Ella Garst

Ella Garst

Jan 24, 2026

(Ella) Jean Wright Garst was with her children when she departed for her heavenly home on Saturday, January 24, 2026.She was born in 1939 to Leonard A. Wright and Irene L. Wright. She spent her early years in Salem, Va., before marrying her husband of 57 years, Wayne C. Garst, who predeceased her in 2018. She and Wayne enjoyed living...

Norma Williams

Norma Williams

Jan 23, 2026

Norma Beth Cooper Williams, of Roanoke County, Va., went peacefully into the arms of Jesus, days after her 89th birthday on Friday, January 23, 2026.Born on January 19, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Martha and Pete Cooper, Norma was known as "Little Pete" to those who knew her as a child.She is survived by her husband, Charles...

Matthew Melvin

Matthew Melvin

Jan 20, 2026

Matthew Guy Melvin, 40, of Roanoke, Virginia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Matthew was the life of the party, or any gathering, for that matter. He always had a good time, no matter what he was doing and who he was with. No matter the circumstances, he always had to have...

Thomas Wooldridge

Thomas Wooldridge

Jan 19, 2026

Thomas Wordie Wooldridge, better known as "Tom," passed away on January 19, 2026, at the age of 80. Those who have gone before him are his parents, Wordie and Cathryn Wooldridge; his first wife, Kathy Wooldridge; and his beloved son, Chris Wooldridge, with whom he missed dearly and is now reunited.

Tom spent 38 years at CMC Supply, continuing to work even after...

Clayton Hannah

Clayton Hannah

Jan 19, 2026

~ Clayton's Last Walk ~ 

This walk has been with his loving son, Marvin Ray Lynch and wife, Sheli. Clayton was able to get to know his 3 grandchildren: Cori Moss, Krys Lynch and wife, Kimmi, and Ciara Lee and husband, Cameron. Most importantly, he was able to meet and know his great-grandson, Chandler Ray Lynch (8 yrs old). Each time...

George Seymour

George Seymour

Jan 18, 2026

George Marvin Seymour peacefully passed away in his home on January 18th, 2026, at the age of 85. George was originally from Elizabeth City, NC and held close family ties with that area for his entire lifetime. He relocated to Roanoke, VA, in 1967, where he began teaching music within the Roanoke County School System. He and Glenda married in...

Lillian Lambert Harrison

Lillian Lambert Harrison

Jan 18, 2026

Lillian Lambert Harrison, 93 of Salem, Virginia, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Born on Wednesday, April 27, 1932, in McDowell County, West Virginia, to the late George Irvin Lambert and Wancy Mae Sells Lambert.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband for 79 years, Willard...

Deanna "Teensy" Simmons Stepp

Deanna "Teensy" Simmons Stepp

Jan 16, 2026

Deanna “Teensy” Simmons Stepp, 65, of Salem, VA, and formerly of Eagle Rock, VA, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on Thursday, September 22, 1960, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to Phyllis Reynolds and the late Donald Simmons.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hobart & Geneva Patterson...

Judith Simpson Lienhardt

Judith Simpson Lienhardt

Jan 15, 2026

Judith Simpson Lienhardt, 73, of Salem, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She was born on Friday, August 29, 1952, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to the late Clyde James and Sabra Musgrove Simpson, Sr.

She was a member of the General James Breckinridge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a lifetime member of...

Willard Craighead

Willard Craighead

Jan 10, 2026

Willard Lee Craighead, known to everyone as "Mulie," passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by faith, hard work, and quiet kindness. To those who loved him most, he was also Papa, Sir Pops, and Sir, names that reflected the deep affection and respect he earned throughout his life.

Born on November 29, 1949, Mulie...

Virginia Chisom

Virginia Chisom

Jan 10, 2026

Virginia W. Chisom, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed peacefully on January 10, 2026, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of love, joy and devotion to her family. She was a woman full of life, grace and warmth, whose presence brightened every room she entered.

Born on January 30, 1934, to the late Richard Taylor Wilson and Maude...

Carol Sarchenko

Carol Sarchenko

Jan 9, 2026

Carol Ann Higgins Sarchenko, 79, of Roanoke, Virginia, was called home one day before her 80th birthday, on January 9, 2026. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., to the late Raymond and Charlotte Juszkiewiez Higgins, she is also preceded in death by her husband, George Sarchenko.

Carol loved the beach. She loved the sunshine, salty air, crashing waves and the peace, relaxation...

Brenda Hayth

Brenda Hayth

Jan 8, 2026

Brenda Harrell Hayth, 81, of Salem and Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away on January 8, 2026. She is survived by her husband, John Hayth; her daughter, Wendy Hayth-Perdue; her son-in-law, James "Jimmy" Perdue; and her two grandchildren, Natalie and Christopher Perdue.

Born on April 25, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Brenda was the daughter of Melvin and Camille Harrell. She grew up...

Kathleen Etheridge

Kathleen Etheridge

Jan 8, 2026

**Funeral services originally planned for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at CommUnity Church, Salem, has been postponed due to inclement weather. While the date is of now undetermined, once decided, we will update our website when a service date is confirmed.**

Kathleen "Jeri" Boggs Etheridge, 96, of Salem, Virginia went to be with her Savior on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

She was born...

Carlton Saunders

Carlton Saunders

Jan 7, 2026

Carlton R. Saunders, age 75, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on January 7, 2026. He was born on January 17, 1950, in Roanoke, Va. to the late William Ray Saunders and Louise Rebecca Overstreet Saunders and preceded in death by his brother William Melton "Mel" Saunders. Carlton is survived by his loving wife and partner in life of 37 years,...

Ola Jane Cox Painter

Ola Jane Cox Painter

Jan 7, 2026

Ola Jane Cox Painter, 86, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Ola was born to the late Nellie Gray Kanode Cox and Raymond Lee Cox in Botetourt, Va., on Sunday, March 26, 1939. She had a passion for gardening and took pride in the beautiful plants she tended. Ola’s grandchildren, Ryan and Audrey,...

William Craft

William Craft

Jan 6, 2026

William Graham Craft, 74, of Salem, Va., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. A complete obituary will appear here shortly.

Thomas Edward Custer

Thomas Edward Custer

Jan 5, 2026

Thomas Edward Custer, known affectionately as Tommy, passed away on January 5, 2026, in Roanoke, Virginia, at the age of 68. 

Born on June 18, 1957, in Roanoke, VA, he was the beloved son of the late Robert and Hazel Custer. Tommy was a fun-loving and free-spirited individual whose generosity and kindness earned him the admiration and friendship of many. He...

Dreama Abbott

Dreama Abbott

Jan 5, 2026

Dreama Ruth Bryant Abbott, 71, went to be with family in heaven on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Dreama was born to the late Earl Raymond Bryant and Ramona Ellen Sowers Bryant on Sunday, August 29, 1954. Her life was marked by kindness, compassion, and love. Dreama had a special appreciation for the beauty of flowers, and she loved animals, particularly...