Local Obituaries for  Montgomery County Community

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...

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...

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...

Mark Lawrence Ryan

Mark Lawrence Ryan

Jul 18, 2025

Mark Lawrence Ryan was a great man, a great husband and a great father. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 20, 1954. While he was born in a large city, he grew up and lived in the village of Grantsburg, Wisconsin, population 1,067 not counting the herds of cows and 23 horses. Mark was the third of seven...

Paul James Whittemore

Paul James Whittemore

Jul 17, 2025

Paul James Whittemore, 90 passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Please check back for a full obituary.

Jessica Rae Meredith

Jessica Rae Meredith

Jul 10, 2025

Jessica Rae Meredith, better known to many as Jessie or Jess, was born on March 5, 1989; and  gracefully and peacefully gained her wings in her home in Riner, Va. on July 10, 2025.

Jessica was reunited in heaven with her grandparents Hestle and Dorothy Akers, Mr. & Mrs. Winford Meredith, Aunt Dookie (Loretta Marshall, Uncle Buck (Akers) and special cousins...

Jerry Mason Lytton

Jerry Mason Lytton

Jul 9, 2025

Jerry Mason Lytton born on March 16th, 1937 in McDowell County, West Virginia to Mason Howard Lytton and Gladys Gravely Lytton.

Preceded in death by loving wife Loretta Mills Lytton, daughter Alicia Gaye and great grandson Evan Tucker Lytton, siblings Bettie Cox, James Gordon Lytton and Alice Scott.

Left to cherish his memory are sons Derek Lytton, Marvin and Joseph (Joe) Lytton...

Billy Wayne Shepherd Sr.

Billy Wayne Shepherd Sr.

Jul 8, 2025

Billy Wayne Shepherd, Sr 83 of Salem received his reward when he entered the gates of heaven on July 8, 2025, after a long, hard fought battle with illness. Born on June 10, 1942, Billy lived a life filled with purpose, integrity, and a deep love for his family and community.

Billy dedicated thirty years of his life to Yokohama, where...

Marleen Davis Fisher Cox

Marleen Davis Fisher Cox

Jul 3, 2025

Marleen Davis Fisher Cox, 77 of Christiansburg passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Alvin B. Davis and Margaret E. Jones; along with several siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Teresa Fisher Taylor (Donald); son, Jeff Caldwell; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Gloria Smith, Martha Alderman, Gladys Lorene Cooper, and...

Carolyn Louise Fox Hall

Carolyn Louise Fox Hall

Jul 2, 2025

Carolyn Louise Fox Hall, 82, of Christiansburg VA went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 2, 2025. Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Graham V. Hall, her son Dale Ray Hall, her parents Leon A. Fox and Ruby L. Fox, brothers, David L. Fox, Jack E. Fox, Larry D. Fox, and Timothy...

Robert Dale Duncan

Robert Dale Duncan

Jul 2, 2025

Robert Dale Duncan, 76, of Christiansburg went to be with the Lord having being a faithful servant for 40 plus years on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Dale was born in Radford, VA on October 17, 1948 to the late Asa W. and Carrie Virginia Showalter Duncan. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Loretta Faye Ford.

Left to cherish his...

Barbara Poff

Barbara Poff

Jul 1, 2025

Barbara Jean Basham, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away July 1, 2025. Born January 9, 1940, in Shawsville, she was the only child of the late Clifford Gilmore Basham and Agnes Kirby Basham.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, John Thomas Basham and Alma Hodges Basham; and her maternal grandparents, Joseph...

Earnestine Slusher Spencer

Earnestine Slusher Spencer

Jun 26, 2025

Earnestine Slusher Spencer, 83 of Christiansburg, passed away June 26, 2025. She was born on November 2, 1941, to the late Velmer and Mary Bell Slusher. Also preceding her in death were her beloved husband of 59 years, Junior Spencer; sisters, Frances Keith, Doris Kitts, Lucille Bolding, Ida Mae Moses; and brother, Kenneth Slusher.

Earnestine is survived by her sister, Pauline...

Matthew Patrick Epperly

Matthew Patrick Epperly

Jun 24, 2025

Matthew Patrick Epperly, 63, of Christiansburg, passed away on June 24, 2025. Matt was born on August 15, 1961. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother Michael Epperly, his grandmother Minnie Pearl Epperly, and his father Donald Epperly.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Sandra Smith; his stepfather Rodney Smith; his sister Jennifer Gray; and his cherished nieces Kylee...

Odie Songer

Odie Songer

Jun 23, 2025

After 10 long and brave years of battling dementia, Odie gained his wings peacefully in his sleep, with a smile on his face, surrounded by his wife, Debbie, and his special dog, Ginger Bug. Odie spent 58 years and three generations at Wade’s Supermarket. He enjoyed his customers and his lifelong friends. His love was evident in the many friends...

