Phyllis Travisano
Phyllis Travisano of Roanoke left this earth on Aug. 12, 2004. Phyllis lovingly leaves behind her partner of 29 years, Mary Ann Norman of Roanoke. She also lovingly leaves behind her parents, Jessie and Pat Travisano of Marietta, Ga.; her four sisters and their spouses, Ginny and Larry Williams of Suwanee, Ga., Donna and Colin Hines of Plant City, Fla., Patty and Lee Smith of Plant City, Fla., and Maria and Mike Cira of Alpharetta, Ga. Phyllis sends her love to all her nieces and nephews, Brian and Greg Williams, Patrick and Kristina Hines, Lisa and Stephanie Smith, Taylor and Matthew Cira, as well as godchildren, Sarah and Gabe Thom and Matthew Bakerian. Phyllis taught physical education and health for Roanoke County Schools, most of her teaching at William Byrd Middle School. She coached basketball, volleyball and track for many years, retiring from coaching track in 2000. She was named to Who s Who for American Teachers on numerous occasions, nominated by students who admired and respected her teaching and coaching. Friends are asked to join her family at Oakey s Vinton Chapel on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, from 7 to 9 p.m. for visitation. A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004, at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge, 806 Jamison Ave. S.E., Roanoke, Va. 24015 with the Rev. Catherine Houchins officiating. In lieu of flowers, Phyllis requests donations be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 21, Hampton, Va. 23666 and Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge. In addition to these organizations, contributions may be sent to the Phyllis Travisano Memorial Fund, NBC Bank, 915 Hardy Road, Vinton, Va. 24179. Arrangements by Oakey s Vinton Chapel.

Samuel H. Moats
Samuel Henry Moats, 54, of Clarksville, Tenn., died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, in a Clarksville hospital. Mr. Moats was born May 22, 1950, in Sugar Grove, W.Va., and was the son of the late William and Nellie Moats. He spent his early life in Harrisonburg and served in the U.S. Army for 27 years, retiring in 1997. He was employed at the Gateway Medical Center in Clarksville before becoming ill. Survivors include his wife, Anna Hess Moats; a daughter, Isabelle Boose of Germany; two sisters, Brenda Moats and Treva Moats, both of Harrisonburg; two brothers, Charles Arnold Losh and Richard Losh, both of Harrisonburg; and two grandchildren. The Rev. Ancil Childress will conduct the funeral 2 p.m. today at Honaker Funeral Home in Honaker. Burial will follow at the Nuckles Cemetery on Fletchers Ridge with military honors by the American Legion Post 164 of Grundy. Friends may call at the funeral home.

Mildred V. Blackwell
Mildred V. Blackwell, 77, of Luther Crest, 9138 North Congress St. in New Market, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center, where she had lived for a week. Mrs. Blackwell was born March 22, 1927, in Virginia. She was a homemaker and a member of Manor Memorial United Methodist Church in New Market. On July 25, 1946, she married Thomas Earl Blackwell, who preceded her in death Dec. 1, 1991. She is survived by a son, James Blackwell of Lake Mary, Fla.; a daughter, Linda Antayhua of Fairfax; eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild. The Rev. Nelson Puffenbarger will conduct the funeral 10 a.m. Wednesday at Theis Funeral Chapel in New Market. Burial will follow at the National Memorial Park in Falls Church at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends from 7-9 this evening at the funeral chapel.

Sharon P. Burkholder
Sharon P. Burkholder, age 60, of Fountain Hills, Ariz., died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, in Fountain Hills, Ariz. Mrs. Burkholder was born March 9, 1944, in Harrisonburg, Va. She was office manager in the Agriculture industry. She was a member of the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church and a member of several bridge clubs. Survivors include her husband, Jim Burkholder, Fountain Hills, Ariz.; a son, David Burkholder (Renea), South Riding, Va.; a daughter, Angela Flannery (Patrick), Silver Spring, Md.; a brother, Robert Phares (Betty), Calabash, N.C.; a sister, Gloria Clatterbuck (Bob), Lexington, Ky.; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004, at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014, or to the American Cancer Society, Memorial Program, P.O. Box 5377, Phoenix, AZ 85010.

