Etha Stalnaker Altizer, also know as E., Nana and Grand Nana, left her earthly cares behind on February 24, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born March 25, 1937 in Alleghany County, to Gideon and Elsie Ryder Stalnaker.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the father of her children, Herman D. "Buzzy" Altizer; two brothers, Charles Stalnaker and Lewis Stalnaker, and a sister, Jeraldine Farley.

Etha was employed for 23 years as a CNA for the former C & O Hospital in Clifton Forge and retired from Alleghany Regional Hospital.

Surviving are her children, a son Douglas W. Altizer and his wife, Barbara of Clifton Forge; two daughters, Julie L. Altizer and her partner, Paula Lindsay of Buena Vista, and Susan M. Altizer of Covington.

Susie along with her son, Ian, lived with and provided special care for their mother and grandmother.

Other grandchildren are Doug Altizer, Jr. and his wife, Heidi of Covington and Mary Beth Altizer of Charlottesville; great grandchildren, Hunter Higgins, Gage Higgins, Emma Allen, and Mackenlee Altizer; one brother, Whitey Stalnaker of Clifton Forge; three sisters, Opal Powell of Clifton Forge; Maxine Lockhart of Lynchburg; and Frances Johnson of Gloucester; and several cousins, including Betty Ryder May of New Hope.

Etha was blessed by several dear friends, Lou Hubble of Covington and James "Cheese" Smith of Covington; care takers, Heather Boone Roberts, Marsha Griffith, and Heather Clark.

The family will receive friends any time at the residence at 307 East Walnut Street in Covington.

A celebration of Etha's life will be held at a later date at Camp Bittersweet on the Jackson River.

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

The Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.