Family and Friends Page


 

Alma Russell Kerns Gaunt "Sis" passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022

Alma "Sis" was born in 1946 in Winchester, VA to the late Russell Irvin Kerns and Alma Joan Perry Kerns.

Sis attended John Handley High School and later earned her GED. Although she aspired to be a Latin teacher, her calling turned out to be serving as a nursing assistant and later filling medical supply orders.

She is survived by her daughter, Lilliallen "Lillib"Gaunt Plummer, sister, Maxine Irvin "Mackie"Kerns, nephew, Russell Edward "Tater" Kerns (Kathy) and family, niece Kristle Dawn Kerns Tokach (Pete) and family, Aunt Liz Fletcher, Uncle Ed Grim, and several cousins.

Sis also leaves behind the family "Pet" Lady Kerns, a rat terrier that joined the family in 2020.  Lady kept her company and they shared a mutual love.

In addition to her parents, Alma and Russell Kerns, she was preceded in death by Leo Hampton "Shorty" Gaunt, son, Charles Riley Gaunt, brother Charles Edward Kerns and his wife Georgianna, son in law, Charles Plummer and  her ex-husband Robert "Pete" Cornell, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear family members and friends.

Alma joined the Winchester Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary in 1995 and served many offices and had perfect attendance for several years. The auxiliary later became Millwood Station Fire and Rescue Auxiliary, of which she was a life time member. ln addition, she served the Northeastern District and Auxiliary to the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. In 2008, she was awarded the AVAVRS Outstanding Service Award. She was also a member of the Winchester Eagles and Moose Lodge.

Alma enjoyed traveling all over Virginia to rescue squad auxiliary events. She loved the beach, enjoyed mystery novels, movies, the Food Network and Motor Trend. Alma loved cats and dogs, many of whom had a great home with her and the family. She was a Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival volunteer, assisting at the Firefighter's Reception for approximately 20 years.

Alma had a great sense of humor and displayed her talent when performing skits with family and friends. She was the life of the party!!

One of her greatest assets was her unselfish nature, seeing that the needs of others were met before her own. Sis took care of several family members and friends in their time of need, displaying her servant heart. Sis was of the Methodist faith.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 5 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A service will follow on Friday, May 6 at 1:00pm at Amherst Chapel. Interment will be at Macedonia United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In memory of Sis's generosity and love any memorial contribution to a charity of your choice would be a kind and appreciated gesture.

Cards can be sent to Maxine Kerns, 514 East Pall Mall St, Winchester, VA  22601


Randolph Arlington Maddox, Jr., 63, of Evington died August 19, 2021 at Gretna Health and Rehab. He was the husband of Catherine Owens Maddox for twenty years. 

He was born November 16, 1957 in Lynchburg, a son of Ruby Joyce Deaton Maddox and the late Randolph Arlington Maddox, Sr. He was a member of Timberlake Christian Church, a retired employee of twenty-seven years from the Lynchburg City School System, and a U.S. Navy veteran. Randy was also a member at the Lynchburg South Moose #1727, Lynchburg South Moose Legion, and the Campbell County Rescue Squad for forty-five years. He was a past member of Brookville-Timberlake, Lyn-Dan Heights, and Evington Volunteer Fire Departments. 

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by a daughter, Krista Talley Maddox of Evington; three brothers, Randell "Dale" Maddox and his wife, Lynn of Lynchburg, R. Alan Maddox and his wife, Crystal of Evington and R. Alfred Maddox and his wife, Kay of Evington; a sister, Annette M. Dalton and her husband, Keith of Lynchburg; three grandchildren, Luxy Nicole Andrews, Brycen James Madden and Liam Alister Wooldridge; mother-in-law, Nancy H. Owens; sister-in-law, Shelia Bane and her husband, James, who was like a brother to Randy; brother-in-law, Ken Owens and his wife, Vicky; and a number of nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert E. Owens. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 23, 2021 at Finch and Finch Chapel, Altavista with interment to follow in Altavista Memorial Park with military honors by American Legion Altavista Memorial Post 36 and Gretna Post 232. Randy's family invites all attendees to dress casually, as he would have wanted. 

The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., Sunday at Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista and other times at the home of Catherine, 6012 Dearborn Road, Evington and the home of his mother, Joyce Maddox, 297 Wyatt Circle, Evington. 

The family would like to thank all the family, friends, staff, nurses, CNA's, Doctor's at both Gretna Health and Rehab and Centra Hospice for their care and support. 

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider The American Cancer Society, 2050 Langhorne Rd., Ste. 201, Lynchburg, VA 24501, the Virginia Wounded Warriors Program, 900 East Main Street, 6th Floor-West Wing, Richmond, VA 23219 or the Campbell County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 4123, Lynchburg, VA 24501.