Stella M. Bragg
Stella Mae Short Bragg, 87, of 827 West Main St. in Stanley, died Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004. Mrs. Bragg was born July 2, 1917, in Stanley, and was the daughter of the late Lester F. Painter and Elva Mae Price Painter. She was a homemaker and an inspector at National Fruit in Timberville for 20 seasons. She was a census taker, Republican Party worker and a member of the Stanley Homecoming Committee and the Stanley Town Council. She was a member of Alma Primitive Baptist Church. On Nov. 3, 1934, she married Roy R. Short, who preceded her in death Jan. 8, 1978. On May 20, 1980, she married Harry F. Bragg, who preceded her in death Jan. 27, 1984. She is survived by a daughter, Lois Mae Bragg McAllister of Shenandoah; a son, Roy J. Short of Warrenton; a stepson, Harry F. Bragg Jr. of Front Royal; and a stepdaughter, Joyce Richards of Manassas. Elder Forest Atwood Jr. will conduct the funeral 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Luray. The family will receive friends from 7-8 this evening at the funeral home. Friends also may call at the home of her daughter at any time.

Regina C. Jecko
Regina Cheryl Jecko, 56, of 1201 Cherry Ave., Grottoes, died Monday, Aug. 16, 2004, at her home. Mrs. Jecko was born Feb. 24, 1948, in Franklin, W.Va., and was a daughter of the late Wade Hilbert Mallow and Thelma Ruth Cummins Mallow of Circleville, W.Va. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of God in Grottoes. She graduated from Circleville High School. Her husband, Ronald James Jecko, preceded her in death in January 1969. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a daughter Deanna Lea Jecko of Petersburg, W.Va.; three sons, Tony William Sites Jr. of Riverton, W.Va., Jamie William Sites of Circleville, and Anthony Shane Sites of Harrisonburg; a sister, Darlene Ruth Cooper of Circleville; a brother, David Wade Mallow of Franklin, W.Va.; and two grandchildren. The Rev. Earl Bible will conduct a graveside service 2 p.m. Thursday at North Fork Memorial Cemetery in Riverton. Arrangements are by the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin and the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Clovis G. Dellinger
Clovis Guy "Dell" Dellinger, 67, of Ringgold, Ga., died Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004. Mr. Dellinger retired from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years, having served all around the world Turkey, Germany, England and Vietnam, to name a few. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include his wife, Dolores Dellinger; two sons, Larry J. Allen of Chatsworth, Ga. and John P. Allen of Ringgold; three brothers, David Dellinger of Broadway, Robert F. Dellinger of Timberville, and Donald W. Dellinger of Sugar Grove, W.Va.; five sisters, Virginia Dove of Timberville, Phyllis Halterman of Lost City, W.Va., Louella See of Harrisonburg, Fay Whitmer of Pineville, and Christine Taylor of Harrisonburg; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The Rev. Thomas Max Kessler will conduct the funeral 1 p.m. Wednesday at Heritage Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today. Burial will be at the National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the RMH Cancer Center, 100 East Grace St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22801 or any cancer foundation. Condolences may be sent at http://www.heritagefh.com/.

James L. Chaplin Sr.
James Lee Chaplin Sr., 71, of 697 St. James Road in Fishersville, died Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004, at the Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville. Mr. Chaplin was born June 18, 1933, in Lexington, and was a son of the late Raymond David and Myrtle Lee Moore Chaplin. He retired from American Safety Razor as a grinder operator after 33 years and served as captain of the ASR Fire Brigade. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and was an auto mechanic. Surviving are his wife, Antha M. Simmons Chaplin; two children, Anna Chaplin Lawhorne of Staunton and James Lee Chaplin Jr. of Waynesboro; two brothers, Fred M. Chaplin of Chesterfield and Robert O. Chaplin of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; and three grandchildren. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bear Funeral Home in Churchville. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Beatrice E. Wilt
Beatrice Elizabeth Wilt, 86, of 1152 Judy Lane in Stanley, died Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004, at Hawksbill Assisted Living. Mrs. Wilt was born June 7, 1918, in Luray, and was the daughter of the late Grover Nauman and Effie Good Shiver. She was a textile worker. On Aug. 5, 1935, she married Carlton Lee Wilt, who preceded her in death April 9, 1968. She is survived by two daughters, Patsy B. Buracker of Stanley and Shirley Weakley of Silver Spring, Md.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The Revs. Kevin Haynes, Charles Turner and Jack Campbell will conduct the funeral 11 a.m. Thursday at Leake s Chapel Church of the Brethren. Her body will be taken to the church 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. Burial will be at Leake s Chapel Cemetery in Stanley. The family will receive friends at the Wilt home at any time. Arrangements are by the Bradley Funeral Home in Luray.

