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
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
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
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 Boggs Etheridge
Jan 8, 2026
Kathleen "Jeri" Boggs Etheridge, 96, of Salem, Virginia went to be with her Savior on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
She was born on June 9, 1929, in Pueblo, Colorado to the late Clarence Waverly and Kathleen Taylor Boggs. She was raised in Cumberland County, Virginia and has been a resident of Salem since 1952. She attended West Hampton at the University...
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
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
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
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
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...
Lorell Underwood Mathena
Jan 5, 2026
Lorell Underwood Mathena, 84, of Salem, Virginia, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 5, 2026.
She was born on Thursday, July 17, 1941, in Salem, Virginia, to the late John Andrew and Helen Lucille Underwood.
In addition to her parents, Lorell was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Douglas Mathena; sisters, Frieda Hall and Janie Coffman;...
Vickie Lucas
Jan 4, 2026
Vickie Lucas lived a life marked by kindness, laughter, and deep love for family and friends. Vickie, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
In her spare time, she loved spending time outdoors and attending Grateful Dead concerts, but of all, loving on her beloved grandkids brought her the most joy.
Vickie was preceded in...
Rebecca Kelley
Jan 3, 2026
Rebecca Altice “Becky” Kelley died peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the age of 90.
Survived by her children, Jerry Kelley (Patty Givan), Michael Kelley (Kathy Kelley), Patricia Kelley Trail (Michael Trail), and Jeffrey Kelley (Shannon Kelley); grandchildren Ashley Karunaratne (Nilan Karunaratne), Andrew Kelley (Emily Rogers-Kelley), Megan Trevett (Joshua Trevett), Benjamin Kelley (Haleigh Kelley), Morgan Kelley, and Emily Kelley; great-grandchildren, Madison...
Mary Britts
Jan 2, 2026
Mary Ellen Lamb Britts, 86, of Salem, Va., passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026.On a cold Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m., the only child of the late Giles W. (Talley) Lamb and Ella Surber Lamb arrived at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Pearisburg, Va. The baby girl was named Mary Ellen for both of her grandmothers, Mary Brown Surber and...
John Ward Markell
Jan 1, 2026
John Ward Markell, 82, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on January 1, 2026. Arrangements are with John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, Salem, Va.
Gloria Huffman Hopkins
Jan 1, 2026
Gloria Jean Hopkins, 78, of Roanoke, VA, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Born on Sunday, April 27, 1947, to the late James Washington Huffman and Maxine Venable Huffman.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Gene, Michael, and Daniel.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Melanie, Michael (Nicole), and Kelly; her brother, James; and...
Gloria Mounts
Jan 1, 2026
Gloria Conner Mounts, 76, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026. She was born on September 19, 1949, in Salem, Virginia, daughter to Bertie R. Conner and the late Roy A. Conner. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Danny A. Conner and Melvin L. Conner; and a sister, Darlene Yates.
...
Diane Wing
Dec 31, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Diane Bute Wing, who went home to be with the Lord on December 31st, 2025. Diane passed peacefully at home, with her children by her side.
Diane was born to the late Gordon Taylor Bute and Velzora Ellen Hagelin Bute on March 10th, 1957 in Illinois, and later made...
Frances Weeks
Dec 30, 2025
Frances Linda Weeks, of Salem, Va., peacefully passed away at South Roanoke Nursing Home on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Frances worked in her mother's nursing home. She was a devoted wife and mom. She was a fun fun person! She loved to entertain friends and family at her home and the beautiful swimming pool she had. She loved going to...
Kenneth Paitsel
Dec 29, 2025
Kenneth “Kenny” James Paitsel, Sr., 81, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 29, 2025. He was born on July 11,1944, to the late James and Alva Paitsel in Craig County. Kenny retired from Pepsi Co. and was an avid sportsman. He adored his family. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death...