It is with deep sadness that I let you know of the passing of Johnny Booze of the Clifton Forge Volunteer Rescue Squad.  Johnny passed away in the early hours of April 4, 2022. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Service will be held at the Clifton Forge Volunteer Rescue Squad located at 522 Commercial Avenue, Clifton Forge, VA.
 
In talking with Christy, Johnny’s  daughter, he disliked funeral homes and getting all dressed up to go to them.  I have been asked to let you know that you may wear your jeans if you like or you can get dressed up.  There will be no viewing or visitation prior to the service.  There will however be a meal served following the service at the rescue squad building. 
 
Cards may be sent to Laura Booze (wife) and Christy Jeffries (daughter) at 222 West Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
 
Sincerely,
 
Eddie Ann Orndoff
AVAVRS President

 
Please keep Laura, Christy and the rest of the Booze family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this difficult time.
 
Sincerely, 
 
Eddie Ann Orndoff
AVAVRS President


UPDATE ON JACK SWICEGOOD
Passing of Jack Swicegood

 
 
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mr. Jack Swicegood.
Jack was a VAVRS Life Member and Hall of Fame member.
 
Please keep Jack's family in your prayers.
 
Condolences can be sent to; Ruth Swicegood
208 Riverview Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Jack Allyn Swicegood, age 91 of Rocky Mount, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 6, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Thelma Swicegood; brothers, Leon Swicegood and Rev. Charles Swicegood; sisters, Joyce Dunlap, Rowana Stephens, Delores Earlywine, and Estelle Pagans; daughter, Diane Nolen; grandson, Jay Bennett; granddaughter, Stephanie Bennett; and special friend, Roger Robertson. Surviving to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Ruth Swicegood; son, Gary (Joy) Swicegood; daughter, Mollie Hodges; granddaughters, Leslie Nolen, Stacy Nolen, Morgan Swicegood (Jamie Carter); great-grandchildren, Ella, Eli and Elin Nolen-Funk; special grandson-in-law, Brandon Funk; special granddaughter-in-law, Ginny Bennett; son-in-law, Warren Nolen; siblings, Gerald Swicegood, Elaine Swindell and Donna Gay; numerous nieces and nephews; and many VAVRS, AVAVRS and VAJVRS friends. Jack served in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. He joined the Franklin County Rescue Squad in 1967, where he served as Jr. Squad Advisor and Chaplain. Jack was also active in the VAVRS, as well as a life member, where he served as State Jr. Squad Advisor and District 6 V.P. and Chaplain. He was instrumental in assisting several Franklin County Volunteer Squads in organizing during the early years. Jack was an instructor in EMT, CPR, Vehicle Extrication and EVOC. One of his greatest accomplishments was being inducted in the Virginia Life Saving and Rescue Hall of Fame in 2010. Papa Jack and Granny Ruth owned and operated Rainbow Child Care for over 25 years. This was not a job or business, but an act of love for them. Last year Jack was surprised with a 91st birthday parade. Rescue Squads, Fire, Police, Public Safety, a fly over of Life Guard 10, and many friends participated. It was a site to see. The volunteer rescue squads of Franklin County honored Jack with a wooden American flag plaque. The family would like to thank everyone for calls, cards, food and visits. Also, Home Health Care and Franklin Health and Rehab for the excellent care given to Jack. The kindness meant more to him than you know. Funeral services will be conducted at Flora Funeral Chapel, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022 with Chaplain Rick Poland and Rev. Joe Dillon officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. His family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Franklin County Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 147, Rocky Mount, VA 24151) in memory of Jack. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.

 

 

 

Please keep Ruth and her family in your Prayers.


GLENN DRUMHELLER - LIFE MEMBER VAVRS/STAUNTON AUGUSTA RESCUE SQUAD

VAVRS Life Member Glen Drumheller suffered a fall resulting in several fractures just prior to Christmas.  He is current rehabing at home.  Please keep him in your prayers and send him your best wishes by calling or sending him a card.


540-294-1065-Personal Cell

Submitted by A. Page Entsminger, VAVRS Life Member
 

DAVID JOHNSON - RICHMOND VRS LIFE MEMBER

Notification of the death of a Life Member of Richmond Volunteer Rescue Squad (formerly West End Vol. Rescue Squad). David Johnson passed away on 12/29/2021. David had been Past President of the Junior Association and active in EMS in the Richmond, VA area. Will post arrangements when available. Please keep his wife Beth and daughter Stephanie in your thoughts and prayers. Their Address is 5 Rock Garden Lane, Richmond, VA 23228.
Nancy Winner, Richmond Vol. Rescue Squad, Inc.
(sewwinner711@gmail.com)

DIANE NOLEN - FRANKLIN CO RS

Dauther of JACK AND RUTH SWICEGOOD - VAVRS and AVAVRS LIFE MEMBERS

It is with great sadness to share that Diane Nolen of Franklin County, VA departed this life Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Diane was a member of the Franklin County Rescue Squad and leaves behind her loving family including her parents Jack and Ruth Swicegood.
 