Charles R. Blackburn Jr.
Charles Richard Blackburn Jr., of McGaheysville, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004, at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Blackburn was born Jan. 13, 1928, in Findlay, Ohio, and was a son of the late Charles and Doris Alexander Blackburn Sr. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retired after 22 years of service. He also retired from Quip Co/NES as a mechanic with 17 years of service. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Regina Blackburn; four sons, Bruno Blackburn of Newport News, Rick Blackburn of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., John Blackburn of McGaheysville, and Richard Blackburn of Mississippi; a daughter, Barbara Zwergel of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a brother, Robert Blackburn of Maggie Valley, N.C.; a sister, Betty Rusher of Indianapolis, Ind.; and six grandchildren. The Rev. Robert Clark will conduct a graveside service 1 p.m. Thursday at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Covenant Church, 3337 Emmaus Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Joan B. Wooldridge
Mrs. Joan Barbara Wooldridge, 78, of Harrisonburg, died on Oct. 15, 2004, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. She was born on May 2, 1926, in Chicago, Ill., and was the daughter of the late Harry George and Hazel Townsend Huster. She graduated from Hirsch High School in Chicago and from University of Illinois with a degree in journalism. She lived in Lancaster, Ohio for 11 years, Littleton, Colo. for 12 years, Fort Myers, Fla. for 11 years and Harrisonburg, Va., where she had lived for the last four years. She was a member of Ikebana International (Japanese art of flower arranging), which she taught for many years and was very passionate about, and had served as president of the Denver, Colo. and Naples, Fla. Chapters. She had earned teacher s certificates for two Schools of Ikebana, and taught many students in Denver and Fort Myers. She had just recently started teaching in the Harrisonburg area and had demonstrated Ikebana at several Brown-Bag Lunches at the JMU Arboretum and for various groups in the area, including VMRC. She enjoyed socializing at the Dayton and Shenandoah Farmer s Markets and never met a stranger. She loved meeting new people and finding out about them. Going to the movies was another passion of hers. On Sept. 3, 1949, she married Morris Lee Wooldridge, who survives. Also surviving are four children, Donna Holden (Bill) of Harrisonburg, Va., Lynn Moler (David) of Franklin, Tenn., Barb Wooldridge of Columbus, Ohio and Robert Wooldridge (Trina) of Genoa, Ohio. She is also survived by a sister, Janet Condon (Bob) of Valparaiso, Ind.; grandchildren, Angie Fann (Ricky) of Grottoes, Va., Aaron Moler (Amity) of Luray, Va., Leah Moler of Franklin, Tenn., Amber Douglas (James) of Genoa, Ohio, Rae Wooldridge of Genoa, Ohio, and Megan Holden of Harrisonburg, Va.; and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. in Strite Auditorium at Crestwood in Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. Memorial contributions may be made to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum "Joan Wooldridge Memorial Fund", James Madison University, MSC 7015, Harrisonburg, VA 22807. Family may be contacted through Donna Holden at 2169 Fort Lynne Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements.

Amos H. Horst
Amos H. Horst, 96, of 5881 Mole Hill Road in Dayton, died Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, at his home. Mr. Horst was born May 7, 1908, in Mahoning County, Ohio, and was the son of the late Harvey and Susanna Witmer Horst. He moved to the area in 1928 and was a farmer. He was a member of the Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church. On Feb. 1, 1934, he married the former Pauline F. Knicely, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Ruth E. Wenger of Dayton and Lorene G. Horst of Bridgewater; two sons, Daniel H. Horst and Howard W. Horst, both of Dayton; a sister, Edith Ramer of Goshen, Ind.; 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren. Justus Horst and Richard Martin will conduct the funeral 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Pleasant View Old Order Mennonite Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. His body has been taken to his home, where friends may call at any time. Arrangements are by the McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Baby Smith
Baby Smith, child of Michael James and Miranda Eckard Smith of Gary Lane in Harrisonburg, was stillborn Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. In addition to his parents, he is survived by grandparents William and Pat Smith of Moorefield, W.Va., Joann Mallow of Harrisonburg and Charles Eckard of Mathias, W.Va.; great-grandparents Donnie and Goldie Smith of Milam, W.Va., Mary Ada Judy and Richard Simmers of Wardensville, W.Va., and Jake Donovan of Harrisonburg; and two brothers: Dalton James Smith and Dominick Allen Smith, both of Harrisonburg. The family will receive friends from 7-8 this evening at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. The service and burial will be private.

