Patricia Phipps Cheek

Patricia Phipps Cheek, aged 72 years and one day, departed this life on May 14, 2012 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, attended by her loving daughter-in law. She was born to Thomas French and Annie Francis Thomas Phipps, in Forsyth County, On May 13, 1940. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her sister Janet Owen; and her beloved son Gary Alan Cheek. She was the eldest of four sisters and, in time, became the family matriarch in every way.

Her life was devoted to service in all her endeavors. She always held herself accountable to a higher standard, both personally and professionally. She held a BSN and was a valued employee of Wake Forest Baptist Health and a clinical nursing instructor for Forsyth Technical Community College. Her dedication and love of nursing and teaching never failed to leave a lasting impression on every patient, co-worker and student who came to her care or attention. Many charities benefited from her generous support, as well as her childhood church, Cox’s Chapel, in Grayson County, Va. She considered it an honorable duty to care for the sick and elderly, family, friend and neighbor.

Her life was filled with the simple pleasures she valued; home and family, love and laughter, great food and music. Her legacy to her family and friends is of a life that is rich with the memories of her childhood in the Blue Ridge Mountains with its history and traditions that were so dear to her.
These same values were handed down to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the age- old tradition of her parents and theirs before them. Her love of the earth was reflected in her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, whose bounty she was ever willing to share.

Whether you knew her as Ms. Cheek, Pat, Aunt Pat, MaPat or Mama, you knew a kind and giving lady with a heart as big as the mountains she loved. Remaining behind to cherish her memory and legacy are her sisters Janice Head and Jacqueline Phipps, daughter Leigh Ann Cheek, son Kenneth W. Cheek, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life and memory was held on May 28 at Cox’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Mouth of Wilson, VA
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cox’s Chapel Cemetery Fund, 3747 River Bend Rd. Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.

Ross Dean Richardson

Ross Dean Richardson, age 86, quietly and peacefully went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 9, 2012. He was born April 27, 1926 in Whitehead to the late Ross Emmett and Mabel Estep Richardson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Alda Richardson Hayhurst.
He lived out his life in the Whitehead Community he loved. We celebrate this life well lived, the life of a kind, loving and shinning light. Dean, as he was known, took Jesus’ instruction to love one another, seriously. He was generous beyond measure to all who came through his life. He loved his God, his family, the mountains and the people without reservation. Dean was the greatest ambassador for the Blue Ridge Parkway. He was a man of peace, laughter and reverence. He stood in awe of the Creator and His creation, every day. The love, admiration and respect shown him by the people of this community were merely the return of what he gave them, every day in every way possible. What a testimony, what a wonderful example of what we all aspire in some small way to achieve. He will live forever, a treasured memory in many hearts.

He is survived by his wife he adored for 58 years, Betty Beard Richardson of the home; two daughters and a son-in-law, Dena R. and Greg Alspaugh of Lawndale and Milly B. Richardson of Sparta; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Ross E. Richardson II and B.J. Dowell of Sparta and John B. and Frani Richardson of Sparta; one grandson and fiancé, Joe B. McMeans and Ashleigh Franks of Greensboro; and his step-grandchildren and spouses, Jody and Nesie Mabe of Sparta, and Brian and Sandy Kinsey, Lee Edwards and Cole and Cassidy Edwards, all of the Bahamas; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Irene R. Wagner and Wilma R. Foster, both of Sparta and Carol R. and Bert Sellers of Wendell his nieces and nephews, Allen and Robin Wagner, Ross Wagner, Tim and Gail Sellers, Debbie and Donnie Turner, Kathryn Foster, Steve Hayden, Jesse Lamm and Ron and JoAnn Hayhurst; and all his beloved animals and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services were conducted May 12 at First Baptist Church in Sparta with burial in Liberty Missionary Baptist Church cemetery in Sparta with full military rites conducted by Bruce Wayne Osborne Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7034.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Irene Wagner, 5839 Pine Swamp Road, Sparta, NC 29675.
Grandview Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Ethel Marie Kegley

Ethel Marie Kegley, age 85, of Galax, Va., died Monday, April 23, 2012 at Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax. She was born in Maryland on Nov. 7, 1926 to the late Roy and Lela Anderson McMeans. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Fred Kegley; and a son-in-law, Gary Plant.

