Obituaries - Jan. 14, 2009

Jason Collin Aigeldinger

Jason Collin Aigeldinger, 32, of Madison Heights, died Dec. 14 in Amherst County.

Born June 11, 1976, in Lynchburg, he was the son of Charles William and Rosemary Strickland Aigeldinger. Jason was a graduate of Amherst County High School and was an assistant store manager with Food Lion.

Besides his parents, Jason is survived by two children, Ryan Elisabeth Aigeldinger and Darrien Collin Aigeldinger, both of Rustburg; two brothers, Robin Aigeldinger and wife, Elissa, and Edward Aigeldinger; two sisters, Sherry Denton and husband, Lee, and Karen May and husband, Chris Noble, all of Madison Heights; grandmother, Laverne McGowan, of Amherst; and step-grandmother, Mary Strickland, of Gladstone.

The family received friends at Whitten Monelison Chapel, and other times at the residence.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Lung Association.

To send a condolence to the family, visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com. Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, is serving the family.

Arretta Ashwell

Arretta Gentry Ashwell, 85, of Madison Heights, passed away Dec. 21 at Avante at Lynchburg. For nearly 50 years, she was the wife of the late Otis Carroll Ashwell.

Born April 9, 1923, in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late Charles Lafayette Gentry Sr. and the late Mary Willis Johnson Gentry. Mrs. Ashwell was a member of Amelon United Methodist Church and retired from Flowers Bakery.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Charles L. Gentry Jr., and one sister, Elizabeth Knight.

She is survived by one daughter, Joanne A. Mayberry and husband, Donald, of Salem; and one son, Allen T. Ashwell Sr. and wife, Becky, of Madison Heights. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Gary Mayberry and wife, Pam, and their daughter, Courtney; Sarah Landon and husband, Dwayne, and their son, Clayton; Scott Mayberry and wife, Amy; and Tommy Ashwell and wife, Heather. She is also survived by one sister, Geneva Newland, and one brother, Douglas Gentry.

Arretta had spent the last six months being loved and cared for by her family and the wonderful staff at Avante.

A funeral service was conducted Dec. 23 at Whitten Monelison Chapel by Dr. Timothy Madison. Interment followed Dec. 24 at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monelison Fire Department or the Monelison Rescue Squad.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. To send condolences to the family, visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Marsena Ruth ‘Marcy’ Gleckler Bryant

Marsena Ruth “Marcy” Gleckler Bryant, 75, of Madison Heights, passed away Dec. 7 in Lynchburg.

Born Sept. 13, 1933, in Newark, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Paul Gleckler Sr. and the late Ann Davis Gleckler. Marcy was a graduate of Ohio State University and was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg. She was retired from J.B. and C.A. Hutter Corp. and owner/operator of the Family Hair Center on Bay Street, Lynchburg for many years. Marcy has lived a full and prosperous life through her family and friends. For more than 50 years as a hairdresser she touched many lives and touched and befriended many people. She was a strong willed Ohio farm girl who loved fishing, riding motorcycles and loving her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by everyone.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Billy Church Bryant; and by two daughters, Janet and Kimberly.

She is survived by one son, Stanley D. Bryant and wife, Holly, of Lynchburg; three daughters, Cathy L. Osborne and husband, Robert, of Burtonsville, Md., Carolyn S. Hopper and husband, Randy, and Cynthia L. Cooper both of Lynchburg; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her longtime companion of 20 years, James Gilliam, of Madison Heights; and two sisters, Edna Carver and husband, Don, of Eustis, Fla. and Gladys Smalls, of Frazeysburg, Ohio; as well as many, many close friends.

A graveside service will be conducted at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Hospice of the Hills, in care of Virginia Baptist Hospital, 3300 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Monelison Chapel is assisting the family.

To send condolences, visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Dorothea Eleanor Smith Butterbaugh

Dorothea Eleanor Smith Butterbaugh, 90, of Madison Heights, formerly of Warner Robins, Ga., died Dec. 8 in Manassas.