Obituaries

Local Obituaries for the Montgomery County Community

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...

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...

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...

Mark Lawrence Ryan

Mark Lawrence Ryan

Jul 18, 2025

Mark Lawrence Ryan was a great man, a great husband and a great father. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 20, 1954. While he was born in a large city, he grew up and lived in the village of Grantsburg, Wisconsin, population 1,067 not counting the herds of cows and 23 horses. Mark was the third of seven...

Paul James Whittemore

Paul James Whittemore

Jul 17, 2025

Paul James Whittemore, 90 passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Please check back for a full obituary.

Jessica Rae Meredith

Jessica Rae Meredith

Jul 10, 2025

Jessica Rae Meredith, better known to many as Jessie or Jess, was born on March 5, 1989; and  gracefully and peacefully gained her wings in her home in Riner, Va. on July 10, 2025.

Jessica was reunited in heaven with her grandparents Hestle and Dorothy Akers, Mr. & Mrs. Winford Meredith, Aunt Dookie (Loretta Marshall, Uncle Buck (Akers) and special cousins...

Jerry Mason Lytton

Jerry Mason Lytton

Jul 9, 2025

Jerry Mason Lytton born on March 16th, 1937 in McDowell County, West Virginia to Mason Howard Lytton and Gladys Gravely Lytton.

Preceded in death by loving wife Loretta Mills Lytton, daughter Alicia Gaye and great grandson Evan Tucker Lytton, siblings Bettie Cox, James Gordon Lytton and Alice Scott.

Left to cherish his memory are sons Derek Lytton, Marvin and Joseph (Joe) Lytton...

Billy Wayne Shepherd Sr.

Billy Wayne Shepherd Sr.

Jul 8, 2025

Billy Wayne Shepherd, Sr 83 of Salem received his reward when he entered the gates of heaven on July 8, 2025, after a long, hard fought battle with illness. Born on June 10, 1942, Billy lived a life filled with purpose, integrity, and a deep love for his family and community.

Billy dedicated thirty years of his life to Yokohama, where...

Marleen Davis Fisher Cox

Marleen Davis Fisher Cox

Jul 3, 2025

Marleen Davis Fisher Cox, 77 of Christiansburg passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents Alvin B. Davis and Margaret E. Jones; along with several siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Teresa Fisher Taylor (Donald); son, Jeff Caldwell; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Gloria Smith, Martha Alderman, Gladys Lorene Cooper, and...

Carolyn Louise Fox Hall

Carolyn Louise Fox Hall

Jul 2, 2025

Carolyn Louise Fox Hall, 82, of Christiansburg VA went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 2, 2025. Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Graham V. Hall, her son Dale Ray Hall, her parents Leon A. Fox and Ruby L. Fox, brothers, David L. Fox, Jack E. Fox, Larry D. Fox, and Timothy...

Robert Dale Duncan

Robert Dale Duncan

Jul 2, 2025

Robert Dale Duncan, 76, of Christiansburg went to be with the Lord having being a faithful servant for 40 plus years on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Dale was born in Radford, VA on October 17, 1948 to the late Asa W. and Carrie Virginia Showalter Duncan. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Loretta Faye Ford.

Left to cherish his...

Barbara Poff

Barbara Poff

Jul 1, 2025

Barbara Jean Basham, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away July 1, 2025. Born January 9, 1940, in Shawsville, she was the only child of the late Clifford Gilmore Basham and Agnes Kirby Basham.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, John Thomas Basham and Alma Hodges Basham; and her maternal grandparents, Joseph...

Earnestine Slusher Spencer

Earnestine Slusher Spencer

Jun 26, 2025

Earnestine Slusher Spencer, 83 of Christiansburg, passed away June 26, 2025. She was born on November 2, 1941, to the late Velmer and Mary Bell Slusher. Also preceding her in death were her beloved husband of 59 years, Junior Spencer; sisters, Frances Keith, Doris Kitts, Lucille Bolding, Ida Mae Moses; and brother, Kenneth Slusher.

Earnestine is survived by her sister, Pauline...

Matthew Patrick Epperly

Matthew Patrick Epperly

Jun 24, 2025

Matthew Patrick Epperly, 63, of Christiansburg, passed away on June 24, 2025. Matt was born on August 15, 1961. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother Michael Epperly, his grandmother Minnie Pearl Epperly, and his father Donald Epperly.

Matthew is survived by his mother, Sandra Smith; his stepfather Rodney Smith; his sister Jennifer Gray; and his cherished nieces Kylee...

Odie Songer

Odie Songer

Jun 23, 2025

After 10 long and brave years of battling dementia, Odie gained his wings peacefully in his sleep, with a smile on his face, surrounded by his wife, Debbie, and his special dog, Ginger Bug. Odie spent 58 years and three generations at Wade’s Supermarket. He enjoyed his customers and his lifelong friends. His love was evident in the many friends...