OBITUARIES

Feb 26, 2022

Norma “Jean” (Hayward) Smith, 86, of McDowell, passed away Saturday, February 26, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born November 2, 1935, in Gaithersburg, MD, a daughter of the late Ralph James and Pearl Irene (Vanhouten) Hayward.

On September 24, 1956 she married Garner Emerson Smith who predeceased her on September...

Feb 24, 2022

Austin Linwood Shepherd, 94, of Monterey passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022 at the Legacy of North Augusta.

He was born January 12, 1928 in Columbia, son of the late David Wiley and Elizabeth (Seay) Shepherd.

Austin spent his formative years on the family farm in Fluvanna County where he learned how to work hard...

Feb 22, 2022

Audrey Ritchie Simmons, of Stuarts Draft, passed away on February 22, 2022. She was born in Blue Grass, Virginia, as was her late husband, Eugene Douglas Simmons, the love of her life. Audrey is survived by a daughter, Ann Simmons and daughter-in-law Susan Mello of NY, loving family members, very dear neighbors and close friends, and one adorable neighbor...

Feb 19, 2022

Jeffrey Wayne Grant, 60, of McDowell, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Sentara RMH Medical Center.

He was born in Staunton on August 13, 1961, a son of Charles William “Billy” Grant of McDowell and the late Shelby Jean (Hevener) Grant.

A 1979 graduate of Highland High School,...

Feb 16, 2022

Sandra Leigh (McCray) Snyder, 74 of Head Waters, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Augusta Health Care.

She was born August 3, 1947, in Head Waters, a daughter of the late William “Peyton” and Anna Lee (Botkin) McCray. On July 26, 1968 she married Carson Snyder. She was raised and held membership in the former Head...

Feb 9, 2022

Edmund Randolph Hevener, Jr., 68 of Blue Grass, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

He was born June 28, 1953 in Staunton, a son of the late Edmund Randolph Hevener Sr. and Pauline Thacker Hevener. He was preceded in death by his wife Sandy Hevener, December 4, 2021.

In his youth Edmund cultivated a...

Jan 27, 2022

Elwood Neal Sawyers, age 84, husband of Peggy (Faircloth) Sawyers of McDowell, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022.

Born July 9, 1937 in Elk Creek, he was a son of the late Ted Clarence and Lillie Ethel (Poole) Sawyers.

Mr. Sawyers had retired as a Chief Warrant Officer following a 20-year career with the U.S. ...

Jan 22, 2022

Bertha Gail (Stinespring) Robertson, 64, of Warm Springs was called to her heavenly home by her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at University of Virginia Medical Center.

She was born in Bath County, December 6, 1957, a daughter of the late Samuel Allen and Faye Lois (Kennedy) Stinespring. On August 29,1981 she married Billy...

Jan 20, 2022

Katherine Ann (Hupman) Lindsey, 58, of Grottoes passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Sentara RMH.

She was born April 18, 1963 in Bath County, a daughter of the late James Lyle and Mary Edith (Robinson) Hupman.

Katherine enjoyed putting puzzles together and took pride in taking care of her kitties. Above all, she loved...

Jan 16, 2022

Robert “Bob” Wayne Wilson, 85, of Gypsy Hill Apartments in Staunton, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022 at the home of his daughter, Victoria in Swoope.

He was born September 26, 1936 in Nutter Fort, WV, a son of the late Pete William and Mae Matilda (Dawson) Wilson.

A proud US Army veteran, Bob served...

Jan 15, 2022

Floyd Douglas Smith, known locally as “Doug”, passed from this life January 15, 2022, surrounded by his wife Caroline; daughter, Laura with her partner, Audrey; daughter, Robin with her son, Daniel.  Robin’s husband, Richard and daughter, Caroline stayed home in India and followed the journey by phone.

Doug was most familiar to people in the three-county area...

Jan 10, 2022

Nellie Amelia (Holtman) Brown, 100, of Quinton, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022 at Morningside of Bellgrade.

She was born May 2, 1921 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of the late Arthur Carl and Nellie Elizabeth (Sigler) Holtman.

Nellie graduated nursing school in Baltimore, Maryland in 1941 and enjoyed a long career at Norfolk General...

Dec 29, 2021

Naomi Ruth (Curry) Halterman, 97, of Stuarts Draft and formerly Monterey, passed away, Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Augusta Health.

She was born in Lost Creek, WV December 7, 1924, a daughter of the late Luther Roscoe and Ruth (Dodril) Curry.

A World War II veteran, Naomi served with the US Naval Personnel Separation Unit....

Dec 26, 2021

Shelby Jean (Hevener) Grant, 80, of McDowell, went to meet her Lord and Savior Sunday, December 26, 2021 at her home.

She was born May 5, 1941 in Monterey, a daughter of the late Elmer and Lucy (Griffin) Hevener.

A child of God, Shelby was an intercessor, encourager, friend, helper and confidant in all she...

Dec 20, 2021

Charles Glen Wagoner, 73, of Staunton, went to be with Jesus on December 20, 2021 at University of Virginia Medical Center, with his sons by his side.

He was born June 8, 1948 in Staunton, a son of the late Center Oscar and Edith Virginia (Beverage) Wagoner.

After high school Charles went to work for...

Dec 17, 2021

BLUE GRASS — Arthur Lee Mitchell Jr., 94, of Blue Grass, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 at U.Va. Medical Center.

Mr. Mitchell was born in Dry Fork, Pittsylvania County, on March 8, 1927, a son of Frances Oakes and Arthur Lee Mitchell.

Upon graduation from Whitmell Farm Life School, Mr. Mitchell’s life...

Dec 10, 2021

Leonard Edmond Phillips, Jr., age 88, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away Friday, December 10, 2021, following a series of health issues that he fought bravely, but ultimately could not overcome.  He was at peace with himself and with his God in whom he trusted in all things. His wife, Twila G. Phillips, to whom he had been married for...

Dec 9, 2021

Violet Irene Pingley, 96, of Warren, OH passed away on December 9, 2021 at her home. She was born May 31, 1925 in Hightown, a daughter of the late Clay and Viola (Washburn) Hise.

Irene worked for a period of time at Red's Auto Glass and will be remembered for her love of growing and tending to...

Dec 7, 2021

Judy Carol (Hodge) Kincaid, 73, of Staunton passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at Augusta Health.

She was born December 8, 1947 in Bath County, a daughter of the late Bland Newton and Minnie Gladys (Simmons) Hodge.

A homemaker who loved holidays and family gatherings, Judy, was the “glue that held it together.” She could...

Dec 4, 2021

Mark David Hodge, 59, of McDowell, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021 while escorting a Boy Scout troop through Butler Cave in Williamsville.  He transitioned from the depths of the earth while doing the thing he loved most in this world, exploring the soil and soul beneath his feet and sharing his passion for caving with young folk and...