Maralee Ann Bishop

Maralee Ann Bishop, 80, of Christiansburg, passed away on June 14, 2015, at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center with her family by her side.

Maralee was born in Floyd County on October 8, 1934, to the late Charles Herman Bishop and Nellie Kent Lester Bishop.

During her childhood, she and her siblings worked the family’s dairy and tobacco farm, teaching her the values of working hard and appreciating the little things in life, which in turn, she instilled in her own children. Maralee attended Alum Ridge School in 1939 and went on to graduate from Floyd County High School. Soon after, she would meet her future husband and begin a family of her own.

On October 31, 1954, she married Clifford E. “Buddy” Bishop. Together they raised four children. During this time, Maralee attended New River Community College where she received a degree in business administration.

Maralee worked at Virginia Tech in dining services with 27 years of service before her health forced her to retire in 2007. During some of those 27 years, she also worked third shift every weekend at English Meadow Retirement Home. She loved her residents, as much as they loved her. Upon her retirement from VT, the impact she had on the students and her co-workers was made well known when she was presented with an apron signed by all the VT football players and coaches, including Frank Beamer. She was an avid Hokie and loved the music of Elton John as well as any movie with Denzel Washington in it. She was also a faithful member of Park United Methodist Church.

Momma handled difficulties and adversity without complaint. We’ve seen her handle the joys and successful moments of life with grace and humility. She was a patient, caring and kind woman who taught her children not to give up when things got tough, or when life didn’t work out the way we expected. We would often find her reading her Bible and praying. She would take her children to church every Sunday that she could. She received her determination and strength from God, because He is always faithful. We will miss you tremendously, but we know, without a doubt, we will see you again. You can rest now Momma.

Maralee was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Buddy; her granddaughter, Whitney Leanne Nunley; and her sister, Elsie Linkous. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia B. Whitaker and husband Jim, Wanda B. Wade and husband Greg; sons, Steven E. Bishop and wife PJ, and James C. Bishop and wife Sheila; grandchildren, Beth Lancaster (Derrick), Matthew and Jordan Bishop, Rachel B. Altizer (Daniel), Ellie Wade, and Grayce Bishop; great-granddaughters, Cassie, Jacey, and Molly Lancaster; brothers, Larry Bishop (Beulah), and Fred Bishop; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Our family would like to thank Montgomery Dialysis Center, Dr. Sklar and all of the staff, and Dr. Sarah Bradford and Carilion Family Medicine, as well as the Christiansburg Rescue Squad. Last, but not least, the staff on the Surgical Floor at CNRVMC, Dr. Diane Eugenio, nurses Amanda, Rebecca, Heather, Michelle, Amber, Rose, and Megan. You all made, not only her last days peaceful, but the comfort you gave our family will never be forgotten.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Park United Methodist Church, with Pastor Pat Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation of VA, 5001 W. Broad St. #217, Richmond, VA 23230, or to the Neighborhood Sonshine Club, c/o Park UMC, 306 Park St., Christiansburg, VA 24073.