Family and Friends Page
Sharon E. Brown - Life Member Davis Corner VRS
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the death of one of our esteemed members, Sharon E. Brown. Sharon dedicated 37 years of her life volunteering with our system, both as a life member of the Davis Corner Volunteer Rescue Squad, and as a member of the Dept. of EMS Support Services Team where she assisted with the education of our new members.
In honor of Sharon Brown’s lifetime of service to our community, we will be draping department and rescue squad metal badges immediately.
At this time, we do not have additional details regarding arrangements and will share those as soon as they become available.
Please take a moment to remember Sharon and the invaluable contributions she has made to our organization. Our thoughts and condolences are with her family, squad members, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Jason E. Stroud, Emergency Medical Services | VB Rescue, Chief
Elta Melson, Mother to VAVRS Immediate Past President Wesley Melson
"Elta was retired from Stafford County Government and a Lifetime Member of the Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Support Team"
As was announced at the VAVRS Spring Board of Governors meeting, VAVRS Past President Wesley Melson’s Mom, Elta passed away.
Expressions of sympathy can be mailed to –
Wesley Melson
200 Madison Ave.
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
Andy Winn, former District 10 Vice President
Update on Andy Winn, former District 10 Vice President and member of Salem Vol. Fire and Rescue in Culpeper County.
Andy has been transferred from the hospital to Autumn Care in Madison, VA for long term care. He will be getting rehab and a prosthetic. He thinks he will be at this facility for several months.
Cards can be sent to—
Andy Winn
Autumn Care of Madison
1 Autumn Care Court
Madison, VA 22727
Andy Winn
Andy Winn, former District 10 Vice President and member of Salem Vol. Fire and Rescue in Culpeper County is currently in Chippenham Hospital, Room 504.
He is dealing with some medical issues and had his right foot & lower leg amputated.
Cards can be sent to
Chippenham Hospital
Room 504
7101 Jahnke Rd, Richmond, VA 23225
Or to his home address at 509 Virginia Ave., Culpeper, VA 22701
Please keep Andy in your thoughts and prayers as he navigates through his medical challenges.
KEVIN DILLARD
Larry "Keith" Smith, Gladys VA, father to L. Frank Smith
Just letting you know that Keith Smith (District 5 Gladys) passed away earlier today. No arrangements as of now but will let you know I they are made.
Heather Palm - 03-16-24
Message from Frank Smith
As some of you may or may not know, my dad, Larry Keith Smith, passed away unexpectantly on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Thanks to everyone that has reached out. I hope to eventually reply to all the comments, messages and texts.
For those who have inquired...Funeral arrangements for my day will be as follows: Visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 @ WhittenTimberlake Chapel in Lynchburg. Funeral service @1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 @Whitten Timberland Chapel w/burial to follow in Fort HIll Memorial Park.
L. Frank Smith, 159 Bowmans Run Drive, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477 - fsmith@stauntonrescue.org
Obituary
Larry Keith Smith, 63, of Gladys, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born in Lynchburg on September 7, 1960, the son of the late Larry Herbert Smith and Carolyn Willard Smith. Keith was retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections, where he dedicated his career to public service.
Throughout his life, Keith was deeply involved in serving his community. He was a lifelong member of the Citizens Emergency Crew in Gladys and a life member of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads – District 5. He also served as a past member of the Gladys Volunteer Fire Department. Keith was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church of Evington, where he served as an usher and found great joy in greeting people with a warm smile.
Keith is survived by his loving wife, Hazel McCraw Smith; his two sons, L. Frank Smith and Christopher Lee Smith; his two brothers, Willard H. Smith and Tommy Smith; and his two sisters, Faith Smith-Goff (Tommy) and Lisa Hancock (William). He was preceded in death by his son, Marshall Anthony Smith.
A service celebrating Keith’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, with Pastor Irvin Reynolds and Rev. Jack Barrett officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the building fund at Bethel Baptist Church, 2550 Bethel Church Rd., Evington, VA 24550.
