Local Obituaries for  Montgomery County Community

Gregory James Sisson

Gregory James Sisson

Aug 17, 2025

Gregory James Sisson, 43, of Shawsville passed away on August 17, 2025 at home. He was one of the kindest souls you will meet.

Gregory was a wonderful, loving, and kind man whose life was a reflection of his deep faith in Christ. He had a servant’s heart, always ready to help others in their time of need. He lived out...

Wanda Yvonne Nix

Wanda Yvonne Nix

Aug 16, 2025

Wanda Yvonne Nix, 70, of Christiansburg passed away the morning of August 16, 2025 at her home.

She graduated from Dublin High School and Radford University. Wanda worked for American Airlines for 24 years and Radford University for another 15 years. She was a member of Community Christian Church in Dublin.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter E. and...

David Gilley

David Gilley

Jul 25, 2025

David Gilley, 78 of Richmond, passed away July 25, 2025. He was born on June 20, 1947, to the late Hardin Gilley and Eleanor Smartt Gilley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Gilley and John Gilley; and nephew, Christopher Gilley.

David is survived by his wife, Janet Rittenhouse Gilley; sisters, Lynn Gilley, Ann...

Sally Hager Cooke

Sally Hager Cooke

Aug 19, 2025

On August 19, 2025, after a courageous 10 month battle with cancer, Sally Hager Cooke passed away at her home, surrounded by those who loved her.

Sally is survived by her three phenomenal daughters: Caroline Edwards, Susannah Edwards, and Georgia Cooke; her partner, Wade Carbaugh; her mother, Faye Myers; her sisters Liz Hager (Phillip Martin) and Susan (Dan) Klein; her brother...

Brenda Joyce Haltom

Brenda Joyce Haltom

Jul 31, 2025

Brenda Joyce Haltom, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in Christiansburg, Virginia. Born on May 9, 1950, in North Carolina, Brenda lived a life characterized by kindness, compassion, and unwavering strength.

Brenda dedicated 24 years to her career at the National Bank of Blacksburg, a commitment that showcased her work ethic and integrity....

Monica Marie Weinzapfel

Monica Marie Weinzapfel

Aug 13, 2025

Monica Marie Weinzapfel, known to the many who love her as “Moni” passed to the other side at her home the evening of August 13, 2025, in the loving care of family and friends.

Monica was born in Evansville, Indiana, June 3 rd , 1952, the daughter of the late Linus “Mac” Weinzapfel and Edith (née Schenk) Weinzapfel Hagan. In addition...

Shirley Ann Ramey

Shirley Ann Ramey

Aug 11, 2025

Shirley Ann Ramey,86, of Christiansburg, VA passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025. She was born in Washington, D.C to the late Joseph Leo and Marie Ellen Gill Rawlings. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Clayton Ramey; sisters, Norma Miles and Janet Labree; nephews, Eric Springer and Mark Miles; son, Danny Boyd Ramey, Sr; and grandson,...

Odell Allan Poff, Jr.

Odell Allan Poff, Jr.

Aug 4, 2025

Odell Allen Poff, Jr. passed away on August 4, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Basham Poff; parents, Odell Allan Poff, Sr. and Edna Poff; siblings, Ralph and Linda.

Odell is survived by his son, Odell Poff and wife, Julie; grandson, Joseph Poff and wife, Malynda.

Odell wrote his own obituary.

On August 4, 2025, I, Odell Allan Poff, Jr.,...

Erma Jean Gallimore

Erma Jean Gallimore

Aug 2, 2025

Erma Jean Thompson Gallimore was born March 4, 1936, in her family home of Floyd, VA. On August 2, 2025, at sunset, she passed peacefully away in her home of Christiansburg, VA. She was 89 years old.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Trigg and Lala Thompson; brothers, Cedric, Glenn, and Russell Thompson; and her sisters, Christine Reed, Betty...

Karen Swenson

Karen Swenson

Aug 1, 2025

Karen Swenson passed away on Friday, August 1 at the age of 73 at her home in Christiansburg, Virginia. Born on November 22, 1951, she was the eldest daughter of S. Don Swenson and Ruth Haight Swenson. She grew up in Utah with her parents and her three younger siblings, and she finished her final year of high school in...

