Donald L. Arney
Donald L. Arney, 69, of Rural Retreat died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.
He was born in Virginia on April 12, 1954, to the late Robert L. and Nellie Simpkins Arney. Arney retired from Hubble Lighting with more than 30 years of service. He was a lifelong Christian having served the Lord in many capacities. He ministered with Chariots of Light, he ministered over 10 years for the Wytheville Homeless Shelter, he ministered at the Christian Coffee House in Wytheville and served as an Evangelist in several area churches. He attended Life Changers Christian Center until his health wouldn’t permit him to do so. He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Graves and brother-in-law, Roger Graves.
Survivors include his wife, Connie Arney of Rural Retreat; four daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy Duncan of Roanoke, Carmen and Jeremy Gravely of Max Meadows, Samantha Keith of Wytheville and Cara and Bryan Gibson of Oklahoma; three sons and daughters-in-law, Lonnie and Leila Meade of Hillsville, Johnathan Wooldridge of Rural Retreat and Jacob and Crystal Wooldridge of Tennessee; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Leslie Dishon of Radford; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Burial was in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
The Arney family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home.
Peggy Sue King Burnett
Peggy Sue King Burnett, 83, of Ivanhoe died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
She was born Feb. 19, 1940, in Wythe County, a daughter of the late William F. and Mary McRoberts King. She was preceded in death by a sister, Juanita “Toonie” Burnett and four brothers, George King, Clinton King, Roger King and Bill King.
Burnett is survived by her husband, Robert W. Burnett; daughters Sherrie Doss and husband, Marty, of Ivanhoe, Jennifer Burnett of Independence and Amber Burnett of the home; sons Bill Burnett of Ivanhoe and Tony Burnett and wife, Mandy, of Galax; sister Rowena Lephew and husband, Freddie, of Ivanhoe; brothers Doug King of Patterson, Virginia, and Paul King and wife, Tiny, of Ivanhoe; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends.
Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ivanhoe.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com
The Reese Funeral Home in Austinville is serving the Burnett family.
Sharen K. Dunford
Sharen K. Dunford, 62, of Wythe County died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.
She was born Oct. 26, 1961, to the late Garland Paul and Ila D. Warf Dunford.
Dunford was preceded in death by her twin sister, Karen Fay Dunford and sister, Patty D. Dickson.
She is survived by her brother, Larry W. Dunford of Max Meadows; and sisters Paula D. Alley of Max Meadows and Susan L. Sawyers of Wytheville.
Per her request there will be no services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com.
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Leanne Burnop Fisher
Leanne Burnop Fisher, 48, of Roanoke died at home Nov. 15, 2023.
She is survived by her husband, of 22 years, David; three children Emily, Ryleigh, and Russell; parents, Ron and Charlene Burnop of Marion; brother Scott Burnop and wife, Angi, of Marion; mother-in-law Jeanetta Fisher of Greensboro, North Carolina; her mother Alda Bower (Grammie); father-in-law Maurice Fisher and wife, Aneen, of Villa Rica, Georgia; sister-in-law Sheila Hughes and husband, Chad, of Greensboro; nieces and nephew Maura, Brayden, and Avery Hughes; aunts and uncles, Linda Lox and husband, John, Jim Phillips, Warran Tallent and Loretta Williams; and many extended family members including Maria Deal, Trey Wright, wife, Jennifer, and Mereta Pettigrew.
Fisther was a devoted wife, exceptional mother, and true friend to so many. She was a member of Bonsack Baptist Church. She focused her life around her family, friends, and others. She had a heart-felt passion for children and particularly those with special needs. This passion was sparked early in her teenage life through her work at the Smyth County Summer Enrichment Program that supported educational and physical development opportunities for children with special needs. She continued this journey into college. Fisher studied special education at Longwood College and earned a master’s degree prior to serving as a special education teacher in K-12 schools. Her career spanned many years at various locations. She developed a very special connection with Bonsack Baptist Preschool, where she was instrumental in developing and organizing the school’s largest annual fundraisers. This led to her employment at Bonsack Baptist Preschool for seven years covering multiple roles. Most recently she spent the last two years teaching at Fort Lewis Elementary School developing many great friendships and touching many children’s lives.
She tirelessly carried out her role of wife, mother, motivator, referee, chauffeur, comforter, counselor, nurse, and more to not only her children but many in her neighborhood and beyond. She was the organizer, glue, and rock of her family always keeping everyone on track.
Fisher touched so many throughout her life in so many ways. She will be truly missed by so many.
