Lillian Elizabeth Arbogast

Lillian Elizabeth (Barkley) Arbogast, 89, of Blue Grass passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Pendleton Manor in Franklin, WV. 

She was born on March 8, 1935 in Highland County, a daughter of the late Ottie Brown Barkley.

On May 1, 1994 Lillian married Harold Ward Arbogast. She attended the Blue Grass United Methodist Church. Lillian loved cooking, canning, and gardening, and was always proud of her flower gardens. She also enjoyed visiting with family and friends, as well as traveling to the beach. 

Lillian had worked in the finishing department of Aileen; was co-owner of C&P Gulf in McDowell; and held chef positions at the Highland Inn, Augusta County Jail as well as Pendleton County Nursing Home.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Tamela “Tammy” Patterson; a son-in-law, Teddy Gum; and sister, Irene Barkley Reedy.

Along with her husband, surviving family members include her daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” Gum of Roanoke, and Ruth Newman of Blue Grass; brother, Clyde Barkley; sisters, Rhoda Brown, and Genevieve Via; grandsons, Joshua Gum of Roanoke and Brandon Smith and wife, Hilary of Monterey; great granddaughters, Makynley, Ashlyn, and Olyvia Smith of Monterey, and Emma Gum of Roanoke. 

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with Rev. Andre Crummett officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Grass Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home as well as during a meal of fellowship held at the Blue Grass Ruritan Building following the burial. 

Active pallbearers will be Brandon Smith, Joshua Gum, Jeff Hefner, Kelly Sweet, Mike Hilbert, and Junior Kimble. 

Honorary pallbearers will be friends in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Blue Grass Cemetery, 3042 Blue Grass Valley Rd, Blue Grass, Va 24413.