Sylvia L. Nieswander
Sylvia Lea Nieswander, 67, of Grottoes, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, at the Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville. Mrs. Nieswander was born Feb. 12, 1937, in Mountain Valley, and was the daughter of the late Alvin and Susan Thompson Caldwell. She was a nurse s aide. Her husband, Norwood Nieswander, preceded her in death. She is survived by two sons, Garland Nieswander of McGaheysville and Steven Nieswander of Grottoes; two daughters, Debra Nieswander of Harrisonburg and Kathy Shifflett of Elkton; a brother, David Caldwell of Cincinnati, Ohio; three sisters, Sylvia Caldwell of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mary Propst of Keezletown and Mary Newland of Harrisonburg; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The Rev. Patricia Meadows will conduct a graveside service 3 p.m. Wednesday at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg. A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mountain Valley United Methodist Church, 11583 Mountain Valley Road, Harrisonburg. The family will receive friends from 6-8 this evening at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Rennie W. Thorne
Rennie Wilson Thorne, 92, of Petersburg, W.Va., died Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, at the Veterans Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va. Mr. Thorne was born Nov. 27, 1911, in Dorcas, W.Va., and was the son of the late Nimrod Wilson Thorne and Fannie Borror Thorne. He was a farmer, and a member of the North Mill Creek Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He was wounded in action July 27, 1944, in France. His wife, Delia V. Ours Thorne, preceded him in death in 2003. He is survived by two stepdaughters, Virginia Alt and Emma Jo Bartley, both of Petersburg, W.Va.; two stepsons, Ray "Buck" Helmick of St. Augustine, Fla., and Vernon Helmick of Petersburg, W.Va.; 12 stepgrandchildren; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; one stepgreat-great-grandaughter; and several nieces and nephews, including Phyllis and Roger Heavener, with whom he lived. Mr. Thorne was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Pastor James "Sonny" Dodds will conduct the funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg, W.Va. Burial will be at the Lahmansville Cemetery in Lahmansville, W.Va. with military honors by the combined veterans organizations of Grant County and the JROTC. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Kenneth W. Cochran
Kenneth Wayne Cochran, 65, of Penn Laird, died Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg. Mr. Cochran was born April 25, 1939, in Roanoke, and was the son of Avalena Carter Brown of Roanoke and the late Charles Wayne Cochran. He was a sales estimator for Liphart Steel in Verona before retiring. He attended Otterbein United Methodist Church. He moved to the area from Roanoke 25 years ago, where he was a former member of Melrose Methodist Church and Westminister Presbyterian Church. Mr. Cochran owned and operated Kay Dee Antiques and collected and sold postcards. He was a member of the I.F.P.D.; the Sherwood Archery Club, where he won several awards; and was active in Church League Sports. He was an avid hunter and bowler. He authored "Along the Antique Trail Directory" and was a member of the Historical Bottle Diggers of Virginia. He was active in the Civil War Roundtable and was a member of the N.R.A. and the Association of Steel Contractors. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Darlene Wilkes Cochran, whom he married Oct. 3, 1959; a sister, Janice C. Wimmer of Daleville; 12 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews. The Rev. Jeffery J. Butcher will conduct the funeral 11 a.m. Wednesday at Otterbein United Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Roanoke with the Rev. Dick Jones officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 this evening at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Friends may also call at the Cochran home at any time. Memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 176 West Market St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 or a charity of choice.

Galen D. Cline
Galen D. "Bill" Cline, 76, of 1747-A Buttonwood Court, Harrisonburg, died Thursday, Dec. 2, 2004, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, where he had been a patient since Wednesday. Mr. Cline was born July 16, 1928, in Rockingham County, and was a son of the late Dewitt and Nora Showalter Cline. He moved to Manchester, Pa. in 1966, where he lived until returning to Harrisonburg in March. He drove a school bus for the Central York School District and was an agent for Nationwide Insurance. He sang with the Churchmen Quartet locally and the Versetones Quartet in Pennsylvania. Mr. Cline was a member of St. Paul s United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania, where he sang in the Chancel Choir. He was currently a member of the Clover Hill United Methodist Church. On Oct. 15, 1950, he married the former Fern Hess, who survives. He is also survived by two sisters, Dale Shiflet and Margaret Ritchie, both of Dayton; five brothers, Marion Cline and Amos Cline, both of Dayton; Stanley Cline of Lynchburg, and Richard Cline and Frank Cline, both of Harrisonburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. The Revs. Rob Hoskins and Robert Pickering will conduct the funeral 2:30 p.m. Monday at the McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Burial will follow at Mount Horeb Cemetery in Hinton. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clover Hill Building Fund, 3457 Fulton School Road, Dayton, VA 22821, or the St. Paul United Methodist Building Fund, 4360 Board Road, Manchester, PA 17345.