Dorothea was born Jan. 28, 1918, in Hollidaysburg, Pa. She attended Grace Baptist Church, Madison Heights.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Paul A. Butterbaugh, who died in 2000.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Schwartz and husband, David, of Madison Heights and Peggy Brooks and husband, Robert, of Manassas; two sons, Robert Davis, of Batavia, Ohio, and Paul A. Butterbaugh Jr., of Macon, Ga.; one brother, Hubert A. Smith, of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; one sister, Margaret Jane Finney, of Halifax, Pa.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandsons.

Graveside services were held Dec. 29 in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1270, Madison Heights, VA 24572, in memory of Dorothea Butterbaugh.

Condolences may be sent to www.piercefh.com.

Ann Campbell

Ann Campbell, 57, died Dec. 21 at her home in Lowesville after a long illness.

Born in Amherst County on Oct. 8, 1951, she was a daughter of Katie Campbell and the late William T. “Billy” Campbell. She was the owner and proprietor of Campbell’s Grocery in Piney River for many years and was beloved by everyone as their friend, counselor, adviser, problem solver and news consultant. She was a member of Piney River Baptist Church.

Besides her mother, Katie Campbell, of Lowesville, she is survived by her husband of 41 years, “Glen” Wayne Campbell; devoted son, Kenny Campbell; and beloved daughter, Dana Parr (Billy) and their children, Tyler, Myra, Morgan, Stephen and Laura, all of Lowesville; three sisters, Kathy Wood (Carroll), Janie Campbell (Phil) and Peggy Wood (Ebbie), all of Lowesville; and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and many friends. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Butch Campbell.

Funeral service was conducted Dec. 27 at Piney River Baptist Church by the Rev. Jason Canipe with burial in Jonesboro Cemetery.

M. Eleanor Carson

M. Eleanor Carson, of Concord, died Dec. 7 at Lynchburg General Hospital at age 84.

Born Dec. 6, 1924, in Amherst County, she was a daughter of the late May Martin Carson and William Melvin Carson. Eleanor was employed by the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., for 35 years, retiring in 1979, when she returned home.

She was an active member and elder of New Concord Presbyterian Church. Enjoying volunteer work, she joined Hill City Master Gardens in 1989, and after giving 4,400 hours of volunteer service, was granted in 2003, Emeritus Status for long and faithful service. She was also very active in the Campbell County Historical Society.

Surviving are two sisters, Emma C. Braund of Concord, Ruth C. MacMillan, of Richmond; two brothers, Hubert Carson and wife, Betty; Richard Carson and wife, Mazie, all of Concord; six nieces and nephews, Nancy B. King, of Partlow, Sylvia Carson, of Richmond, Janet C. Schnablegger, of Concord, Trudy C. Robertson, of Jackson, Wyo., Hubert Carson Jr., of Seattle, Wash.; Robert Carson, of Bozeman, Mont. and a very good friend of many years, Ruth Stevens, of Concord.

A memorial service was conducted Dec. 9 in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service by the Rev. Emily Larsen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Concord Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 48, Concord, VA 24538, or to charity of your choice.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family, www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.

Paul Eugine Connelly

Paul Eugine Connelly, 72, of Amherst, died Dec. 15 at his residence.

Born June 26, 1936, in Amherst County, he was the son of the late Charles Patrick and Edna King Connelly. He retired from Lynchburg Foundry after 26 years of service and was a Virginia National Guard veteran. Mr. Connelly was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

Mr. Connelly is survived by three daughters, Patricia C. Farris and husband, Bill, of Amelia, Lisa C. Pryor, of Lovingston, and Jill Ann C. Mays and husband, Herman, of Amherst; one son, Ronnie Connelly, of Roanoke; one brother, Bill Connelly, of Lynchburg; and two sisters, Virginia Connelly, of Madison Heights and Ramona Dudley, of Amherst. He is also survived by his best friend, Louise Bryant, of Amherst, and “best buddies,” “Hooch” and “Sweet Pea.”

A funeral service was conducted Dec. 18 at Whitten Monelison Chapel by Pastor Jacob Uthup. Interment followed in Briarwood Memorial Gardens, Amherst.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Amherst County Animal Shelter or Hospice of the Hills.

