Obituaries for April 30, 2024

Larry Dale Armstrong Sr.

Larry Dale Armstrong Sr., 73, died Sunday, April 28, 2024, after battling painful health conditions for many years.

Armstrong became a Christian as an older adult after watching a Rev. Dr. Charles Stanley broadcast and was a devout reader of the Holy Bible. Armstrong was fun, loving man who tested life’s limits. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, loved gardening, arm-chair sports, and a loyal Trump supporter. Armstrong was a prankster and enjoyed playing jokes on people. He always pulled for the underdog and made sure he was on the best side of a trade. Armstrong spent his employment career working at the SWVA Mental Health Institute, frequently called upon to handle any situation. He was a member of the Smyth County Moose Lodge 1004. His wit, wisdom, and charm will truly be missed by all who love and respect him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Armstrong, Sr. and Emma Parks Armstrong; brother Charles “Chuck” Armstrong Jr. and a childhood pal Kayo Lawson.

Armstrong is survived by his two sons Larry “D.J.” Armstrong Jr. and Joseph “Joey” Routh; several grandchildren; sisters Frances Stone and Patricia Baldwin (Roy); several nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friends Sissie Cruey and Curtis Chaney.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 4, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with the Rev. Mark Chaney officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Armstrong Family.

John David Barns

John David Barns, 93, died Saturday, April 27, 2024.

Barns was born in Rich Valley to the late CT (Buster) and Marylyde Buchanan Barns. Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by his stepmother, Bernice Clark Barns; wife, Betty Combs Barns; brother CT Barns Jr.; sister-in-law, Nancy Huff Barns; father and mother-in-law, Herman & Anna Mae Combs; brother-in-law, Jay Combs; and nephew, Jeff Combs.

Barns played football and basketball at Rich Valley High School and was a member of the FFA. His father helped start the annual Rich Valley Fair where he showed horses, sheep and cattle. John was always a farmer and worked for the Virginia Department of Agriculture grading livestock. In September of 1954 he married his love, Betty. Later he and his wife moved to Pocahontas and then Elk Garden where he became bookkeeper for Elk Garden Farms, owned by the late Senator Harry C. Stuart. He became a dairyman in Elk Garden in 1964. In 1974 he returned home to Rich Valley and operated his own dairy farm until 2010. John served on the board of directors for PCA & Land Bank (Farm Credit), Farm Bureau and various other organizations. He was a dairyman and breeder of registered Holstein cattle for 46 years in Elk Garden and Rich Valley. Barns never met a stranger, had a memory as sharp as they come and was not shy about telling all his wonderful tales!

He is survived by his son, Dave Barns of Randallman, North Carolina; daughter Lib Burress and husband, Tim, of Rich Valley; granddaughter Jessica Davidson and husband, Arnold, of Marion; grandson Cody Burress and fiancée, Autumn Barrett of Saltville; great-grandchildren Cora, Emma, Lucas, Olivia and Vaughn; and his beloved dog Rosie.

Memorial service will be held at Rich Valley Presbyterian Church, 3811 Rich Valley Road, Saltville, on Sunday May 5. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 3 p.m. and graveside to follow. The Rev. Mike Klumpp is officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Rich Valley Weekday Religious Program in care of Rich Valley Presbyterian Church at 3811 Valley Road, Saltville VA 24370.

To share memories of John David Barns, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Barbara Ann Foley

Barbara Ann Foley, 63, died Thursday, April 25, 2024, at her home in Marion.

Foley was born in Marion to the late Carl Foley and Effie Suit Foley and was preceded in death by her sisters, Carol Dent, Lue Wyatt, and Evonne Foley; her brothers, Richard Foley and Eldon Carl Foley. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who enjoyed coloring and reading.

Survivors include her daughters, Jamie Grubb and Charlie Perrin, Susie Grubb and Michael Rosenbalm; grandchildren, Miranda Grubb and Kyle Gilley, Jarod Marshall, Samara Marshall, Matthew Grubb, Haylie Marshall; sister, Virginia Kell; brother, Edward Foley; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. Darlene Marshall officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. prior to services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the family.

Charles Jack “Chuck” Fowler

Charles Jack “Chuck” Fowler, 82, died Friday, April 26, 2024, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Fowler was born in Marion to the late Paul and Zollie Perkins Fowler. He is also preceded in death by brothers Ronald Mack Fowler, Paul Jackson “P.J.” Fowler Jr. and Richard Fowler; and two grandsons Xavier Fowler and Jackson Malobisky.