Larry Keith Smith will be remembered for his dedication to serving others, his warm and welcoming nature, and his love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Louise Garman, AVAVRS Life Member
It is with deep regret that we inform you that Louise Garman, AVAVRS Life Member and Past President died at her home yesterday.
Louise Garman, 132 Fairground Road, Woodstock, VA 22664
Obituary for Louise Elaine Lambert Garman
The staff at Heishman Funeral Home, inc. send condolences to the family of Louise Elaine Lambert Garman.
Louise Elaine Lambert Garman, 97, of Woodstock, VA passed away Friday, March 8, 2024 at her home of natural causes. The funeral service will be held, Friday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Woodstock Presbyterian Church, 142 E. Court Street. Reverend Brittney Lane will officiate.
The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/WoodstockPresbyterianChurch
Burial will follow in Sunset View Memorial Gardens in Woodstock. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Valley Funeral Service, 14116 S. Middle Road in Edinburg.
Mrs. Garman was born Nov. 9, 1926 in Edinburg, the oldest of five children to the late Bennie Eli and Sada Kathryn Coffman Lambert. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Evelyn Neff, Eunice Taylor, Emma Belle Cooley and brother, Joseph B. Lambert. She was a 1944 graduate of Woodstock High School and worked on the family farm and with her father at Lamberts Meat Market. In 1947 she went to work at Ben Franklin Store on Main Street in Woodstock. Along with loving her job, Louise would come to find the love of her life in Donald H. Garman whom she married on October 12, 1947. They would continue building a beautiful family business with Ben Franklin Stores until Don’s death on Jan. 1, 1989. Louise continued the family business known as Ben’s Diner until her death.
Louise was the oldest living member of the Woodstock Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder, communion hostess, sang in the church choir and was instrumental in the Women of the Church. As a charter member and Past President of Muhlenberg Unit 199 American Legion Auxiliary, Louise served her community in support of American veterans. Louise was initiated in Woodstock Chapter 93 Order of the Eastern Star on September 11, 1952. She served as a Worthy Matron several times and was Chapter organist. Louise was a member of Woodstock Rescue Squad Auxiliary and served as State President.
Louise is survived by her four children, Constance Louise, Donald Herbert Jr. (Dianne), William John (Susan), and Kenneth Lemoyne (Mikki); ten grandchildren, Stephen Brent, Patricia Louise, Eric Lemoyne (Shalyn), Heather Bess, Brad Allen, Jonathon Nicholas, Susan Elizabeth, Jessica Lynn, Shawn Michael (Julie) and Katelyn Marie (Kyle); 15 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and 11 nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Garman, Eric Garman, Brad Garman, Nick Garman, Shawn Garman and Kyle Baker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woodstock Presbyterian Church, https://www.woodstockpresbyterianchurch.com/how-do-i/ or Blue Ridge Hospice at https://brhospice.org.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Blue Ridge Hospice
Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com
Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.
Marie Householder, AVARS Life Member and Past President
The location of Marie's celeof life ceremony has had to change to a different location. This will help with parking and size. The new location is Station 6 located at 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn VA 20147. Same date and same time just chamge in venue.
Good evening everyone.
It is with a great deal of sadness that I am letting you know of the passing of our very dear friend Marie Householder.
The family has requested NO Phone calls. Cards may be sent to Harry at the address at the end of this message.
It is my understanding that there will be a celebration of Marie’s life later in the spring (possibly in April). More details on this later.