To send a condolence to the family, visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com. Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, served the family.

Betty Mitchell Foster

Betty Mitchell Foster, 78, of Lynchburg, died Dec. 16. She was the wife of the late Lewis Agee Foster.

Mrs. Foster was born Nov. 10, 1930, in Rockbridge County, to the late Elbert Lewis Mitchell and Mary Katherine Hannah Mitchell. Betty was a devoted homemaker and a member of Amelon United Methodist Church and the Amelon United Methodist Women’s Club.

She is survived by a daughter, Kathy Foster Huffman and her husband, Noel, of New Castle; two sons, Lewis Agee Foster Jr. and his wife, Paula, of Georgetown, Texas, and David Michael Foster, of Madison Heights; a sister, Elva Foust, of Roanoke; six grandchildren, Cam Huffman, Richard Brewbaker, and William, Jason, James and Chris Foster; and one great-granddaughter. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Ruth Brewbaker, and a son, David Mitchell Foster.

A memorial service was conducted Dec. 19 in the chapel at Tharp Funeral Home, with the Rev. Larry G. Jent officiating. Interment was Dec. 20 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations in Betty’s memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, assisted the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.

Jane Elizabeth Calloway Guy

As she was surrounded by her family, Jane Elizabeth Calloway Guy passed from labor to reward in the early morning hours of Dec. 6. Jane was born May 27, 1944, in Campbell County, to Thomas Earl and Rosa Etta Calloway.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Earl Calloway; her mother, Rosa Etta Brewer Calloway; a brother, Lewis William Brewer; a sister, Carolyn Mae Calloway; and her former husband, Billy Wayne Guy.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sister, Vernitta Calloway Rose (Robert), of Madison Heights; four daughters, Dorothy Marie Guy, Veronica Guy Johnson (Darryl), Tamra Guy Cobbs (Rick) and Tracy Annette Guy, all of Lynchburg; six grandchildren, Wayne Jarrod Ferguson, Lauren Elizabeth Ferguson, Jakkia Michelle Guy, Julian Delante Ferguson, Jade Shaniece Ferguson and Tmerik Lanai Cobbs; and one great-grandson, Trulante Debario Johnson. She also leaves to mourn two adopted sons, Dell Edwards and Jamie Ferguson; two nieces, Kristen Morse (Shaun), of El Paso, Texas, and Charisse Brewer; two nephews, Brian Rose, of Madison Heights and Lewis Brewer Jr.; one great-niece, Khloe Morse; two great-nephews, Gabriel Morse and Noah Morse, all of El Paso; a dear friend, Susan Saunders; and a host of friends and other relatives.

The funeral announcement will appear later. Community Funeral Home is directing.

Terry Garland Harper

Terry Garland Harper, 67, of Monroe, died Dec. 12 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Ann Kirby Harper for 49 years of wonderful marriage.

Born in Lynchburg, he was a son of the late John W. Harper and the late Aleise McIvor Harper. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Barry Wayne Harper and one sister, Judy H. Neighbors.

Terry was a faithful member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. He was a retired master chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy after serving his country in Vietnam. He loved young people and he taught welding at Amherst County High School for 27 years.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Terri Ann Burton and her husband, Walter, of Norfolk; one son, David L. Harper and his wife, Teresa, of Forest; one brother, William Harper, of Lynchburg; four grandchildren, John R. Wolhfert, James G. Wolhfert, Jamie L. Harper and Jennifer H. Johnson and seven great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was conducted Dec, 15 at Fort Hill Memorial Park by the Rev. Charles Anderson, with military honors.

To send condolences and messages online, visit www.whittenfuneralhome .com.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Monelison Chapel, served the Harper family.

Frances Shrader Harris

Frances Shrader Harris, 80, of Amherst County, passed away Dec. 19 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of the late Warren “Smokey” Harris.

Born April 30, 1928, in Amherst County, she was the daughter of the late Brydon Shrader and the late Nellie Jennings Shrader. Mrs. Harris was a member of Amelon United Methodist Church and was a retired restaurant manager for several area restaurants.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Warren Harris Jr.; one granddaughter, Ivory Wern Tomlin; and three sisters.