Burial was in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bonsack Baptist Preschool or Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital NICU.
This is a courtesy announcement by Bradley’s Funeral Home.
Mary Crockett Gearhart
Mary Crockett Gearhart died on Nov. 16, 2023, in Wytheville.
She was preceded in death by her parents James French Strother Crockett and Helen Jean Barker Crockett. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Jean Crockett.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, James D. Gearhart; daughters Rebecca Gearhart Lane and Helen Gearhart Moore and favorite son-in-law Joseph David Moore; and six grandchildren, Noah Strother Gearhart McWhirter, Rosemary Sara Moore, Solomon Joseph Moore, Joseph David Moore Jr., Oliver Jack Lane and Theo Gearhart Moore.
Gearhart was born in Welch, West Virginia, on May 16, 1949, and graduated from Welch High School in 1967. She attended several colleges before graduating with a number of degrees from Bluefield State University.
She met Jim Gearhart, and they married on March 16, 1974. It was long rumored that the marriage was arranged by her father and Jim’s great-uncle, Charlie Gearhart. The couple moved nine times through six states with Norfolk & Western Railway and Norfolk Southern Corporation during their life together. They made wonderful friends and many memories along the way. Gearhart adapted to the continual relocations by involving herself in church work and civic activities while raising Rebecca and Jeannie. Her gift for decorating came into play as she transformed every house where they lived into a special warm home. Their home was always a welcome gathering place for family and friends. After retiring from the railroad, Jim and Mary moved to Wytheville to build their dream home in Crockett’s Cove.
The family wishes to thank the medical professionals and staff at Carrington Place Rehabilitation Center and Gentiva Hospice for their special care during her final illness. Mary will be buried in the Cove Church Cemetery beside her family.
A service celebrating the Witness to the Resurrection will be held at the Wytheville Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. There will be a reception following the service in Hatcher Hall. A private internment service in Crockett’s Cove will precede the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be directed to the Wytheville Presbyterian Church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Kathleen L. Grubb
Kathleen L. Grubb, 76, died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Luella Allen.
Grubb is survived by her husband, Floyd “Buch” Grubb; daughter, Dawn Marie Duff; sister DeeDee Dole; brother, Tom Allen; several nieces and nephews; and special friends Clara Farthing, Mabel Joe Wilson and Barbara Prince.
No services are planned at this time.
To share memories of Kathleen L. Grubb, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Brenda Alice Mabe Hagee
Brenda Alice Mabe Hagee of Wytheville died Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at home.
Born Jan. 23, 1943, in Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Walter S. and Edna Wright Mabe.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Dale Hagee and her brother, Harold Mabe.
Survivors include her son, Gary Richard Hagee and wife, Kathy, of Hillsville; grandchildren Brandon Leonard and wife, Kayla, Jordan Hagee and Jaelyn Hagee; and great-grandchildren Boone and Knox.
Per Brenda’s request there will be no services.
Barnett Funeral Home is serving the Hagee family.
April Boardwine Harrington
April Boardwine Harrington, 48, died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Harrington was the most caring and sharing person. She would do anything for her Ty-Bug. She would do without so Tyler could have what he needed and wanted. She was a wonderful daughter, and was beautiful inside and out. She will be missed and loved to the moon and back by all her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Wanda “Nonnie” Hayes; paternal grandparents, Clarence and Virgie Boardwine; step-father, Raymond A. Howard.
Harrington is survived by her son, Tyler Harrington and fiancée, Autumn Reeves of Marion; stepdaughter, Kaylah Harrington of Wytheville; father, William Boardwine and wife, Wanda, of Saltville; mother, Sue Howard of Marion; brother, Chad Boardwine and wife, Mindy, of Springfield, Tennessee; several nieces and nephews; and special companion, Oreo.
Burial was private.
To share memories of April Boardwine Harrington, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Janice Gail Wright Horton
Janice Gail Wright Horton died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
She was born in Wythe County to the late Clarence and Myrtle Wright on Oct. 15, 1938. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julian Horton, along with five sisters and two brothers.
Surviving are three sons, Mike Horton, Craig Horton and Allen and Tammi Horton; six grandchildren, Keith, Kristen, Kevin, Ty and Bailey, Sierra and Santanna; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Aggie Reynolds; and several nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. in Barnett Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Chris Hall officiating, burial will follow in the Mt Zion Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday at the Funeral Home from noon until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Barnett Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences can be made to the Horton family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com.
The Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is serving the Horton family.
