Darla K. Smith
Darla Kaye Smith, 52, of 16595 East Washington St. in Elkton, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville from injuries she suffered in an automobile wreck earlier in the day. The wreck also claimed the life of her adopted son, Christopher J. "C.J." Smith, and injured her granddaughter, Ann Marie Mayne, for whom she was guardian. Mrs. Smith was born Dec. 30, 1951, in Rockingham County, and was a daughter of Lawrence Miller of Elkton and Ann Cobb Davis of Harrisonburg. She previously lived in Mississippi and had lived in Rockingham County most of her life. Mrs. Smith graduated from James Madison University, where she studied theology and received a degree in early childhood education. She also graduated from Northern Virginia Fairfax Community College, where she studied to be a psychologist. She was employed by the Housing Authority and assisted people in finding homes. She was the former owner of New Image Weight Loss Clinic and was a member of the Eagles in New Market. In addition to her parents, she is survived by three children, Tana L. Mayne of Shenandoah, and Paul Martin Stover and Andree Starr Harris, both of Harrisonburg; three brothers, Terry Miller of Nashville, Tenn., Steven W. Miller of Ruckersville and Tim K. Miller of Ocala, Fla.; two sisters, Phyllis J. Jenkins of Asheville, N.C. and Norma Jean Barb of Harrisonburg; 10 grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Pastor Wayne Comer will conduct the funeral 2 p.m. Saturday at the Upper Room Church, 14890 Rockingham Pike in Elkton. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Upper Room Church. The casket will not be open. Friends may also call at the home of her daughter, Andree Harris, 667 Virginia Ave. in Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lindsey Funeral Home, 473 South Main St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22801, to help with funeral expenses.

James A. Propes
James Adolph Propes, 65, of 2135 Pine Grove Road in Stanley, Va., died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004. Mr. Propes was born April 12, 1938, in Shenandoah, Va., and was a son of the late James H. Propes and Anease Propes. He was raised by his grandparents, Don and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Grimsley. He was a textile worker for 31 years with Avtex and retired from Shenandoah Pride in 1996 due to health problems. He was a member of Fellowship Independent Baptist Church and was superintendent of the Sunday school. He was Pres. of the Stanley Little League during the 1980s. On March 4, 1959, he married Sylvia Meadows, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Sandra King and son-in-law, Johnny King of Elkton, Donna Pettit and son-in-law, Ricky Pettit of Stanley, Gail Dallas and son-in-law, Jeff Dallas of Luray; three sons, Jimmy Propes of Elkton, Chris Propes and daughter-in-law, Tammy Propes of Stanley, Mike Propes and daughter-in-law, Michelle Propes of Luray; a brother, Charles Propes of Shenandoah; two stepbrothers, Sam Good and Billy Good, both of Shenandoah; a stepsister, Betty Turner of Shenandoah; and 10 grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Gladys Propes and grandparents, Don Grimsley and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Grimsley. The Revs. John C. Sherfey and Don Sherfey will conduct the funeral 2 p.m. Friday at Fellowship Independent Baptist Church. Burial will be at Rest Haven Cemetery in Shenandoah. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15, at Fellowship Independent Baptist Church. His body will be taken to the church 9 a.m. Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Market Rescue Squad. Arrangements are by the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray.

Carl T. Lutz
Carl Timothy Lutz, 58, of Gloucester, Va., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, in Riverside Walter Reed Hospital. He was a native of Reading, Pa. and was employed by Newport News City Farm as a mechanic. He had worked there for over 20 years. He was a member of United Church of God in Laureldale, Pa.; on the Board of Directors of Gloucester Youth Baseball; the Relay for Life Team that was sponsored by Newport News City Farm; and was a former coach and manager of the Hampton Road Youth Hockey Association. Mr. Lutz was also a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Lutz of Gloucester; his mother, Anna Schmehl Lutz of Gloucester; his children, Terri Kendrick of Davenport, Fla., Joshua Lutz and his wife, Sherri, of Harrisonburg, Va., and Adam Lutz of Gloucester; his grandchildren, Haileigh and Hayden; his mother-in-law, Arlene Whiting of Gloucester; a close friend of the family, Angie Zeo, and many other close family members and friends. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Andews Funeral Home by Brother Norman Rush. The family will receive friends following the funeral service until 5 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Monday, March 1, 2004, at 2 p.m. in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg, Va. Memorial donations may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. or to the American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. G. Edward Mowry, 7274 Joseph Lewis Road, Hayes, Va. 23072. Funeral arrangements are by Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va.