Nora Faye Rakes

Nora Faye Rakes

Jul 31, 2025

Nora Faye Rakes passed away on July 31, 2025. She was a loving mother to her four children. She worked at Montgomery Regional Hospital in the surgical unit for years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hobart & Margaret Rakes; and a sister, Cora Rakes.

Nora is survived by her children, Renee Phelps, Marshall Rakes, Joy Poff (Kevin), and Stanley...

David Lee Gusler

David Lee Gusler

Jul 30, 2025

David Lee Gusler, 40 of Floyd, passed away July 30, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Gusler; grandparents, Wallace and Ruby Gusler, and Anne and Clarence Caldwell; sister, Ruby Anne Gusler; and step-brother, Mark Steven Richards.

David is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Gusler; daughter, Caroline Gusler; mother, Wanda Gusler; father and mother-in-law, Bobby and Lynn Epperly;...

Edward C. Seltzer

Edward C. Seltzer

Jul 29, 2025

Edward C. Seltzer Jr., 75, passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2025, with his wife, Kathy, by his side. Ed was a loving father to Hank (Elizabeth) and William Seltzer. He was a proud “Pop” to Vera and Wilson. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Rhonda Zola (Tim) and Erin Williams (Mike), five step-grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. ...

Velma Wirt Walton

Velma Wirt Walton

Jul 29, 2025

Velma Wirt Walton, 98, of Christiansburg, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.H. “Buddy” Walton, Jr; and her parents, Rueben Wirt and Evelyn Pannell Wirt.

Velma is survived by her children, Bob Walton and wife - Emilie, Karen Cunningham and husband – Buddy; four grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law,...

Ronald Wayne Donathan

Ronald Wayne Donathan

Jul 28, 2025

Ronald Wayne Donathan, 78, of Blacksburg, VA, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025. 

Ron, a Vietnam veteran, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966-1969. Ron was a lifetime member-at-large in both the Vietnam Veterans of America and the DAV. 

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce, and 4 children, sons David Gager of Oregon, Jesse and...

Nelson Thomas Williams

Nelson Thomas Williams

Jul 28, 2025

Nelson Thomas Williams, 73 of Hillsville passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025 at his home. Mr. Williams was born in Christiansburg, Virginia to the late Albert and Roxie Thomas Williams. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Thomas Williams and a brother, Richard Williams.

Survivors include his son, James Williams; grandchildren, Kayee...

Wayne Michael Whitaker

Wayne Michael Whitaker

Jul 27, 2025

Wayne Michael (Mike) Whitaker entered the presence of our Heavenly Father in the early hours of July 27, 2025. Mike devoted his life to the service of his Lord and Savior, preaching in Kentucky and Illinois, with most of his time being in the New River Valley. He always said he would be preaching until the Good Lord called him...

Margie Ann Sutphin

Margie Ann Sutphin

Jul 26, 2025

Margie Ann Sutphin, 90 of Pilot, passed away July 26, 2025.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 74 years, Cecil L. Sutphin; children, Gary Sutphin (Janet), Sharon Tayloe (Alan), Rickey Sutphin, Debbie Reed (Joe); 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Margie was a faithful member of Christiansburg Assembly of God. She was an avid Nascar fan. She loved...

Catherine Sue Gillenwater

Catherine Sue Gillenwater

Jul 22, 2025

Catherine Sue Gillenwater "Kathy", 64, of Christiansburg passed away July 22, 2025. 

Preceding her in death are her parents Ralph Smith and Gladys Jennelle; her husband Terry Ray Gillenwater; as well as her stepfather, Orville Jennelle and stepbrother, Danny Whiteneck; her family pet (toy poodle) Peppy Jay (5/23/25).  Family who will forever cherish her memory are son, Matthew Gillenwater; daughter-in-law, Candace...

Phyllis Jean Harless

Phyllis Jean Harless

Jul 19, 2025

Phyllis Jean Harless passed away on July 19th, 2025. She is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Lee Harless; her mother and father, Calvin and Aileen Hurst; father and mother-in-law Paul and Ova Marie Harless; her dear brother-in-law James Moore; brothers, Benny and Danny Hurst; many aunts and uncles including Claude and Rita Newman who were so dear...