Fowler a veteran of the U.S. Army, transitioned to a career at Brunswick Corp in Marion following his dedicated service to his country, with a retirement after 28 years of committed service. A diligent individual, he was constantly engaged in various activities and held a profound devotion to his family. As a father, grandfather, and husband, he exemplified warmth and support, consistently available for his loved ones. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his pursuits, whether indulging in hunting, fishing, or tending to the farm alongside his family over the years, particularly with his son, Mack. A devout member and deacon at Freedom Tabernacle Baptist Church, he also held a lifelong membership at the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667 in Marion, and with the Gideons. Known for his amiable nature, Fowler leaves behind a profound impact on all who knew him, his absence keenly felt by those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Russell Fowler; three children, Mack Fowler and wife, April, Teresa Malobisky, and James “Jim Bob” Fowler; brother Joe David Fowler; grandchildren Kathy Fowler and Zachary Fowler; great-grandson Jake Fowler; step-grandchildren Bella and Olivia Faulise; special cousin Emillee Russell; special family friend and fishing buddy Laura Campbell; and several nieces and nephews, and cousins, and his church family.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 30, at Freedom Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atkins with the Rev. Mike Sage officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667 and U.S. Army National Guard Honors Team. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., on Tuesday evening at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Fowler Family.

Robert Dale “Bob” Hamm

Robert Dale “Bob” Hamm, 76, died Friday, April 26, 2024.

He was born on Aug. 17, 1947, in Nicks Creek to the late Willie Green and Blanche Emillie Wassum Hamm. After graduating from Marion Senior High in 1966, he enlisted in the Army, completing his recruit training at Fort Stewart, Georgia. After completing his follow-on Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training as communications specialist, he received orders to serve with 18th Airborne Corps in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Subsequently, he deployed with the 101st Airborne Division to Vietnam where he served as one of the communications chiefs with a firing battery. After a year of combat in Vietnam, he returned stateside where he ultimately left the U.S. Army with the rank of specialist and an honorable discharge. He earned the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal as well as being an expert on rifle and machine gun. Upon returning from Vietnam, Hamm married his high school sweetheart, Jean Shepherd and he continued to serve his country as an employee of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant and the US Postal Service. He later opened RDH Construction and remodeled, repaired, and built countless homes throughout Southwest Virginia as well as volunteered his services in the restoration of the Konnarock Retreat Center. Hamm loved traveling, fishing, and maintaining the perfect lawn. He never met a stranger, encountered a problem he couldn’t fix, or ran out of stories. He was always the biggest supporter of his wife and daughters and worked extremely hard to make their dreams come true. Most of all, Hamm was a beloved husband, father, BoBo, and brother and will certainly be missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Wayne Hamm and Calvin Hamm; his son, Jonah Hamm; and his wife of 49 years, Dr. Jean Shepherd Hamm.

Surviving are daughters Dr. K. Joy Hamm and significant other, Kevin Keating, of Leesburg, Georgia, and Courtney Hamm and significant other, Anthony Rhodes, of Durham, North Carolina; “bonus” grandson, Samuel Keating; siblings James Hamm (Linda) of Honaker, Frank Hamm of Hickory, North Carolina, and Wilma Hamm of Marion; brothers-in-law Robert Shepherd (Sue) of Pataskala, Ohio, William Shepherd (Trish Elswick) of Rural Retreat and James Shepherd (Nancy) of Richmond, Virginia; many nephews and nieces; a very spoiled chihuahua and best friend named Prince; and numerous others.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 2, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 E Main St, Marion. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Wassum Cemetery, 5549 Lee Hwy, Atkins.

Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to Saving Grace Animals for Adoption, P.O. Box 1649, Wake Forest, NC 27588.

To share memories of Robert Dale “Bob” Hamm, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Katherine Elizabeth Horne- Bowling

Katherine Elizabeth Horne- Bowling, 53, of Daniels, West Virginia, died at Charleston Area Medical Center Memorial Division in Charleston, West Virginia, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Born on Sept. 1, 1970, in Farmville, Virginia, she was the daughter of Clayton Horne and Fran Barker Horne of Rural Retreat.

Beth as she was known by her family and friends was a disabled marketing and advertising consultant. She held a B.S. Degree in Psychology from Walden University in Minnesota, and had spent her childhood in the Wytheville area.

She enjoyed singing and was a great vocalist. She once had opened for George Jones at the Brushfork Armory. She was also a former cast member at the Wolfahrt Haus Dinner Theater in Wytheville and also at the Barter Theater in Abingdon. Horne- Bowling was a very outgoing and sociable person. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In her later years, she hosted her YouTube Channel, “Mama Beth’s World” where she had a large following.

