Larry L. Hammond of Middletown, OH.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Hammond was preceded in death by a son, Wendell Bruce Hammond, III and two brothers, Jerry D. Hammond and Thomas R. Hammond.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Moss officiating. Interment will follow in Carter Cemetery.

The pallbearers include Adam Bingham, Isaac Pullin, Cole Peterson, Shaun Hammond, Tripp Hammond and Travis Hammond.

The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home.

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

R. Hunt Riegel of Glasgow, Virginia, 82, died November 1, 2026, in Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital. He was born July 14, 1944.

Hunt grew up in Lexington, the only one of his four siblings not born in Stonewall Jackson Hospital due to World War II.

His father was O.W. Riegel, former chair of the journalism department at Washington and Lee University, and his mother was Jane B. Riegel, bridge and piano player extraordinaire.

Around age 10, his fascination with fire and fireworks led him to set fire to a grassy patch across from his family’s home on Estil Street. After he was caught, his father thought to have him appointed “honorary junior fire chief” to teach him responsibility. He learned his lesson, keeping neighborhood fires in check and carrying a strong sense of responsibility with him for the rest of his life.

After attending school in Lexington, he went to high school at the Putney School in Vermont where he blossomed with the challenging curriculum.

From there, he earned his bachelor of arts in English and master of science in education at University of Virginia. Hunt continued his educational journey at the University of Minnesota where he received his doctorate in educational psychology, pioneering computer use in education.

He and his growing family landed in Kalamazoo, Mich., where he was an assistant professor in charge of the Learning Disabilities Program. He developed the Cooperative Consultation method while there to identify effective teaching methods based on the needs of students with disabilities and the strengths of their assigned teachers. With his support through grant-writing, consultation, and publishing several books on the subject, this technique improved special education outcomes throughout Michigan.

Hunt developed the “IEP Writer,” an early computer program that simplified the process of writing educational plans tailored to each student’s needs, and he helped spread the use of adaptive devices to improve educational accessibility. Other states saw this success and called him up to do the same for them.

He spent many years working with organizations like the Michigan Association of Learning Disability Educators (MALDE) and traveling to improve educational outcomes across the U.S.

Hunt was an engaging educator at work and a quiet man with a quick wit at home. He enjoyed bird watching, Hawaiian shirts, chopping down trees and keeping trails clear. He always found joy playing bridge, golf, and all manner of other games with friends and family. He loved a good bolo, and he leaves behind a more extensive stamp collection than we quite know what to do with yet.

As his parents aged, Hunt became their chauffeur, travel consultant, and companion on many trips. After moving back to Rockbridge County to support his mother in 2001, he was happy to settle once again into his favorite place on earth.

Hunt worked to keep Rockbridge beautiful with RACC, pushed for safer highways with Rail Solutions, helped expand broadband access with RANA, and contributed to the good stewardship of the county he grew up in on the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors.

In the last six years, Hunt lived with Parkinson’s Disease, which hindered many of the activities he so enjoyed. He was grateful for the camaraderie and support he found at Rock Steady Boxing, and for Coach Elizabeth Apperson.

To his caregivers who played endless games of dice with him, John Moore and Erica Mitchell, we thank you. His family is very appreciative of the caring staff at Carilion Rockbridge’s Med Surg wing. The family is especially grateful for his main caregiver, Justice Campbell, for her attentive, loving, and dedicated care. She brought so much joy and laughter to the last years of his life. No words can adequately express how grateful we are that Hunt had such a bright and shining light in those trying times.

Hunt is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Thomas; his children, Heather Riegel Leake (Scott), Ianna Riegel Tomasello, Tom Riegel (Melissa Corley Riegel) and JR Riegel (Kellen Paine); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They will carry him with them always, and will not forget his hard-earned fire safety lessons when setting off fireworks in his memory.

A private memorial service will be held in the future.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Rockbridge Conservation or the Natural Bridge/ Glasgow Food Pantry.

Timothy Allen Shifflett, 64, of Glasgow, Virginia, passed away Monday, November 2, 2026.

He was born April 17, 1962, in Lexington, the son of Robert Shifflett and Virginia Ruth Rose Shifflett.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight brothers and one sister.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Sears Shifflett; three children, Michael Shafer, Alicia Shifflett and Emily Hamilton (Josh); and brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Teresa Hogan.

Services will be at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Ronald Lee Weade passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Weade and Mable Staton Weade; his sister, Jane; and his brother, Phil.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Toombs Weade; his children, Richard, Rhonda (Chris), and Susan; grandchildren, Logan, Josh, Sebastian, Matthew, Nick (Desiree), and Violet; as well as Josiah and his other greatgrandchildren.

Ronnie was born in Rockbridge County and lived there until moving to Richmond, where he married and raised his family. He retired from Whitehall Robins.

In his spare time, Ronnie enjoyed carpentry, hunting, spending time with loved ones, cutting grass, and talking (even to strangers).