The funeral will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 at:
 
Flora Funeral Home
665 South Main Street
Rocky Mount, VA
 
Visitation with the family is at 1:00 followed by the Memorial Service at 2:00.
 
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
 
Jack and Ruth Swicegood
280 Riverview Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
 
Please pass this information along to your members.
 
Respectfully,
 
Eddie Ann Orndoff
AVAVRS President

 

LELA B. TOMLIN

Tommy Tomlin’s mother. (He is a former District 8 VP)
 
Lela B. Tomlin, 94, of Wicomico Church, Virginia passed away October 19, 2021.
She is the widow of Charles E. Tomlin, Jr. and John Reynolds Ingram. She is survived by her children, Charles E. “Chip” Tomlin, III (Helen) of Roanoke, Thomas “Tommy” Tomlin (Elsie) of Wicomico Church and Evelyn E. Tomlin of Wicomico Church; grandchildren, Christopher E. Tomlin, Charles T. Tomlin , Rachel Tomlin Sanford (Bradly).
She was a retired school teacher for the Northumberland County School System and a member of Wicomico Parish Church.
Funeral services will be held 2 p. m. Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock. Interment will follow the service at Wicomico Parish Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 p. m. Friday, October 29, 2021 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wicomico Parish Church, P. O. Box 70, Wicomico Church, VA 22579 or a charity of your choice.


MARY AILEEN CANTRELL RUTHERFORD  - AVAVRS LIFE MEMBER

Obituary for Mary Aileen Cantrell Rutherford

Mary Aileen Cantrell Rutherford, 93, of Bristol, Tennessee passed away March 18, 2021 at NHC Rehabilitation of Bristol. She was born October 28, 1927 in Bristol, Tennessee to the late Jess and Minnie Grubb Cantrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo H. Rutherford; sisters Myrtle Butterworth; Ada Black; and a brother, Jerry Cantrell and son-in-law, Michael Akers.

Aileen and Leo were married November 18, 1950. She graduated from Holston Valley High School in 1946. Aileen began working at age 16 at Woolworths and later worked at the Thread Mill. She also worked at Big Jack, as well as Monroe Calculating. As they started to build their family, Aileen began her journey as a homemaker. In her earlier years you could find Aileen in her garden or cultivating her beautiful flower gardens. She loved traveling and spending time with her family while caring for others. She truly was a servant of God. She always put others before herself.

Aileen was a member of Rosemont Presbyterian Church where she loved visiting her friends and rejoicing with them. She was a charter life member of the Bristol Life Saving Crew and a life member of the Auxiliary of Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. Aileen will always be remembered for her strong faith in God, her love for her family and her astounding care and compassion for others.

Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Akers of Bristol, TN; a son Herschel Rutherford (Linda) of Knoxville, TN; special great-niece, Joan Williams and special nephew, Noble Cantrell. She also leaves behind many special friends and family.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home in Bristol, Tenn. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Laura Plaster and Rev. Scott Spence officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please click here. The committal and interment will be held after the service at Glenwood Cemetery in Bristol, Tenn. Pallbearers will include Bill Bowman, Mike Coches, Bryan Gentry, Alex Holdway, Tim Holdway, Allen Peppler, and David Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Bristol Lifesaving Crew and Auxiliary, Dr. Thomas Green, Jr. and staff, Dr. Tom Townsend and pharmacy staff of CVS on West State Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Bristol Lifesaving Crew, 1601 Euclid Avenue Bristol, VA 24201 or Grandfather Home for Children, 158 Grandfather Home Dr. Banner Elk, NC 28604 or McIver Presbyterian Church 1900 Euclid Avenue Bristol, VA 24201

Arrangements especially for Ms. Aileen and her family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory.
 


CHARLES ANDREW "ANDY" MOORE, JR. - Husband of VAVRS President Connie Moore

Charles Andrew “Andy” Moore, Jr., age 69, a longtime resident of Kenbridge, VA, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Andy grew up in Emporia and was a 1970 graduate of Greensville County High School. He loved music and was the bass guitarist in several popular Southside Virginia bands over the years. An avid sports fan, Andy was a huge Virginia Tech fan and was sideline manager for the football team at Central High School of Lunenburg. Andy was preceded in death by his mother, Josy Lawrence Moore. He is survived by his wife, Connie Gaskins Moore; a daughter, Tracy Moore; his father, Rev. Charles A. Moore, Sr; sisters, Kathy Baker (Tim) and Betsy Draper (Calvin); an aunt, Ann Moore, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside funeral service will held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Warfield Baptist Church Cemetery, 7318 Flat Rock Road, Warfield, VA 23889. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service in the Fellowship Hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 1419, Victoria, VA 23974. Arrangements are by Williams Funeral Home & Crematory of Lawrenceville. Condolences may be expressed at www.williamsfuneralhomeva.com.