She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Judy Plant and Janice and Gary Lineberry, all of Galax; her grandchildren and spouses, Tammy and Hobert Bailey, Jon and Mary Plant, Ginny Plant, Ashley Lineberry and Sara and Darren Hanks; her great-grandchildren, Garrett Bailey, Gavin Bailey, Molly Plant and Madisyn Hanks; two half-sisters and spouses, Ruth and Hugh Halsey of Glade Valley and Shirley and Joe Frances; a half-brother and spouse, Pete and Verna McMeans of Sparta; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were conducted April 25 at Mount Vale United Methodist Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Jeff Callahan and the Rev. Rick Lindamood officiated.

Ethel Fowler Gambill

Ethel Fowler Gambill, age 85, of Sparta, died Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Alleghany Memorial Hospital in Sparta. She was born in Ashe County April 10, 1927 to the late Dewey and Bessie Hurley Fowler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Joe Gambill; three brothers, Bill Fowler, Rex Fowler and Carl Fowler; and two sisters, Hazel Dean McGrady and Gladys Gilliam.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Lee Gambill of the home; one daughter-in-law, Susie Gambill of Sparta; two grandsons and a spouse, Greg and Jill Gambill and Brad Gambill, all of Sparta; one granddaughter, Kristen Gambill of Wilmington; two great-grandchildren, Hope Gambill and Zoe Gambill, both of Sparta; two sisters, Dallas Crouse of Sparta and Lillie Miller of Maryland; and two brothers, Howard Fowler of South Carolina and Frank Fowler of Maryland.

Funeral services were conducted May 5 at Grandview Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Elk Creek Primitive Baptist Church cemetery in Sparta.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Elk Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Bobbie Duncan, 4899 US Hwy 21 N, Sparta, NC 28675.

Anna Lou Adams

Anna Lou Adams, age 89, of Independence, Va., died Sunday 29, 2012 at her residence. She was born March 10, 1923 to the late John and Edith Bobbitt in Independence. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Barney Caviness Sr.; a son, Barney Caviness Jr.; two sisters; and five brothers.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Harold Dean and Bertha Caviness of Independence; two daughters and a son-in-law, Shirley Anderson of Sparta and Barbara and Jimmy Halsey of Independence; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a special caregiver, Jimmy Smith; a special daughter-in-law, Jane McMillon; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was conducted May 3 at Buck Mountain Baptist Church in Independence.

Grace Gentry Woodruff

Grace Gentry Woodruff, age 97 and a resident of Brookridge Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, passed away April 26, 2012 at the Palliative Care Unit at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem. Born Sept. 13, 1914 to the late Charles and Delia Gentry, Grace lived most of her life in Glade Valley, a part of Alleghany County, North Carolina. Grace was one of 13 children and growing up was a very strong student and athlete particularly in basketball at Glade Valley School. On Oct. 12, 1935, she married Paul Woodruff, who preceded her in death on Aug. 4, 2001. 
In 1939, she professed her hope in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grace spent her life as an incredible homemaker and gardener, active member in her church and community and was known for her professional housekeeping services. She was an avid reader; her talents also included quilting, crocheting, and fishing. Grace’s favorite memories were in the mountains spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed gathering at church and the Cherry Lane Community building for potluck dinners or on the porch of her home for a glass of lemonade. What great stories she would share on a Sunday drive of family and friends growing up together in Glade Valley. She was one of the most competitive card players when friends got together to play a game of Rook®. Grace’s other favorite memories were traveling to the beach in the fall with Paul and other relatives.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by seven brothers and three sisters. Carol Woodruff, a daughter-in-law, also preceded her in death.

Grace is survived by five children and their spouses, Ruby and Adron Woodruff of Lewisville; Frank Woodruff of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Clara and Ken Pruitt of Winston-Salem, Norma and Clayton Brooks of Clemmons and Pauline and Bruce Shepherd of Lewisville. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apples of Grace’s eye. She looked forward to their visits, and she shared her talents and competitive spirit with them that will live on in generations to come. 

