Reba Gum

Reba Gum, 88, of Richmond, formerly of Monterey, passed away, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011. She was born April 6, 1922 in Monterey, a daughter of the late Luther John and Eva Lena Eckard Varner.

Mrs. Gum was an active member of Monterey United Methodist Church and a special babysitter to many young children for many years. She loved gardening and especially working in her flowers.

On July 25, 1943, she married William Dale Gum, who preceded her in death on Nov. 14, 1999. She was also predeceased by an infant son, Robert Leo Gum; and 12 siblings.

She is survived by two daughters and sons- in- law, Shirley and Gene Grant of Swoope, and Gladys and Raymond Downey of Clifton Forge; two sons and daughter-in-law, Teddy and Beth Gum of Roanoke and Jerry Gum of Richmond; a special friend, Jim Burns of Richmond; a brother, Robert B. Varner and wife Helen of Waynesboro; five grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; a great-great-grandson; numerous nieces and nephews; and her extended family at Guardian Place.

A funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell with the Rev. Clayton Payne officiating. Burial was in Monterey Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Dwayne and Timothy Downey, Joshua Gum, Kent Colvin, Ernest Sweitzer Jr. and Stevie Sweitzer.

Honorary pallbearers were Roy Gutshall, Elmer Waybright, Kyle Almond, Berlin Beverage, Doug Varner, Zachary Alger, Rodger Propst and Roy Varner.