Evelyn L. Ayersman
Evelyn Louise Ayersman, age 87, died on Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, at Crestwood, an assisted living facility of the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community of Harrisonburg, Va., where she had lived for the past three years. Prior to that, she lived in Frederick, Md. for 42 years. Mrs. Ayersman was born on Feb. 11, 1917, in Huntington, W.Va., and was the daughter of the late Donald and Grace Shumaker. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, George Parker Ayersman and brother, Paul Shumaker. Mrs. Ayersman graduated from Marshall University and earned a bachelor s and master s degree. She taught mathematics for over 30 years, both in Rowlesburg, W.Va. and at Walkersville High School in Frederick County, Md. after moving to Frederick in 1959. She was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Frederick and was active in several civic organizations. Survivors include one son, David W. Ayersman and his wife, Stephanie, of Frederick, Md.; one daughter, Karen Smith and her husband, Bill, of Harrisonburg, Va.; one sister, Phyllis McKenzie and her husband, Lawless, of Ashland, Ky.; two grandchildren, Jennifer Steier and her husband, Vince, of Sykesville, Md., Donald Smith of Cumming, Ga.; two great-grandchildren, Hannah and Hailey Steier of Sykesville, Md.; and sister-in-law, Helen Shaffer of Frederick, Md. She is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews. Special caregivers include Louise Young, Emily Firor and the staff at VMRC Crestwood. A memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. Kathryn Woodrow on Monday, March 1, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Calvary United Methodist Church Chapel in Frederick, Md. on the corner of Second and Bentz streets. Burial will be private at Resthaven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to VMRC Compassion Fund, The Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Va. 22802. Local arrangements by Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Gary E. Whetzel
Gary Eugene Whetzel, 56, of Mount Olive, W.Va., and formerly of Lost River, W.Va., died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004, in Mount Olive, W.Va. Mr. Whetzel was born March 29, 1947, in Harrisonburg, and was a son of the late Orman Whetzel and Ester L. Wilkins Whetzel. He was a truck driver. Survivors include a son; two sisters, Linda Whetzel of Lost River, W.Va. and Loretta Secrist of Broadway; a brother, Robert "Bob" Wilt of Verona; two grandchildren and seven nieces. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Lost River, W.Va. All services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Whetzel family, c/o McKee Funeral Home, P.O. Box 39, Baker, W.Va. 26801.

Helen M. Jordan
Helen M. Jordan, 79, of Mount Jackson, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. Funeral arrangements were pending Friday night at the Dellinger Funeral Home in Mount Jackson.

Jess A. Troutman
Jess A. William Troutman, 78, of 899 Port Republic Road in Harrisonburg, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. Funeral arrangements were pending Friday night at the Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Charles W. Ritchie Sr.
Charles William Ritchie Sr., 90, of Harrisonburg, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at his home. Mr. Ritchie was born Aug. 2, 1913, in Harrisonburg, and was a son of the late Aldine and Maude I. McDorman Ritchie. He lived in this area the majority of his life and was an Army veteran of World War II. He retired as a brakeman from the B&O Railroad in Winchester after 42 years of service. Following retirement, he worked as a carpenter and was a model train collector. On Feb. 22, 1945, he married Ruby Grace Camden, who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Charles W. Ritchie Jr. and Donald A. Ritchie, both of Harrisonburg, Ronald C. Ritchie of Madison Heights and Robert L. Ritchie of Mount Crawford; two stepsons, John N. Katsorelos of Newton, Ill., and Deno N. Katsorelos of Harrisonburg; two daughters, Rosalie R. Gaines of Harrisonburg and Shirley R. Moyers of Dayton; a stepdaughter, Cynia A. Katsorelos; a brother, Richard E. Ritchie of Clarksville, Tenn.; two sisters, Goldie Stafford of Charlottesville and Janet Lambert of Harrisonburg; 22 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. The Rev. Richard Early will conduct a memorial service 4 p.m. Sunday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 this evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, 1700 Reservoir St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22801.

Luva R. Good
Mrs. Luva Rebecca Kagey Kingan Good, age 64, of Luther Crest, N. Congress St., New Market, passed away 11:30 Sunday night, Dec. 7, 2003, at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. She was born May 11, 1939, at New Market, and was the daughter of Mary Frances Shifflett Kagey of Life Care Center in New Market and the late John L. Kagey. Mrs. Good had been employed at the former Aileen Inc., A.E.S. Food Service and Woodstock Manufacturing. She was a member of the Wood s Chapel Independent Bible Church north of New Market. She was predeceased by her second husband, Wilson Good. She is survived by a son, Terry Kingan of Timberville and his fianc e, Dee Dee Price; a daughter, Connie Kingan of Harrisonburg and her companion, Mike Boyce; three grandchildren, Amie Wilder and her husband, D.J., Breianna Kingan and Amanda Kingan; five brothers, Buck Kagey and his wife, Jeannie, of Timberville, George Kagey and his wife, Elizabeth, of Mount Airey, Md., Bobby Kagey and his wife, Carol, of New Market, Earl Kagey of Courtland, Ohio, and Roger Kagey of Harrisonburg. Also surviving are two special friends, her first husband, Dennie M. Kingan of New Market and Mrs. Dale Kipps of New Market. Luva also leaves behind a number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and all her friends at Luther Crest. The Rev. Glen Turner will conduct a funeral service on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Wood s Chapel Independent Bible Church, Woods Chapel Road, New Market. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Theis Funeral Chapel, 9377 Congress St., New Market. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Market Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 399, New Market, Va. 22844 or the RMH Regional Cancer Center, 100 E. Grace St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22801.

