The Roanoke Times New River Obituaries Published on Tuesday, December 12, 2000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- AKERS, Elizabeth Tice, 88, of Belspring, passed away Monday, December 11, 2000 at New River Valley Medical Center. She was a member of Belspring Presbyterian Church and preceded in death by her husband, Graton W. Akers. Survivors include on sister, Mary T. McClaugherty of Belspring; one sister-in-law, Claudine Tice, Belspring; three nephews, David A. Tice of Wisconsin, John Tice, Blacksburg, and A.W. McClaugherty of Radford; one niece, Cindy White, of Dublin; and seven great-nephews and one great-niece. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at 2 p.m. at the Belspring Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joe McCoy officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Burial Park, Radford. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- BROWN, Daniel Walker, 80, of Dublin, died Monday, December 11, 2000. Penn's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- CROWDER, Alwayne Calhoun, 85, of Radford, died Sunday, December 10, 2000 in a Dublin Nursing Home. She was the widow of Ralph H. Crowder. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Judy Crowder, Radford; a sister, Lillian Gardner, Huntington, W.Va.; stepmother, Edith Calhoun, Oakwood, Va.; two grandsons, Andrew Crowder and Chuck Crowder, also survive. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 14, 2000 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Gina Rhea officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Andrew Crowder Scholarship Fund, c / o First National Bank, 50 First Street, Radford, Va. 24141. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at the DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- FESSLER, Mary McClintock Ryland, 88, of Blacksburg, Va., the widow of the late Dr. Donald R. Fessler, died at her home in Blacksburg on Saturday, December 2, 2000. Born in Georgetown, Kentucky on February 6, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Garnett Ryland and Mary Lewella Payne Ryland. Her father was Professor of Chemistry at the University of Richmond and her family has been associated with the university since its beginning. Mrs. Fessler was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Westhampton College in the Class of 1932 and taught in the North China American School in Tung Chow, China, as well as various American schools. A resident of Blacksburg for 49 years, Mrs. Fessler was active in many community affairs. She served Montgomery County as a member of its Board of Supervisors for two terms and for a period as chairman. She had a particular interest in public library services and for twelve years was a member of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library Board and served as chairman of the committee for the building of the Blacksburg Regional Library. The Community Room of this library bears her name. She was instrumental in local political matters and served for many years on the County Democratic Committee and as its secretary. She was a founding member of the County League of Women Voters, a member of the Montgomery County Public Service Authority for seven years and an active member of the AAUW. She and her husband were longtime members of Friends of the International Community and took particular interest in hosting students from China. Mrs. Fessler is survived by two sisters, Alice Ryland Giles (Mrs. Robert E.) of Raleigh, N.C. and Hannah Ryland Sanger (Mrs. Julian D.) of Richmond, Va.; two brothers, Charles H. Ryland of Warsaw, Va., and R. Payne Ryland of Yucca Valley, Calif.; six nephews; four nieces; seven great-nephews; and five great-nieces. A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 17, 2000 at 2 p.m. in the Mary R. Fessler Community Room at the Blacksburg Regional Library. Her cremains will be buried in the family lot in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Va. at a later date. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- GRUBB, William Warren, 79, of Blacksburg, died Monday, December 11, 2000. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- HALE, Harry Lyle, 77, died Thursday, December 7, 2000. He was born in Narrows on March 29, 1923 and was the son of the late Percy Herbert and Grace Coburn Hale. He was a graduate of Narrows High School, then went to Virginia Tech in 1944. He then served in the Army Air Corps in the U.S. Army until 1946. He then returned to Va. Tech and to finish his degree in Civil Engineering. He worked in the Fairfax County Department of Public Works, later to become the director in 1970. He also headed the Department of Project / Planning and Construction until his retirement in 1985. He was an active member of the Fairfax United Methodist Church and the Fairfax Rotary Club for 45 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Percy H. "Pete" Hale, who died at the age of two. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beulah Wesley Hale; two sons, Jeffrey Herbert Hale, Danville, Va., John Hamilton Hale, Boston, Mass.; six grandchildren, Benjamin Isaac Hale, Mindel Grace Hale, Samuel Morgan Hale, Zachary Lyle Hale, Ryan Christopher Hale, Emma Rose Hale. Graveside services will be held Wednesday morning, December 13, 2000 at 11 a.m. in Fairview Cemetery in Narrows with Rev. Ken Waclo officiating. Graveside rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #68 at the cemetery. The family will receive friends at Riffe's Funeral Service in Narrows Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Northern Virginia Hospice, 6565 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va. 22042. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- HAYES, Jack David, 76, of 3322 Lee Highway, Draper, Va., died Sunday morning, December 10, 2000, at his home. He was born in Helen W.Va. on March 11, 1924, and was the son of the late Lonnie Monroe Hayes and Cecilia Haga Hayes. He was a retired production manager with Bond Cote, Pulaski, with 40 years of service. He was a member of the Draper's Valley Baptist Church and he was a veteran having served in the United States Army during WWII. Mr. Hayes was also a member of the Pulaski VFW Post #1184 and the Pulaski American Legion Post #7. Surviving are his wife, Mary Richardson Hayes, Draper; daughter, Jackie Hayes, Radford; sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Linda Hayes, Chesterfield, Va., Danny and Odessa Hayes, Wytheville, Va., David and Amy Hayes, Charleston, S.C., Donnie Hayes, Dublin; sister, Lillian Moore, Draper; brothers, Bob Hayes, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Dick Hayes, Draper, Bruce Hayes, Chesterfield, Va.; eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the Draper Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Wilfred Overton, Rev. Wayne Moye and Minister David Krug officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin with Pulaski VFW Post #1184 conducting the military graveside rites. Visiting will be Tuesday evening at the Draper Valley Baptist Church where the family will receive friends from 6 until 9 p.m. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Pulaski, Va. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- LIKENS, Charlie Allen, 84, of Christiansburg, died Monday, December 11, 2000 at Heritage hall Health Care Center. He was born in Montgomery County on June 6, 1916 to the late Jerry and Rebecca Woolwine Likens. He is survived by a sister, Ollie Marie Woolwine of Christiansburg; three nieces and their spouses, Mary Sigman of Christiansburg, Barbara and Edwin Linkous of Blacksburg, Bessie Taylor of Radford; a nephew, Edward Likens, of Baltimore, Md., 11 great-nephews; one great-niece; and many close friends. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at 1 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jube Burk officiating. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- LOVERN, Robin Jane, 41, of Pulaski, died Monday, December 11, 2000. Funeral 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Barnett Funeral Chapel, Wytheville. Visitation 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- MEADOWS, Aubrey Parkis, 89, of Rich Creek, went home to his Lord and Savior, Saturday, December 9, 2000, in Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke. Aubrey was born August 27, 1911, at Woodman, Ky. He was the youngest child of James David and Sarah Jane Meadows. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven sisters, two brothers, and his beloved son, A. Phillip Meadows. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lucille H. Meadows of Rich Creek; one daughter and son-in-law, Larry and Cynthia Meadows Eades of Roanoke; daughter-in-law, Dreama Meadows of Blacksburg; he also leaves two cherished grandsons, Gabriel Eades of Roanoke, and Logan Meadows of Blacksburg. Aubrey was a member of Intermont Lodge #269 A.F. & A.M., of Narrows and was an active member of his local community. He retired from the Celanese Corporation in Giles County after 30 years of service. He served his Savior as a member of the First Baptist Church of Rich Creek and was an active Gideon for over 30 years, helping to spread God's word. Aubrey was a kind and gentle man who throughout his life remained faithful to his priorities of service to God and love of family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2000, at the First Baptist Church, Rich Creek, with the Rev. Jim Pickett and the Rev. David Stauffer officiating. Burial will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Rich Creek. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2000, at Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home in Peterstown, W.Va., where a Masonic memorial service is to be conducted by members of Intermont Lodge #269 A.F. & A.M. at 8 p.m. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions can be made to the Gideons International Memorial Bible Fund. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- MITCHELL, Preston Wayne, 31, of Willis, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2000. He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Wayne Mitchell. Surviving are his mother, Sylvia Underwood of Willis; stepfather, Larry Underwood of Dugspur; sister and husband, Marcia and Michael Bolt of Willis; half sister and husband, Jonie and Mark Ratliff of Floyd; grandfather, Luther Mason Bolt of Willis; grandmother, Lena Mitchell of Roanoke; very special niece and nephew, Sierra Bolt and Cole Ratliff. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd with Rev. Nathan Montgomery and Rev. J. C. Willard officiating. Burial will be in the Harris Cemetery, Willis. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Maberry Funeral Home. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- PRICE, Russell Clayton, 89, of Christiansburg, passed away at the home on Monday, December 11, 2000. he retired from Hercules in 1973. He was preceded in death by two sisters; and a daughter, Jackie Jo Johnston. He is survived by his wife, Gladys Atkins Price; three sons and daughters-in-law, Arthur G. and Nadine Price, Christiansburg, Barry R. and Faye Price, Shawsville, Russell L. and Kathy Price, Christiansburg; one son-in-law, Jerry E. Johnston. Also surviving are three stepbrothers; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; also a very special friend, Hannah Abate, who has been with us through it all. