Local Obituaries for  Montgomery County Community

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...

Edward Carter Turner, Jr

Edward Carter Turner, Jr

Aug 21, 2025

Edward Carter Turner, Jr. (Ned), of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on December 17, 1933, in Lynnhaven, Virginia to Mary Foster Turner and Edward Carter Turner, Sr., Ned lived a life marked by quiet strength, devotion to family, and service to his community.

A proud graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI),...

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...

Robert Wayne Jones

Robert Wayne Jones

Aug 18, 2025

Robert Wayne Jones (Bob) of Riner, Virginia passed peacefully at his home Monday, August 18, 2025. Robert was born in Galax, Virginia on October 8, 1947. He was a devoted husband and father. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Rebecca Norris Jones (Becky), his parents, John Wayne and Hedi Jo Liddle Jones and his...

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....

Kenneth Allen Altizer

Kenneth Allen Altizer

Aug 22, 2025

Kenneth Allen Altizer, passed away on August 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on September 3, 1931, Kenneth was a native of Christiansburg, where he spent over six decades.

Kenneth dedicated his career to serving VDOT in a maintenance role lasting over 30 years. He attended Willis High School.

Kenneth was an avid bowler, enjoying the sport well into his...

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...

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...

Obituaries

Local Obituaries for the Montgomery County Community

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...

Edward Carter Turner, Jr

Edward Carter Turner, Jr

Aug 21, 2025

Edward Carter Turner, Jr. (Ned), of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on December 17, 1933, in Lynnhaven, Virginia to Mary Foster Turner and Edward Carter Turner, Sr., Ned lived a life marked by quiet strength, devotion to family, and service to his community.

A proud graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI),...

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...

Robert Wayne Jones

Robert Wayne Jones

Aug 18, 2025

Robert Wayne Jones (Bob) of Riner, Virginia passed peacefully at his home Monday, August 18, 2025. Robert was born in Galax, Virginia on October 8, 1947. He was a devoted husband and father. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Rebecca Norris Jones (Becky), his parents, John Wayne and Hedi Jo Liddle Jones and his...

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....

Kenneth Allen Altizer

Kenneth Allen Altizer

Aug 22, 2025

Kenneth Allen Altizer, passed away on August 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on September 3, 1931, Kenneth was a native of Christiansburg, where he spent over six decades.

Kenneth dedicated his career to serving VDOT in a maintenance role lasting over 30 years. He attended Willis High School.

Kenneth was an avid bowler, enjoying the sport well into his...

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...

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...