A graveside gathering will be scheduled at a later date

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To live to the age of 98 and be able to drive, still enjoy friends, be active in her church, and embrace her family with love is truly remarkable. After living this wonderful life, Gloria Withers Lynn, passed away November 9, 2026. She was the wife of the late Archie Madison Lynn of Buena Vista.

She was born on May 21, 1928, in Rockbridge County, a daughter of the late Roy and Louise Withers.

She was a graduate of Fairfield High School and Dunsmore Business College in Staunton. She was a retired employee of Nations Bank in Buena Vista and always treasured the many friends she made while working there.

She is survived by two daughters, Lisa Harris and her husband, Steve of Lexington, and Gayle Coblentz of Forest. Gloria is also survived by five grandchildren, Mandy Stone (Chad) of Apex, N.C., Eric Harris of Lexington, Scott Coblentz (Jenny) of Charlotte, N.C., Abby Diaz (Daniel) and Amy Delumyea (Matt) of Chesterfield. She is survived by five great-grandchildren, Grady and Raegan Stone, Ella and Gavin Delumyea, and Natalie Diaz. She is also survived by two sisters, Peggy Tomlin and Gerry Grow (Butch); and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Withers, all of Buena Vista.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Don Withers and his wife, Ginny, and Bob Withers.

Because of her take charge attitude, Gloria was known as “Sarge” or “The Sergeant” to her many family members. Our many birthday and Christmas celebrations in her basement have left all of us, both young and old, with fond memories to treasure for years. Known for her spunk and feistiness, she taught us all so much and we will all miss her so.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, at the Buena Vista Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Brian Ervin Canterbury, 58, of Ronceverte, West Virginia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 5, 2026 at Raleigh General Hospital.

He was born on December 23, 1967 in Ronceverte, the son of Delores Holliday Canterbury and the late Everette Lee Canterbury.

Brian enjoyed cooking so much that his career choice was being the chef at Shoney’s for 26 years.

He was of the Baptist Faith.

Other than his father, Brian was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Lee Canterbury in 2024.

Those left to cherish Brian’s memories are his mother, Delores Gay Holliday Canterbury, who was a big part of his life; sister-in-law, Theresa Canterbury of Dover, NC.; nephew, William Canterbury of Lynchburg, VA.; niece, Ericka Race (Eddie) of Kinston, NC.; great nephew, Grady Canterbury of Lynchburg, VA.; great nieces, McKenzie Race and Aspen Race, both of Kinston, NC.; aunt, Lois Morgan of Covington, VA.; uncle, Denny Canterbury of Ronceverte; cousins, Ray Canterbury of Ronceverte, Denise Canterbury of Arkansas, Eric and Tonja Morgan of Maryville, TN., Holly Morgan of Atlanta, GA., Shawn and Ashley Morgan, Knoxville, TN., Children of Shawn - Sawyer and Ellie, Randy and Staci Morgan of Covington, VA., Emili and Jason Dew of Roanoke, VA. and Addison Morgan of Glenville, WV.

Funeral services for Brian will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg with Pastor Roger McDaniel officiating, interment will follow at the Greenbrier Memorial Gardens in Lewisburg.

The family will receive family and friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of services on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Ronnie Walton Underwood, Jr., age 48, of Benson Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died Sunday, November 8, 2026 at his residence.

He was born May 12, 1978 in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to Ronnie W. Underwood, Sr., and Judy Caren Hughes Underwood.

He was a self-employed IT Systems Analyst, a 1996 graduate of Alleghany High School and a graduate of James Madison University.

He was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Clifton Forge.

He was an avid fan of the JMU Dukes, Washington Redskins. He enjoyed cooking, going to Disney World, studying the World War II era, family activities, and being a cat dad.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

He is survived by his parents, Ronnie Sr. and Judy Underwood of Clifton Forge; his wife, Stacy Wimmer of Cary, NC; uncles and aunts, Cecil Underwood, Darlene Oyler (Kenneth), Jenny Eggleston (Marvin), Janet Cash, all of Clifton Forge; brother, Donnie Underwood (Jeanine) of Keezletown, VA, their children, Alex and Antonia Underwood; cousins, Missy Oyler, Isabelle Moore (Daniel), Robbie Wiekle, and Susannah Borduas; and father-in-law, Steve Wimmer.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Clifton Forge, with Pastor Chris Fisher officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the church.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, VA 24426 or to First Christian Church, 319 Church St, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

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

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.

Vivian Loraine Burks Gunter, age 88, of Iron Gate, Virginia, died Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke.

She was born August 12, 1938 in Lynchburg, Virginia to the late Benjamin Franklin Burks and Rachel Luellla Michael Burks.

She was a service coordinator for Hardee’s and an avid Christian member of Oak Hill Bible Church, Clifton Forge.