She is survived by one daughter, Deborah Droog and husband, Charlie, of Forest; one son, Vernon Harris and wife, Edith, of Madison Heights; six grandchildren, John Wern Jr., William Harris, Anthony Harris, Danielle Harris, Butch Droog and John Hall; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Genevieve Hudnall of Madison Heights; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service was conducted Dec. 22 at Amelon United Methodist Church by the Rev. Larry Jent.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the “Resident Aid” fund for Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Brookneal.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, assisted the family. To send condolences to the family, visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Lewis Henry Higginbotham

Lewis Henry Higginbotham, 65, died Dec. 5 at UVa Medical Center after struggling with diabetes and other illnesses for some time.

Born April 7, 1943, in Gladstone, the son of the late Ida Mabel Drumheller Higginbotham and Henry Hargrove Higginbotham.

He is survived by a son, William Lewis Higginbotham, of Madison Heights, and a daughter, Jill Ann Higginbotham, of Sterling. He was the youngest of two children and is survived by a brother, James Rodney Higginbotham, of Gladstone. Lewis was a loving and devoted husband of the late Elsie Lee Sigmon Higginbotham for 42 years, a loving and devoted father to Bill and Jill, and a good friend to many people.

Lewis attended Northminster Presbyterian Church. Lewis was a retired member of the Virginia Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve, totaling 28 years of service. He was retired export manager of Griffin Pipe Products Co. in Lynchburg with 38 years of service at Lynchburg Foundry and Griffin Pipe Products Co. combined. He was a past officer and member of Madison Heights Lions Club and a devoted supporter of the Monelison Volunteer Rescue Squad in Madison Heights, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8 in Lynchburg, the National D-Day Memorial Foundation in Bedford and the UVa Health Systems Volunteer Services in Charlottesville.

A memorial service was held Dec. 9.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to one of the following: Monelison Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 56, Madison Heights, VA 24572; Disabled American Veterans #8, c/o M.C.L., 2337 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501; Northminster Presbyterian Church, South Amherst Highway, Madison Heights, VA 24572; the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523; or UVa Health System Volunteer Services, P.O. Box 800668, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0668.

To send a condolence to the family, visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com. Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, served the family.

Audrey Ann Campbell Justice

Audrey Ann Campbell Justice, 69, of Vinton, passed away Jan. 3 of complications related to chronic lymphocytic leukemia. She was born in Lynchburg.

Audrey was preceded in death by her father, Murrell Campbell, and her sister, Janice Klinger. She is survived by her daughter, Kelly Justice, son Kevin and wife Heather; grandsons, Logan and Dylan Justice; her mother, Lily Campbell; brother Kenneth and wife Ivatta Campbell; nephew, Ian Campbell, grandnephew Wyatt Ferguson; and many other loving relatives and friends.

She graduated from Longwood College in 1960. Audrey was a teacher in public schools in Roanoke County for 35 years. She was recognized for her educational excellence with countless awards. She loved all her kids and changed lives with her unconventional and inspiring approach. Audrey worked for many years for retired persons services in a second career that gave her another opportunity to teach, winning more friends and admirers.

Audrey will be remembered for her limitless capacity of love for her family, friends, students and colleagues. She loved reading, music, art and growing things. While she enjoyed traveling, having new experiences and learning new things, her deepest happiness came from sharing these with others, encouraging them to learn to be creative and to seek knowledge on their own. This was especially true with her grandchildren, who are the stars her ship was sailed by for the last five years. The extent of her legacy is unknowable, as her fierce and fearless love for all the individuals in her life, one by one, has provided an example that will be followed by and taught to generations to come.

“Ua ola loka I le aloha,” Hawaiian Proverb: “Life gives life within.”

A memorial service was held Jan. 8 Oakey’s Vinton Chapel followed by a brief ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery with Dr. Michael Fitzgerald officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Cancer Research Institute, National Headquarters, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006.