The following grandchildren and their spouses survive, Dan and Cecilia Woodruff of Aventura, Fla., Catherine and Dale Stancil of Winston-Salem; Matt and Jennifer Hagen of Morehead City, Steve and Elizabeth Brooks of Sparta, Janet and James Carnell of London, England, Jon and Karyn Shepherd of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Megan and Bob Berlinger of Winston-Salem. Seven great grandchildren and one due in June also survive.  Louise Friddle of Greensboro and Joann Pendry of Lakeland, Fla. are surviving sisters. Opal Gentry of Plant City, Fla., Laura Gentry of Arden, Jean Gentry of North Wilkesboro and Lois Gentry of Glade Valley are surviving sister-in-laws. Many nieces and nephews also survive. 

Funeral services were conducted at Grandview Memorial Funeral Home April 29 with burial in Woodruff Cemetery in Glade Valley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

Grace Woodruff will be remembered for her hard working, resourceful, full of life spirit that made the most of life while caring for those around her. She loved the Lord and her family. Her laughter will be heard long after she has left this earth.

Patsy Gail Wingler

Patsy Gail Wingler, age 64, of Wilkesboro and formerly of Alleghany County, died Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at her residence. She was born June 18, 1947 in Iredell County to the late Harry and Pansy Stoker Wingler.

She is survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Wayne Beck of Winston-Salem; two nephews and spouses, Kevin and Zareen Beck of Raleigh and Christopher and Tammy Beck of Lexington; one niece and spouse, Tamyra and Vaden Allen of Kernersville; four aunts and spouses, Doris Stoker, Loraine Stoker and Wanda and Junior Higgins, all of Sparta, and Virginia and Lester Jenkins of North Wilkesboro; and an uncle, Curt Wingler of North Wilkesboro.

A graveside service was conducted April 26 at Glade Valley Presbyterian Church cemetery in Glade Valley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Glade Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Susan Thomas, 3763 Chestnut Grove Church Rd., Sparta, NC 28675.
Grandview Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Huffman Viers

Mary Huffman Viers, age 71, of Laurel Springs, died Monday, April 23, 2012 at her residence. She was born in Ashe County June 23, 1940 to the late Lamar Sheets and Marie Huffman.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ray Viers; three sons and daughters-in-law, Johnny and Debbie Viers of Laurel Springs, David and Linda Viers of Columbus, N.C. and Michael and Diane Viers of West Jefferson; three daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Donny Cozart and Jennifer and Freddie Calhoun, all of Crumpler and Sandra and Tim Hamm of Lansing; one brother, Clarence Hitchcock of Havre de Grace, Md.; three sisters, Shelby Graham of Rising Sun, Md., Betty Parsons of Statesville and Shirley Workman of Havre de Grace; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were conducted April 26 at Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel in West Jefferson with burial in Bare cemetery. The Rev. Roger Blevins, the Rev. Lonnie Pruitt and the Rev. David Greer officiated.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family at Boone Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 789, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or to High County Hospice of Alleghany, P.O. Box 1287, Sparta, NC 28675.

Wanda Choate Strauss

Wanda Choate Strauss of Raleigh and formerly of Sparta, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012. She was born in Sparta to the late Andrew Vance Choate and Rebecca Osborne Choate. She was a member of the White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by a daughter, Diane Strauss Roby of Statesville; a son, Donald Choate Strauss of Statesville; three grandchildren; and three-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was conducted April 28 at Sparta cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to White Memorial Church, 1704 Oberlin Rd., Raleigh, NC 27608; the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27615 or Springmoor Endowment Fund, 1500 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615. Online condolences can be made at www.brownwynnemillbrook.com.

Pern Lloyd Edwards

Pern Lloyd Edwards, age 80, of Sparta, died Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury. He was born in Alleghany County April 27, 1931 to the late Bert and Ruth Morris Edwards. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Retha Lee Choate Edwards.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Percy L. and Wanda Edwards of Sparta and William Lebrun Edwards of Seattle, Wash.; one brother, Parlan Lawrence Edwards of San Diego, Calif.; a special friend, Dorothy Caudill of Sparta; and one grandson and spouse, David and Sandy Edwards of Charlottesville, Va.

A celebration of life graveside service was conducted April 27 at Union cemetery in the Whitehead community of Sparta.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Cemetery Fund, c/o Dewey Hoppers, P.O. Box 385, Sparta, NC 28675.
Grandview Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.