Deanna K. Garber
Deanna Kay Garber, age 52, of Culpeper, Va., died Dec. 7, 2003, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Mrs. Garber was born Sept. 22, 1951, and was a daughter of Mrs. Charlotte Veregge and Dean Goss. She was a homemaker. She volunteered her time as treasurer of the Culpeper Academic Boosters and the Culpeper Recreation Club Swim Team, as well as teaching Sunday school and Bible school at the Culpeper United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Culpeper United Methodist Church and the Betty Newhouse Circle of the church. She was a graduate of Radford University. She is survived by her husband, Larry C. Garber; a son, Gregory Garber of Richmond; two daughters, Gretchen Garber of Dublin and Gloria Garber of Culpeper; her mother, Charlotte Veregge and her husband, Jack, of Radiant; her father, Dean Goss and his wife, Judy, of Florida; a brother, Walter Goss of Huntingdon, Pa.; a sister, Teresa Shammas of Duluth, Ga.; nieces, nephews and a great niece. The service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, at Culpeper United Methodist Church, 1233 Oaklawn Drive, with the Rev. John Crawford III officiating. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Bridgewater with interment at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper. Pallbearers will be Larry Specht, J. Maylon Jenkins, William W. Jenkins, Randy Hoffman, Jim Timberlake and Henry Clifton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Culpeper United Methodist Church, Sunday School Department, 1233 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper, Va. 22701. Clore-English Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.

James S. Dean
James Scott "Jim" Dean, 76, of Elkton, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. Mr. Dean was born March 2, 1927, and was a son of the late Walter Donald and Mary Yancey Crawford Dean. He was employed by Norfolk and Western Railroad and Dupont. He retired as a captain with the Department of Corrections after 32 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of American Legion Post 290 in Stafford. On Jan. 31, 1947, he married Alice Virginia Holloway, who preceded him in death Sept. 12, 1992. He is survived by a son, Scott Thornton Dean of Elkton; two daughters, Shirley Roberson of Fredericksburg and Carolyn Adams of Montross; a brother, Walter Harold Dean of Elkton; three sisters, Mary Purdham of Elkton, Katherine Leigh of Troy, and Doris Dean of Elkton; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. The Rev. James Kite will conduct the funeral 2 p.m. Thursday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Burial will follow at the Elk Run Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elkton Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 152, Elkton, Va. 22827.

Mary K. Taylor
Mary Kathleen Taylor, 71, of 223 Aylor Grubbs Ave. in Stanley, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at MontVue Nursing Home in Luray. Mrs. Taylor was born Jan. 2, 1932, in Stanley, and was a daughter of the late Conley Reed and Laura Virginia Cubbage Buracker. She was a homemaker and a member of Bethlehem Christian Church. On May 22, 1948, she married David Monroe Taylor, who preceded her in death June 23, 1993. She is survived by two sons, Conley Monroe Taylor and McKinley Clark Taylor, both of Luray; a daughter, Brenda Kay Jenkins of Luray; a brother, Delmas Franklin Buracker of Stanley; three sisters, Margaret Marie Cubbage, Phyllis Jane Turner and Doris Ann Kirtley, all of Stanley; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dr. David Johnson will conduct the funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Luray. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 this evening at the funeral home.