Richard “Beetle” Lewis Lambert
Richard “Beetle” Lewis Lambert, 79, of the Shewey Valley community in Bland died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, following a long courageous battle from several health conditions.
He was born Oct. 25, 1944, in Bland County the son of the late Elmer Lewis and Trula Neel Lambert. He was preceded in death by his son Michael Lewis Lambert.
Lambert attended Ceres Elementary School, Ceres High School and graduated from Rich Valley High School. He excelled and held school records in basketball and was also a fast left-handed baseball pitcher. He retired as a state employee with 36 years of service having worked for the Department of Transportation; Department of Corrections and East River Tunnel. Lambert was an avid hunter who greatly enjoyed being in the outdoors and truly loved his hunting dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Farmer Lambert; two stepsons, Adam Carroll and Jamie Foutz; five grandchildren, Maya Carroll, Payton Carroll, Brady Carroll, Laken Foutz and Trevor Foutz; two sisters, Barbara Goins and Debbie French; three special dog companions Sparkie, Speedy and Cricket who were always by his side; and several nieces, nephews and many extended family and special friends.
Burial was in the New Zion Church Cemetery.
Although flowers will be appreciated, those who prefer may make memorial donations in memory of Richard to the New Zion Church 3171 Old Rich Valley Road Ceres VA 24318.
Online condolences can be made to the Lambert family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com.
The Bland Funeral Chapel in Bland is serving the Lambert Family.
Karen Ann Martin
Karen Ann Martin, 54, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Martin was born in Smyth County and graduated from the Gethsemane Christian Academy. She was employed as an eligibility worker with Smyth County Department of Social Services and was a member of the Faith Fellowship Church. She loved her church family and singing. She was a loving wife, mother, and daughter who enjoyed playing the piano.
Survivors include her husband, Tim Martin; children, Chenoa Martin, and Cheyenna Martin; parents, Bill and Phyllis Sutherland; brother, Randy Sutherland; sister, Debbie Sturgill and husband Billy; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Valley Health Care for all the care given.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Riverside Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Flowers will be appreciated, or memorial donations can be made to the Faith Fellowship Church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Martin family.
John Franklin Metheney
John Franklin Metheney, 89, of Marion died at home Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer.
Metheney’s career was in finance – he retired from Bank of America in 1994 with 37 years of service. He later went to work part-time at the Lifetime Wellness Center, working the front desk where he could be seen wearing his crazy hats. He dearly loved working there and made so many friends. His faith and dedication to Jesus Christ was of utmost importance to him. As a matter of fact, he introduced himself as John the Baptist. He loved missions and spearheaded a group named “Go Forth Ministries” at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church. He went on several trips to areas that were devastated by hurricanes, as well as several local projects. He was a member of Falling Water Baptist Church. Marion Civitan was an important part of his life as he was a member for 60 years! He was especially dedicated to their “Candy Box” project that raised money for the Special Olympics. Boxes were placed at local businesses in Marion and surrounding areas. Metheney was always a positive person, he lived life to the fullest and loved to make people laugh.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Hettie Metheney; two brothers, Carl Ray and Charles; and one sister, Betty Gorham.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty Metheney of Marion; daughter, Johnette Smith and husband, Wes; granddog, Rousey; two North Carolina “kids” who call him “Papa” John, Eddie and Debbie Beck; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a special cousin who is like a sister, Nancy Phipps.
The family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 24, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Eddie Beck officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Marion Civitan Club, Special Olympic Projects, P.O. Box 226, Marion VA 24354.
To share memories of John Franklin Metheney, visit www.seaverbrown.com.
Daniel “Dan” Ray Rose
Daniel “Dan” Ray Rose, 73, of Max Meadows died Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
He was born April 11, 1950, in Wythe County, the son of the late Malcolm and Elva Ogle Rose. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Harley Rose; two brothers, Jack Rose and Will Rose; and five sisters, Dot Thomas, Virginia Hudson, Liza Scott, Alice Farris and Nancy Rose.
Rose was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and served during the Vietnam War.
Survivors include his wife, Janice Stone Rose; three sons, Shawn Rose of Max Meadows, James and Crystal Rose of Max Meadows and Shane Allen of Austinville; four grandchildren, Zach Rose, Levi Rose, Landon Rose and Bayleigh Allen; three great-grandchildren, Peyton Rose, Easton Rose and Waylen Rose; sister, Frances Pierce of Independence; and several nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Reese Funeral Home with the Rev. Lee Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Hospitality House of the Blue Ridge, P.O. Box 20135, Roanoke, VA 24018.
Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the Rose family.