Those survivors left to cherish her memory include her parents, Clayton and Fran Horne of Rural Retreat; her husband of 12 years, Daniel Carr Johnston Bowling III of Daniels; a daughter Madeline Lenore; a brother David Clayton Horne II and his wife, Erin Sutika Horne, and their children Graycen and Scarlett of Cary, North Carolina; and her canine companion, Daisy

A memorial service to Celebrate the Life of Katherine Elizabeth Horne- Bowling will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday May 1, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6 p.m. until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com.

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Teresa Ann Rutherford

Teresa Ann Rutherford, 55, died Friday, April 26, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

Rutherford was born on Dec. 29, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. She had an infectious spirit and could light up any room she walked in. Rutherford was a people person at heart and truly loved serving and helping others. She devoted many years at the Smyth County Community Hospital, where she was food service supervisor. She also enjoyed spending time riding the Blue Ridge Parkway, collecting snowmen figurines for Christmas, and had a love for Thomas Kinkade paintings, lamps, and lighted ornaments. Teresa took a great interest in working with children, in daycare or all the way to young adults. She is preceded in death by her father Ray Meadows; stepson Dakota Rutherford; and father-in-law Max Rutherford.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Rutherford; mother Blonnie Meadows; sisters Donna Bentley and husband, Chris, and Janet Stanley and husband, Steve; mother-in-law Lila Rutherford; brother-in-law Glenn Anderson; nephews Junior Martin, Chris Martin, Jesse Stanley and Ray Stanley; and her loving Smyth County Community Hospital work family.

Burial was at Baptist Union Church Cemetery in Grayson County. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Rutherford Family.

Berlene King Shook

Berlene King Shook, 80, died April 28, 2024.

She “got out of” her last procedure, exactly as she told her nurse she would.

Beginning life with an uphill climb, she not only overcame early adversity but kept climbing over every obstacle with the grit and determination that were trademark “Berlene” only overshadowed by her other trademark…. a beautiful head of red hair.

Known as a giver, scores of families in our community were fed, clothed and cared for over the years. As a lover of all things Christmas, scores more children woke up on Christmas morning in shock over the number of gifts around their tree. At her request, her husband has ensured that every neighborhood they have lived in has enjoyed a spectacular light display, with their current address being dubbed “Christmas Light Lane” by the local police.

She was a giver, and if she didn’t have the money….. she would raise the money by imagining, planning and executing a successful fundraising event in warp speed. She never met her limit, and for those who suggested she had one …. she would blow past that mark …. and take pictures.

There are quite a few families, friends and mere acquaintances native to her lifelong home in Wythe County who have been positively impacted by this tiny red haired hurricane.

More so, this woman loved her family ferociously. It was her self appointed mission to ensure each of us knew we were worthy, loved and we belonged. It wasn’t something she personally understood based on her childhood and we all know she communicated these ideas imperfectly. But she did her best and that was enough. Now we all rest in the fact she is experiencing the perfect love of Jesus, and she KNOWS what we have always wanted her to ….. however imperfectly we communicated it…. she is worthy, loved and she belongs.

She and her husband, Bob, recently celebrated 50 years together with a little party and a cruise through town while honking the horn in their car, decorated by her grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Ronald Reid Lawson Jr. and Sandra Darlene Lawson, Perry Duane Lawson, Brandy Crystal Page and Zachary Lee Page and Robert Calvin Shook III and Amy Shook; grandchildren Charity, Michael, Perry, Hannah, Christian, Teagan, Adiya, Zahara, Verity, Tzadok, Serene, Ivory, Zoey and Jonathan; great grandchildren; sisters; cousins; and extended family.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Andy and Mamie King, Claude and Naomi Blair, infant daughter Toni Naomi, grandchildren Chris and Olivia; and several sisters and extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 3, at Reese Funeral Home with the Revs. Mike Ingo and Alan Wilder officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday, May 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Reese Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to continue her legacy of helping vulnerable children and families in Wythe County by giving at swvacrossroadscoalition.com or mail checks to SWVA Crossroads Coalition at 518 Blackberry Drive, Wytheville, VA 24382

Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the Shook family.

Wilma Jean Hopkins White

Wilma Jean Hopkins White, 88, died Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Valley Healthcare Center in Chilhowie.

White was born in Smyth County to the late Paul and Susie Heffinger Hopkins. Along with her parents, she is also preceded in death by her three brothers Nathan Hopkins, Charles Hopkins, and Glenn Hopkins. She was a committed follower of Christianity, embodying a life dedicated to serving God. For many years, she faithfully attended the services at Lowman Valley Church. Professionally, White devoted herself to her craft as a seamstress at Hardwood in Marion. Known for her resilience and independence, she persevered through challenges with a perpetual smile, even until her last days.

She is survived by her sister Faye Wright and husband, Wayne, of Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews who helped care for her throughout the years.

Burial was at Laurel Springs UMC Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com.