Obituaries

Local Obituaries for the Montgomery County Community

Gregory James Sisson

Gregory James Sisson

Aug 17, 2025

Gregory James Sisson, 43, of Shawsville passed away on August 17, 2025 at home. He was one of the kindest souls you will meet.

Gregory was a wonderful, loving, and kind man whose life was a reflection of his deep faith in Christ. He had a servant’s heart, always ready to help others in their time of need. He lived out...

Wanda Yvonne Nix

Wanda Yvonne Nix

Aug 16, 2025

Wanda Yvonne Nix, 70, of Christiansburg passed away the morning of August 16, 2025 at her home.

She graduated from Dublin High School and Radford University. Wanda worked for American Airlines for 24 years and Radford University for another 15 years. She was a member of Community Christian Church in Dublin.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter E. and...

David Gilley

David Gilley

Jul 25, 2025

David Gilley, 78 of Richmond, passed away July 25, 2025. He was born on June 20, 1947, to the late Hardin Gilley and Eleanor Smartt Gilley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Gilley and John Gilley; and nephew, Christopher Gilley.

David is survived by his wife, Janet Rittenhouse Gilley; sisters, Lynn Gilley, Ann...

Sally Hager Cooke

Sally Hager Cooke

Aug 19, 2025

On August 19, 2025, after a courageous 10 month battle with cancer, Sally Hager Cooke passed away at her home, surrounded by those who loved her.

Sally is survived by her three phenomenal daughters: Caroline Edwards, Susannah Edwards, and Georgia Cooke; her partner, Wade Carbaugh; her mother, Faye Myers; her sisters Liz Hager (Phillip Martin) and Susan (Dan) Klein; her brother...

Brenda Joyce Haltom

Brenda Joyce Haltom

Jul 31, 2025

Brenda Joyce Haltom, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in Christiansburg, Virginia. Born on May 9, 1950, in North Carolina, Brenda lived a life characterized by kindness, compassion, and unwavering strength.

Brenda dedicated 24 years to her career at the National Bank of Blacksburg, a commitment that showcased her work ethic and integrity....

Monica Marie Weinzapfel

Monica Marie Weinzapfel

Aug 13, 2025

Monica Marie Weinzapfel, known to the many who love her as “Moni” passed to the other side at her home the evening of August 13, 2025, in the loving care of family and friends.

Monica was born in Evansville, Indiana, June 3 rd , 1952, the daughter of the late Linus “Mac” Weinzapfel and Edith (née Schenk) Weinzapfel Hagan. In addition...

Shirley Ann Ramey

Shirley Ann Ramey

Aug 11, 2025

Shirley Ann Ramey,86, of Christiansburg, VA passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025. She was born in Washington, D.C to the late Joseph Leo and Marie Ellen Gill Rawlings. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Clayton Ramey; sisters, Norma Miles and Janet Labree; nephews, Eric Springer and Mark Miles; son, Danny Boyd Ramey, Sr; and grandson,...

Odell Allan Poff, Jr.

Odell Allan Poff, Jr.

Aug 4, 2025

Odell Allen Poff, Jr. passed away on August 4, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Basham Poff; parents, Odell Allan Poff, Sr. and Edna Poff; siblings, Ralph and Linda.

Odell is survived by his son, Odell Poff and wife, Julie; grandson, Joseph Poff and wife, Malynda.

Odell wrote his own obituary.

On August 4, 2025, I, Odell Allan Poff, Jr.,...

Erma Jean Gallimore

Erma Jean Gallimore

Aug 2, 2025

Erma Jean Thompson Gallimore was born March 4, 1936, in her family home of Floyd, VA. On August 2, 2025, at sunset, she passed peacefully away in her home of Christiansburg, VA. She was 89 years old.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Trigg and Lala Thompson; brothers, Cedric, Glenn, and Russell Thompson; and her sisters, Christine Reed, Betty...

Karen Swenson

Karen Swenson

Aug 1, 2025

Karen Swenson passed away on Friday, August 1 at the age of 73 at her home in Christiansburg, Virginia. Born on November 22, 1951, she was the eldest daughter of S. Don Swenson and Ruth Haight Swenson. She grew up in Utah with her parents and her three younger siblings, and she finished her final year of high school in...