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at the Horne Funeral Chapel with Dr. Glenn Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial gardens. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad or Carilion Hospice. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Horne Funeral Service. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- ROBERTSON, Florence Dunbar, 85, of Blacksburg, died Sunday, December 10, 2000 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center. She was born in Great Barrington, Mass. on November 21, 1915 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Dunbar of Pittsfield, Mass. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1936. She lived for 24 years in Arlington and was active in The Falls Church. She resided for 30 years in Blacksburg where she was active in the Christ Episcopal Church. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Holly R. and A. Harvey Taylor of Leicestershire, England, and Elspleth R. and S. Randolph Blakeman, III of San Antonio, Texas; a son and daughter-in-law, Hugh D. and Janet A. Robertson of New York, N.Y.; and four grandchildren, Andrew D. Robertson, Michael H. Robertson, Carrie T. Chalmers and Sarah K. Chalmers. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 13, 2000 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, Blacksburg, with the Rev. Clare Fischer-Davies officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service in the Parish Hall. Interment will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 1 p.m. in the Warrenton Cemetery, Warrenton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount Holyoke College, South Bradley, Mass., 01075 or to the Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box, 164, Blacksburg, Va. 24063. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- SICKEY, Irene Julia, 83, of Pilot, died Monday, December 11, 2000. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- SLUSHER, Myrtle Wood, (Bennie), 93, of Christiansburg, died Sunday, December 10, 2000 at Montgomery Regional Hospital. The widow of the late Bennie T. Slusher, she is survived by two nieces, Bettie Mahan, Fayetteville, W.Va., Georgia Fisockerly, New Orleans, La.; one nephew, Leonard Crute, Nathalie, Va. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 13, 2000, at the graveside in Roselawn Memorial Gardens conducted by Dr. Timothy A. Hight. There will be no evening visitation at the funeral home; however, friends may visit any time during the day on Tuesday. Arrangements are being handled by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- CROCKETT, Kathryn Lee, 59, of Cripple Creek, died Monday, December 11, 2000, in the Wythe County Community Hospital. She was born in Cripple Creek, the daughter of the late James Samuel and Ethel Littreal Crockett. She was preceded in death by a brother, Donald D. Crockett. She is survived by four sister and brothers-in-law, Joyce and Leo Grubb of Cripple Creek, Evelyn and Lawrence Robinson of Bristol, Sandra Johnson, and Ruth Ann and John Marshall all of Cripple Creek; four brothers and sisters-in-law, James R. Crockett of Crockett, Stephen and Maxine Crockett of Martinsville, John and Louise Crockett, and W.B. Crockett, all of Cripple Creek; special niece, Jill Arnold; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2000, 8 p.m., at the Barnett Funeral Chapel in Wytheville with the Rev. Sonny "Oscar" Ayers officiating. Graveside service and interment will be held Thursday, 11 a.m., at the Crockett Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Barnett Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m Wednesday night or at the home place at any time. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- HILTON, Mary Smith, 73, of Wytheville, died Sunday, December 10, 2000, at her residence. She was preceded in death by her husband, T. P. Hilton, and was a member of the Wytheville Baptist Church. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Kedrick and Becky Hilton of Max Meadows, Tommy and Joel Hilton of Wytheville; two sisters, Colleen Dunford of Wytheville, Naomi Perigon of Sweetwater, Tenn.; a granddaughter, Jo Beth Hilton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning, December 13, 2000 at 11 a.m. at the Gillman Funeral Chapel with interment to follow in the West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gillman Funeral Chapel Tuesday evening. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Wythe County Rescue Squad. Gillman Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Tami P. Ramsey [email protected] President, Pulaski County Genealogy Club Pulaski County VA GenWeb Coordinator & Listowner http://www.rootsweb.com/~vapulask/ Montgomery County VA GenWeb Coordinator & Listowner http://www.rootsweb.com/~vamontgo/montgomy.htm Washington County VA GenWeb Coordinator http://www.rootsweb.com/~vawashin/ Overton Co. TN GenWeb Coordinator & Listowner http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnoverto/overton.htm Fentress & Pickett Co. TN GenWeb Coordinator http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnfentre/fent.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnpicket/pick.htm Webmaster Wilderness Road Regional Museum http://www.rootsweb.com/~vapulask/wrrm/index.htm Webmaster for New River Historical Society Homepage http://www.rootsweb.com/~vanrhs/ RAMSEY Family Webpage http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ramsey/ SULSER Family Webpage & Listowner http://sulser.rootsweb.com/