Please keep Harry and the rest of the family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Harry Householder & Family
125B Clubhouse Drive, SW#5
Leesburg, VA 20175
OBITUARY
Marie Cyrus Householder of Leesburg, Virginia passed away on January 26, 2024, at Inova Fairfax. Marie was born on September 2, 1946, to Clarance and Edna Cyrus in Cary, North Carolina. After Marie graduated from Cary High School, she moved to Virginia where she would later meet and marry the love of her life, Harry Householder in 1978. Marie spent most of her life as the Property Manager of Waverly Park. She began her career of volunteering in the early 1980’s and dedicated countless hours to The Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad, the State AVAVRS and was a founding member of the (Ladies) Auxiliary of Loudoun Rescue.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Edna Cyrus and her sister, Ruth Cyrus. She is survived by her beloved Husband Harry Householder, Daughter Tonya Nichols (George), Stepdaughter Nancy White (Matt), Stepson Norman Dyson (Vicki), Grandchildren Elizabeth Grubbs (Thomas), Alexandra Wolfe (Derik), John Payne III (Katlin), Tyler Jennings, Katelyn Payne, Dylan Jacobik, Morgan Jacobik, Ryan Jacobik, Matthew White, Lillie Corrier and many beloved Great Grandchildren. Niece Linda Fuller (Ethan), Nephew Larry Cyrus (Jamie).
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 20, 2024, from 1-4 pm at Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company located at 215 Loudoun St SW, Leesburg, VA 20175. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Canine Cancer Research at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, a cause that Marie felt strongly about.
Donations can be made online at https://vmf.vetmed.vt.edu/ or by mail to: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine 215 Duck Pond Drive, Suite 2002 Blacksburg, VA 24061.
Laura Booze, AVAVRS Life Member
Obituary:
Laura Bell Givens Booze, age 75, of 224 W. Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Sunday, December 31, 2023 at her residence.
Laura was born on March 10, 1948 in Alleghany County, Virginia to the late Lonnie Lewis Givens and Maybelle Wright Givens. She was self-employed throughout her life and stayed active in her community through her volunteer work with the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad Founders Auxiliary, the Iron Gate Fire Department Auxiliary, the Ladies Auxiliary for the Burnside Carpenter VFW Post 1033, the A.V.A.V.R.S, and other services within the Alleghany Highlands.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Preston Booze III; a son-in-law, Mark; three sisters; and one brother.
She is survived by two daughters, Teresa Lynn Smith of Lexington and Christy Jeffries and husband Bill of Clifton Forge; three sons, Michael Anthony Booze and wife Dollie of Alleghany County, Paul Booze, Sr. and wife Lisa of Iron Gate, and Kevin Booze and wife Janelle of Alleghany County; two brothers, Lloyd Givens and wife Phyllis and Bob Givens; twelve grandchildren, Heather Hicks, Paul Booze, Jr., Joey Stull, Adam Sweet, Johnathon Smith, Megan Smith, Mikayla Booze, Gabriel Booze, Preston Booze, Brooklyn Booze, Miky Mays, and Alex Mays; seven great grandchildren, Luka, Tyson, Savannah, Jacob, Dalton, Maddox, and River; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad, 1610 Hickory Ave, Clifton Forge, with Mr. Chris Fisher and Mr. Kevin Booze officiating.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Clifton Forge Rescue Squad Founders Auxiliary, PO Box 419, Clifton Forge, VA 24422, or floral gifts may be sent to 224 W. Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
James P. "Mac" McGuire
We are deeply saddened by the passing this morning of our beloved member, James P. “Mac” McGuire, Life Member and Past President of Forest View and Past President of the VAVRS.
Cards may be sent to Linda McGuire at: 9206 Hartley Hill Ct. Glen Allen, VA 23060-6388.
Please keep Linda and their children Ashley and J.P. in your prayers.
Also - click here to read a Richmond Times Dispatch article and obituary.
Obituary for Garland Lee Linkous Jr. -Christiansburg VRS
Garland Lee Linkous, Jr., age 78, of Christiansburg died Tuesday, October 10, 2023. He was born in Baltimore, MD on May 29, 1945, to the late Garland Lee, Sr. and Ida Allene Shepherd Linkous. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church. Garland was a veteran of the U.S. Navy for 6 years and the National Guard 29th Division Band for 23 years, he achieved the rank of E7 Sgt 1st class. He was a life member of the VFW, American Legion, and DAV. He was a life member of the Christiansburg Rescue Squad.
