Mrs. Deborah Reynolds Lipes, age 56, of Hot Springs, Virginia, began her new life in Heaven on Friday, August 2, 2013, at Duke Medical Center, Durham, NC., after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mrs. Lipes was born January 24, 1957 in Covington, the daughter of the late Albert Ray Reynolds and Ruth Landis Reynolds.

Deborah graduated with a Nursing degree from Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley School of Nursing and later received a BA degree in Health Care Administration from Mary Baldwin College.

She started her nursing career at the former C&O Hospital before advancing to Bath County Community Hospital. Deborah worked there thirty-five years in nursing and in various management positions before eventually becoming the CEO of Bath Community Hospital, retiring in June, 2013.

She was a faithful member of South Covington United Methodist Church, where she loved to sing in the choir and arrange flowers.

Mrs. Lipes spent a lifetime serving the needs of others and she gave inspiration to the lives of many. She was active in community service and was a past Board Member and Secretary for the Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic.

She loved her pets and feeding birds. She loved sewing and praying with her special "Quilting Friends." Most of all, she loved Jesus and her family, especially the light of her life, "Catie Bug".

In addition to her husband, Ray N. Lipes, Mrs. Lipes is survived by two sons, Sam J. Lipes and wife, Adrian of Falling Spring and David R. Lipes of Alleghany County; one granddaughter, Catherine Marie "Catie" Lipes; one sister, Tracy Reynolds Bartley and husband, Greg of Falling Spring; "a special niece", Emily J. Bartley; two uncles, Edward Lee Landis of Lynchburg and Charles Leroy Landis and wife, Linda of Salem; a number of cousins; and many "special friends".

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at South Covington United Methodist Church with the Rev. Chuck Cole officiating. Interment will follow in Falling Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Peter Judah, Dutch Von Shilling, Andy Wiseman, Eddie Clemons, Barry Mullins, Casey Hicks, Rick Smith and Jeff Fairburn.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home.

The family suggests that memorial tributes be made to the Food Pantry of South Covington United Methodist Church, 1911 S. Kadel Avenue, Covington, VA 24426.

Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.