Dawn Laubenstein

Dawn Laubenstein, 57, of Madison Heights, passed away on Jan. 5 in Lynchburg. She was the loving and devoted husband of George Laubenstein for 35 years.

She was born in Norfolk to Ira Kronish of Deer Isle, Me., and the late Arden Molnar Kronish. Dawn was a member of Fort Hill United Methodist Church and was working at Amherst Veterinary Hospital.

Besides her husband and father, she is survived by a brother, Curtis Kronish of Stanhope, N.J.; two sisters, Candy Kronish, of Stratford, Conn., and Robin Byrne of Brooksville, Me., and her two black Labradors, Nathan and Hardy.

A service of remembrance will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Fort Hill United Methodist Church by the Rev. David A. Rash, the Rev. Janet Hawkins and the Rev. Peter A. Mohar. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fort Hill U.M.C., 106 Oakridge Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family, www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.

John Lauter

John Lauter, 84, of Promised Land Road, Appomattox, died Dec. 7 at the Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was the husband of Alma Hettie Lauter.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 28, 1924, he was a son of the late George and Stella Lauter. John was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force, leaving before the Korean War to attend Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, N.Y., on the G.I. Bill. He graduated with an associate degree in dental laboratory technology. He then joined the U.S. Air Force, where he worked for 21 years as a dental lab tech. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Hampton Dental Lab for 15 years before moving to Appomattox. He was a tree farmer and owned tree farms in Appomattox and Prince Edward counties.

John lived all over the world during his time in service and enjoyed keeping current with local, national and world affairs. He was a quiet, caring man who enjoyed long walks in the countryside.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Carol A. Lauter , of Madison Heights, Louise A. Williams and husband, Travis, of Pamplin, and Adele L. Counts and husband, Bruce, of Newport News; a son, Edward E. Lauter and wife, April, of Spout Spring; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and a sister, Irene Leonswicz, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Lauter.

Funeral services were held Dec. 10 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church by Father James Gallagher. Burial followed in the church cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 104 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 9855 in a combined honor guard.

Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service served the family and an online condolence may be sent at www.robinsonfuneral.com.

Mary Saville Oatman

Mary Saville Oatman, 87, of Amherst, passed away Dec. 7 at her home.

Mary was born July 16, 1921, in West Hartford, N.Y., at home on the Saville family farm. She was the daughter of Frank and Phoebe (Stewart) Saville.

Mary was a 1941 graduate of Hartford Central School, Hartford, N.Y. After graduation, she moved to Troy, N.Y., and was employed at the Emma Willard School. She lived with her beloved older sister, Gladys, during that time.

On May 29, 1942, she married Bernard Oatman. For the first 21 years of their marriage, they lived in South Granville, N.Y., where Bernard managed the Thompson farm. Mary was a homemaker during that time and mother of five children. In September 1963, Mary and Bernard relocated to Castile, N.Y., where they both attended Elohim Bible Institute. They both graduated from Elohim in 1966 and then began their careers in church ministry. Mary was very active as a Sunday school teacher, vacation Bible school teacher, Awana Club leader, choir member and helpmate to her husband in many other capacities. While her husband was a pastor at Indian Lake Baptist Church, Mary worked as a guide at the Blue Mountain Lake Museum for 10 years. She enjoyed the interaction with visitors and made many friends over the years.

Besides enjoying being active in her husband’s ministries at different pastorates, Mary loved to read and sew and her flower garden. One of her greatest joys was being with her family and she expressed her love for them by cooking and baking for family gatherings. She was a good cook and her pies were the best.

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, who died in March 2001. They were married nearly 59 years. She was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Rob Mimna, three sisters and four brothers.

She is survived by four daughters, Barbara (Reg) Beatty, of Queensbury, N.Y., Deborah Mima, of Amherst, Judy (Owen) Eddy, of Castile, N.Y., and Janice (Allan) Monfils, of Amherst; one son, Thomas (Cindy) Oatman, of Woodbridge; one sister, Majel Winchell, of Hudson Falls, N.Y.; and one brother, Gordon Saville, of Montrose, Colo. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Dec. 13 in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory assisted her family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.