He was a marriage commissioner having held hundreds of weddings. Garland owned and operated EZ Method Driving School and certified hundreds of students for driving permits and motorcycle safety. He also ran the Trailways bus station and Nancy’s Travel and Tours. He was also a Master Gardener and a sou chef at Virginia Tech and Mountain Lake. He was a master musician and could play any brass instrument, trumpet, strings, mandolin, harpsichord, and guitar. Garland filled in as a Pastor of Mt. Elbert United Methodist Church, Floyd Va. He operated the Christmas Kitchen for at least 10 years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Richardson Linkous; a daughter, Leeann; a son, Chris; brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond Linkous, and Ernest (Kathy) Linkous; brothers-in-law, Bill (Sandra) Richardson, and George (Rocine) Richardson; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Sebert Rorrer and Pastor Mike Neuse officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 AM Monday morning before the service at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. SW., Blacksburg VA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, American Legion Boys State.
NORRIS' OBITUARY
Norris Fleetwood Stiff, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2023, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Born on April 2, 1939, in the heart of Newport, Norris's journey began in an era of simplicity and grew into a life marked by dedication and love.
Norris's life was one of steadfast devotion to his family and community. He shared 64 beautiful years with his beloved wife, Mary Frances Shumate Stiff, of Newport, Virginia. Together, they built a life rich in love and laughter, welcoming their children David Stiff (Shelbie) of Montgomery County, Virginia, Vickie Stump (Ralph) of Newport, and cherishing the memory of their daughter Rebecca "Terri" Stiff Smith. Norris; and his wisdom and kindness extended to his grandchildren Amber Pratt, Meghan Stump (Eric), Christina Hoefer (Robert), Michelle Stiff, Kelli Stiff, step-grandchildren Katie Smith, Steven Smith, Jason Stump, Jamie Reynolds, and his adored great-grandchildren Gabe Isaac, Aubri Stump, Addlynn Walters, and Raelynn Walters.
His brother, Curtis Stiff (Joyce) of Roanoke, and sister-in-law, Doris Stiff, along with several nieces and nephews, will hold the memory of Norris's guiding presence close to their hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Atlee Stiff and Virgie Martin Stiff, his brother Ronald Wayne Stiff, his daughter Terri, and his infant granddaughter Heather Nicole Stiff.
Norris was a man of great skill and integrity. For 23 years, he worked as an electrician with the Radford Arsenal and Ammunition Plant, where his expertise and diligence were invaluable. His work was not just a job but a reflection of his commitment to excellence and service.
Beyond his professional life, Norris was a pillar in his community, passionately involved in the Giles Rescue Squad and Newport Rescue Squad as a founding and lifetime member. His commitment to these organizations demonstrated his deep care for the welfare of others. He was also a proud Mason, where his fraternal bonds were as strong as his principles.
A lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Norris was passionate about his Second Amendment rights and took great pride in this affiliation. He was known for being a wise and thoughtful man, always willing to lend a listening ear and help solve problems for others. His passion extended to all aspects of his life, and he was often sought after for his sage advice and warm, supportive nature. His was dedicated to his faith, and practiced his faith in faithful attendance at Sherry Memorial Christian Church.
Norris's character could be summed up in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Whatever you are, be a good one." He lived by this mantra, striving to be the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend he could be. His passion, wisdom, and thoughtfulness were his hallmarks, and they touched the lives of everyone who knew him.
The family will receive friends in a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be conducted following the visitation on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Stuart Davis officiating. He will be laid to rest in a graveside service on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Clover Hollow Cemetery in Newport, Virginia where members of the Rescue Squad will serve as pallbearers. Masonic rites will be given directly following the service by Masonic Lodge 261. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Stiff family.