Alton W. Fowler III
Alton Washington Fowler III, 40, of 6129 Indian Trail Road in Harrisonburg, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003. He was the husband of Lenora Fowler. Funeral arrangements were pending Monday night at the Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Betty B. Reeves
Betty Alice (Botkin) Reeves, 69, wife of David L. Reeves Sr. of Mount Sidney, went home to be with the Lord on Monday morning (Dec. 8, 2003) following a three year battle with cancer. She was born May 25, 1934, in Staunton, the daughter of the late Charles Henry and Hannah Lee (Borden) Botkin. Betty began her secretarial career at Staunton Wholesale Cash Grocery while she attended Dunsmore Business School. She was secretary of the Staunton/Augusta County Chamber of Commerce for 20 years. She became secretary of Verona United Methodist Church in 1968 and served as administrative assistant for the church since 1989. She also was employed as a bookkeeper at the offices of Doctors Painter, Carter, and Hanna. For the past 24 years, she was co-owner of Hillside Dairy. Betty was a member of Verona United Methodist Church for 57 years. She taught Sunday School for 48 years and was an adult leader of the Youth Fellowship for several years. She served as president of the Middle River Council of Weekday Religious Education, helped to start the Day-Care Program at Verona United Methodist Church, and was instrumental in bringing Meals for the Valley Program for the Aging to the elderly and shut-ins in the community. In addition to her husband of 51 years, family includes a son and daughter-in-law, David L. Reeves Jr. and Ruth P. Reeves of Verona; a daughter and son-in-law, Becky R. Minor and Robert T. Minor Jr., of Stafford; two grandchildren, Nicholas D. Minor and Laura J. Minor of Stafford; a brother, Henry L. Botkin of Verona; a sister-in-law, Bonnie R. Benson of Verona; three brothers-in-law, Richard M. Reeves of Mount Sidney, Gary W. Reeves of Verona, and Bennie G. Reeves of Weyers Cave; four step-grandchildren and their spouses, Dana and J.W. McCray Jr., Jeff and Lisa Cleveland, and Todd and Angie Cleveland, all of Verona, and Sheryl and David Swisher of Raphine; five step-great grandchildren; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, dear friends, and church members. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 13, 2003) at Verona United Methodist Church. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 6 until 9 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 10, 2003) at Henry Funeral Home and following the memorial service in the Fellowship Hall, which has recently been named in her honor. In lieu of flowers, Betty requested memorial donations to The Middle River Council of Weekday Religious Education, P.O. Box 782, Verona, Va. 24482 or to the Homebuilders Class or the Cemetery Fund of Verona United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 47, Verona, Va. 24482.

Grace F. Suter
Grace F. Suter, 84, of Crestwood at VMRC in Harrisonburg, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at her home. She was the wife of Dr. Daniel B. Suter. Funeral arrangements were pending Monday night at the McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Mildred C. McCary
Mildred Catherine McCary, 90, of Harrisonburg, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at Oak Lea Nursing Home in Harrisonburg. Mrs. McCary was born Sept. 14, 1913, in Bridgewater, and was the daughter of the late Daniel W. and Ina Rebecca Thomas Baker. She grew up in Bridgewater and was a member of the Bridgewater Methodist Church. She moved to Fredericksburg and was a charter member of the Hill Crest Methodist Church and was active in the Red Cross and the local P.T.A. She lived in Hanover, Md. for many years and was a bookkeeper and secretary at Hill Top Grand Trucking. She returned to Harrisonburg in 1994 from Hanover and was a member of the First Church of the Brethren. On April 25, 1931, she married Joseph D. McCary Sr., who preceded her in death Dec. 5, 1990. She is survived by a son, Joseph Daniel McCary Jr. of Fredericksburg; a brother, Marian F. Baker of York Haven, Pa.; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. The Rev. Ronald E. Wyrick will conduct a graveside service 11 a.m. Thursday at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Bridgewater. Her body was cremated at the Kyger Funeral Home and Crematory in Harrisonburg. Memorial donations may be made to V.M.R.C. Compassion Fund, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, Va. 22802.

Julias Crawford
Julias Crawford of 2549 N. Eastside Highway, Elkton, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg Arrangements are being handled by the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Louise D. Cook
Louise Dean Cook, 91, Sunnyside Retirement Community, died Thursday, July 31, 2003, at her residence. Funeral arrangements were pending Thursday night at Hamrick Funeral Home in Staunton.

Mildred H. Mesner
Mildred Huffer Mesner, 87, Harrisonburg, died Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at Oak Lea Nursing Home in Harrisonburg. Mrs. Mesner was born Aug. 11, 1915, in Monroe, Neb., and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Lillie Hirons Huffer. She attended Nebraska Central College in Central City. She was formerly a bookkeeper for the Sarpy County Treasurer s Office in Papillion, Neb. She was a volunteer for many causes and organizations, including the AARP and the Mount View Folk Life Visitor Center in Mountain View, Ark. Mrs. Messner moved to the Valley in 1991 and was a volunteer for VMRC and Oak Lea with the alzheimer s unit. She was a member of the Valley Friends Meeting in Dayton. On Dec. 19, 1939, she married Delbert Charles Mesner, who died May 20, 1991. Surviving are two sons, Thomas Mesner of Roanoke and Larry Mesner of Charlottesville; two daughters, Lea Mesner of Washington, D.C., and Susan Mesner of Montpelier, Vt.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday at Valley Friends Meeting, 363 High St., Dayton. A Time of Remembering will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at the VMRC Oak Lea Chapel. A private burial was held at Rest Haven Cemetery in Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Friends Meeting, P.O. Box 781, 363 High St., Dayton, Va., 22821; VMRC, c/o Melanie Eby, 1491 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, Va., 22802; Young Musicians Without Borders, in care of Katie Mesner-Hage, 26 Liberty St., Montpelier, Vt., 05602. Funeral arrangements were provided by the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.