She enjoyed working on puzzles, spending time with her friends and family and was an avid Virginia Tech fan.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her husband, George A. Gunter in 2006; three brothers, William E. Burks, Benjaman F. Burks, Preston Burks; two sisters, Doris Lindsey and Frances Millner; and two step sons, William A. “Tony” Gunter and Garry D. Gunter.

She is survived by four daughters, Teresa K. Thomas of Eagle Rock, Vickie L. Carvello of Covington, Barbara J. Gilbert (Randy) of Clifton Forge and Chastity Gunter of Clifton Forge; two sons, Kenneth W. Gunter (Christy) of Covington, Kendall D. Gunter (Alisa) of Troutville; a step daughter, Sandra Gunter of Clifton Forge; a step daughter-in-law, Jo Gunter of Vinton; 15 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, with Mr. Craig Millner and Pastor Chris Fisher officiating. Interment will follow in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge.

Pallbearers will be Kaleb Gunter, Dusty Thomas, John Colvin, Lewis Carvello, Devin Terry and E.R Gilbert. Alternate pallbearers are Dalton Griffith, Brycen Griffith. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at Nicely Funeral Home.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.

Jody Dale Gann, age 59, of Covington, Virginia, died Friday, November 6, 2026 at his residence.

He was born November 3, 1967 in Covington, Virginia, to the late William Nathan Gann, Sr. and Peggy Boguess Gann Raether.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Andy Gann, Bo Gann and Lester Gann.

He is survived by a sister, Emmy Goodbar (Tim) of Lexington; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, Virginia, handled the arrangements.

Bertha Rebecca Lockhart Reed, 87, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Born in Covington, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Willie Clyde Lockhart and Beulah Mae Redman Lockhart.

Throughout her life, Bertha devoted herself to caring for others, first for her husband, Ernest Lee Reed Sr., whom she married in 1961, and later for her aging parents. Following their passing, she moved to Maryland, where she began working as a hotel room attendant. Her dedication and strong work ethic led to a nearly 20-year relationship with Dr. Mirza and Mrs. Amina Baig, initially as their housekeeper and ultimately as a cherished member of their family.

While living in Maryland, Bertha became an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens, loyally cheering on her teams — and never hesitating to question the players' efforts or the opposing teams' sportsmanship when things weren't going her way. She also enjoyed word search puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy; often solving the puzzles before the contestants.

Following a lymphoma diagnosis, Bertha moved to Richmond in 2020 to live with her son and his family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Ernest Lee Reed Sr.; her parents; and her siblings, Raymond Wilfred Lockhart, James Bertrand Lockhart, and Janice Kay Lockhart Wiseman.

She is survived by her son, Robert Reed, and his wife, Pam; her granddaughter, Sophie Reed; her sister, Venice Adelia Lockhart Shipley, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Arritt Funeral Home.

Interment will be at the Alleghany Memorial Park following the funeral service.

Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of her arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at arrittfuneralhome.com.

Chad Edward Ward, 40, of Ronceverte, West Virginia, passed away on November 4, 2026.

He was born February 9, 1986 in Charleston, WV, the son of Debbie and Ron Ward of Ronceverte and John E. Ward (Darlene) of Summersville.

Chad had worked in the HVAC industry.

He loved the great outdoors, such as fishing, hunting, kayaking, caving, rock climbing and rappelling. Chad loved music and enjoyed playing guitar and drums.

Chad loved his family and cherished his friends, most of all he adored his two sons, Colton and Koah.

He is preceded in death by his brother, John E. Ward II, his special brother-in-law, Spencer J. Arnold, maternal grandparents, Buddy Ray Miller and Vera Jane Cogar Miller; uncles, Kenneth Ray Miller and William Darrell Miller; paternal grandmother, Ruth Young; uncle, Douglas Edward Ward; aunt, Marie Young; and grandmother-in-law, Deloris Ann Arnold and father-in-law, Wilbur Arnold, Sr.

Chad is survived by his wife, Kristina Marie Arnold Ward (married for 16 years, but partners for 25 years); sons, Colton and Koah; sisters, Cristal Walton, Trish Ward, Alyshia (Chris) Morring and Becky Fitzgerald; brothers, Junior Ward, Colton Ward (Harley) and Devin Ward; mother-in-law, Nannette Arnold; special sister-in-law, Tasha Arnold and her sons, Gunner and Kyler; special cousin, Justin; father-in-law, Gerald Wooding (Michele); brother-in-law, Garrett Wooding (Kat), sister-in-law, Denise Wooding (Daryl); and Mamaw and Papaw Pam and Rusty Arnold; and several nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, whom he loved dearly and too numerous to name individually; along with the all the Arnold and Ward families.

Funeral services for Chad will be on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg with Overseer Pastor Yvettea Wilmer officiating, interment to follow at the Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery, Organ Cave.

The family will receive family and friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of services on Friday, November 13, 2026 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions be made to: Wallace & Wallace, 884 Jefferson St. N., Lewisburg, WV 24901.