Nora Faye Rakes

Nora Faye Rakes

Jul 31, 2025

Nora Faye Rakes passed away on July 31, 2025. She was a loving mother to her four children. She worked at Montgomery Regional Hospital in the surgical unit for years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hobart & Margaret Rakes; and a sister, Cora Rakes.

Nora is survived by her children, Renee Phelps, Marshall Rakes, Joy Poff (Kevin), and Stanley...

David Lee Gusler

David Lee Gusler

Jul 30, 2025

David Lee Gusler, 40 of Floyd, passed away July 30, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Gusler; grandparents, Wallace and Ruby Gusler, and Anne and Clarence Caldwell; sister, Ruby Anne Gusler; and step-brother, Mark Steven Richards.

David is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Gusler; daughter, Caroline Gusler; mother, Wanda Gusler; father and mother-in-law, Bobby and Lynn Epperly;...

Edward C. Seltzer

Edward C. Seltzer

Jul 29, 2025

Edward C. Seltzer Jr., 75, passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2025, with his wife, Kathy, by his side. Ed was a loving father to Hank (Elizabeth) and William Seltzer. He was a proud “Pop” to Vera and Wilson. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Rhonda Zola (Tim) and Erin Williams (Mike), five step-grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. ...

Velma Wirt Walton

Velma Wirt Walton

Jul 29, 2025

Velma Wirt Walton, 98, of Christiansburg, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.H. “Buddy” Walton, Jr; and her parents, Rueben Wirt and Evelyn Pannell Wirt.

Velma is survived by her children, Bob Walton and wife - Emilie, Karen Cunningham and husband – Buddy; four grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law,...

Ronald Wayne Donathan

Ronald Wayne Donathan

Jul 28, 2025

Ronald Wayne Donathan, 78, of Blacksburg, VA, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025. 

Ron, a Vietnam veteran, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966-1969. Ron was a lifetime member-at-large in both the Vietnam Veterans of America and the DAV. 

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce, and 4 children, sons David Gager of Oregon, Jesse and...

Nelson Thomas Williams

Nelson Thomas Williams

Jul 28, 2025

Nelson Thomas Williams, 73 of Hillsville passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025 at his home. Mr. Williams was born in Christiansburg, Virginia to the late Albert and Roxie Thomas Williams. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Thomas Williams and a brother, Richard Williams.

Survivors include his son, James Williams; grandchildren, Kayee...

Wayne Michael Whitaker

Wayne Michael Whitaker

Jul 27, 2025

Wayne Michael (Mike) Whitaker entered the presence of our Heavenly Father in the early hours of July 27, 2025. Mike devoted his life to the service of his Lord and Savior, preaching in Kentucky and Illinois, with most of his time being in the New River Valley. He always said he would be preaching until the Good Lord called him...

Margie Ann Sutphin

Margie Ann Sutphin

Jul 26, 2025

Margie Ann Sutphin, 90 of Pilot, passed away July 26, 2025.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 74 years, Cecil L. Sutphin; children, Gary Sutphin (Janet), Sharon Tayloe (Alan), Rickey Sutphin, Debbie Reed (Joe); 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Margie was a faithful member of Christiansburg Assembly of God. She was an avid Nascar fan. She loved...

Catherine Sue Gillenwater

Catherine Sue Gillenwater

Jul 22, 2025

Catherine Sue Gillenwater "Kathy", 64, of Christiansburg passed away July 22, 2025. 

Preceding her in death are her parents Ralph Smith and Gladys Jennelle; her husband Terry Ray Gillenwater; as well as her stepfather, Orville Jennelle and stepbrother, Danny Whiteneck; her family pet (toy poodle) Peppy Jay (5/23/25).  Family who will forever cherish her memory are son, Matthew Gillenwater; daughter-in-law, Candace...

Phyllis Jean Harless

Phyllis Jean Harless

Jul 19, 2025

Phyllis Jean Harless passed away on July 19th, 2025. She is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Lee Harless; her mother and father, Calvin and Aileen Hurst; father and mother-in-law Paul and Ova Marie Harless; her dear brother-in-law James Moore; brothers, Benny and Danny Hurst; many aunts and uncles including Claude and Rita Newman who were so dear...