Mary Ellen 'Chicken' Laprad

Mary Ellen Chicken LaPrad, 87, of New Castle, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2011. She was born on September 19, 1923 in Roanoke County; a daughter of the late Mark and Ora Wimmer. She was a member of Mountain View Christian Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ephraim LaPrad; seven brothers, George, Mark, Tom, Ervin, John, Billy, and Earl; one sister, Margaret; and one dear sister-in-law, Alice Wimmer. She is survived by two daughters, Margaret Aldridge and her husband Dennis of Salem; Claudia Huffman and her husband William of New Castle; two sons, David LaPrad, and ME LaPrad of New Castle; adopted daughter Diane Hill of Salem; two sisters, Lillian Wells and Joyce Long; one brother, Alan Wimmer; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who dearly loved her, also survive. She will also be truly missed by her dear friends, John, and Linda Lee. Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Thursday, April 14, 2011 in the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son. The Rev. Jim Morris will officiate. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 to 4PM, Wednesday, (Today) April 13, 2011 and for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, and Cremation Services is serving the LaPrad family, (540) 389-5441.