Obituaries

It is with great sorrow, our family announces the unexpected passing of our brave son and soldier 1st Lt. in the United States Army Corp of Engineers, Edward Clarence Whitmore Jr., 35, of Lexington, Virginia. He sadly departed this world, on May 16, 2024, near his home in Lexington, Virginia. He was born July 4, 1988, to Edward Ira Whitmore and Helena Ann Bresock Lemon in Biloxi, Mississippi.

From an early age Ed exhibited unwavering devotion to his relationship with the Savior, and was known to repeatedly read and study his scriptures, completing the Book of Mormon fifteen times. Additionally, he earned his Duty to God Award, graduated from Seminary, and obtained his Eagle Scout Award. He was publicly acknowledged during his scouting program as saving a fellow scouts life.

While attending school, he honed his craft of physical exercise, by participating and gaining skil...

Patricia Knick “Pat” Cottrell, 77, of Covington, died Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.

Pat was born September 2, 1946, in Covington, a daughter of the late Warnel Knick, Sr. and Carle Wilhelm Knick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Kenneth Cottrell; a step-son, John Kenneth Cottrell; and one brother, Walter H. Knick.

Mrs. Cottrell worked for many years in the banking industry in Covington. She was a 1964 graduate of Covington High School and was active in the various CHS reunion committees. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church.

Survivors include her son, Travis Cottrell, and his wife, Kylie, of Lynchburg; two step-daughters whom she loved as her own, Elizabeth “Yipi” Ridout, and her husband, Marty, of Hampton and Rhonda Petitjean of Hampton; a da...

Robert Warren “Butch” Stone 79, of Troutville, and formerly Covington, died May 13, 2024, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Butch was born October 31, 1944, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Charles R. Stone and Elizabeth Gleason Stone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Boguess.

Mr. Stone served his country in the United State Air Force.  He retired from MeadWestvco as a maintenance oilier and was a former member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Linda Hepler Stone of Troutville; one daughter, Lisa Stone; one grandson, Jermery Holloway; and one great-granddaughter, Dakota Holloway, all of Hoschton, GA.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday May 16, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Alleghany Memo...

Carl Shannon Burch, age 51, of Covington, died Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem after an extended illness.

Carl was born April 4, 1973, in Lexington and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Carl C. Burch and Betty Cales Burch.

Carl was a self-employed excellent handyman, helping anyone who needed him.

Surviving is his companion, Catrina Comor of Covington; a son, Tyler Burch of Lexington; three daughters, Sommer Burch of Buena Vista, Kristen Heath of Fairfax, and Miriah M. Burch of Covington; a sister, Kimberley  B. Lilley of Virginia Beach; and a brother, Michael D. Burch.

Arritt Funeral Home has been entrusted to handling Carl’s arrangements.

Keeping wi...

Particianne Jean Switzer Medley, age 65, of New Castle, died Friday, May 10, 2024, at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

Patricianne was born February 19, 1959, in Covington, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Harry Junior Switzer and Thelma Cleo Fridley Switzer; a stepmother, Drucille Switzer; a son, Ronnie Reed, Jr; a sister Dorothy Craft; a brother-in-law, Norman Craft; and a brother, Harry F. Switzer.

She worked for many years as a  warehouse clerk and was a former member of First Baptist Church, in New Castle. She really enjoyed attending church, meeting new people, and making friends. She also enjoyed attending functions with her friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Roxie (Henry) Wolfe of New Castle; a son, Saford Wright, Jr. of Covington; three sisters, Phyllis (Allen) Switzer of Waiteville, WV, Shirley Bratton and Th...

Adalyn Marie Peery, an infant daughter of Logan and Miranda Chittum Peery of Covington, departed this life, Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville.

Adalyn was born April 29, 2024, in Roanoke and was preceded in death by her; maternal great grandmother, Anna Chittum; paternal great grandparents, Ralph “Wanda’ Peery; paternal grandparents, Carl ‘Elaine’ Tuominen and maternal great grandfather, John ‘Aleata’ Gregory.

Surviving other than her parents are maternal grandparents, Marshall and Athena Chittum of Hot Springs; paternal grandparents, Johnny and Nancy Peery of Hot Springs; maternal great grandfather, John Chittum of Covington, an uncle, Zach ‘Elise’ Chittum of Covington; a maternal aunt, Emily Chittum and Jacob Armentrout of Covington; paternal aunt, Ashley Peery of Hot Springs; paternal aunt, Emily ‘Nathan’ Cook of Hot Springs; maternal ...

Lorraine Hedrick Selleck, of 309 Montgomery Knob Road, died Saturday April 27, 2024, at her residence.

She was born on February 3,1936 in Highland County, a daughter of late Robert Mick and Laura Hedrick Vint.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Selleck; a daughter, Lola Aycock; a daughter-in-law, Phyllis “Doodles” Selleck; one grandson in law, Dan Christian; five brothers; a stepfather, Henry Vint, and one son-in-law, George Aycock.

Mrs. Selleck was a homemaker who loved her family and working on the family farm.

Surviving is her son, Phillip Selleck; a grandson, John Selleck; two granddaughters, Crystal (Carl) Christian and Tonja (Greg) Carroll; five great-grandchildren, P.J. Booze, Harry Christian, Laura Rain, Jonah Carroll, and Noah Carroll, Garritt Haven and Andrew Stanf...

Reba Althea Troxell Rapp, 91, of Covington, died Saturday, April 27, 2024, at her residence.

She was born May 15, 1932, in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Verless and Gartha Morris Troxell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, B. W. “Bill” Rapp, Jr., in 2015; and a son, Rick Rapp, in 2007.

Mrs. Rapp was a charter member of Parrish Court United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Christian Endeavor Sunday School Class, the United Methodist Women, and a charter member of the church choir. Reba was happiest in her kitchen making, baking, and selling sourdough or salt rising rolls and bread. She loved having family and friends over after church on Sundays or holidays and always cooked plenty of food, with her desserts being the best. She loved to read and would always have a book nearby when traveling ...

Morgan Daniel “Punk” Simpson, 88, of Roanoke and formerly of Covington, died Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

Dan was born on October 22, 1935, in Covington, a son of the late Lee Edward and Maggie Hepler Simpson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Jean Simpson; three brothers; and one sister.

Mr. Simpson served his country in the United States Airforce, retiring from active duty after 21 years. Following his military career, he worked for Lockheed Martin for many years. He was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion as well as being active as a Shriner and Mason throughout his life.

Survivors include a son, Daniel E. Simpson of Buford, GA; two daughters, Cathy Simpson Freeman of Troutville, and Christine Joy Lester of Blue Ridge; a stepdaughter,...

Ovila Joseph “Joe” Cormier, 82, of Covington, died Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

Mr. Cormier was born February 18, 1942, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, a son of the late Francis Pierre Cormier and Helen Lillian Melanson Cormier. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean B. Cormier.

Joe served his native country of Canada in the Canadian Navy. He was a service representative for Lab Corporation of America, retiring in 2004 after 31 years. He was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and a retired member of the Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue Department. He was a member of Cliff Dale Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Doraley Armentrout Cormier, of Covington; three daughters, Shannon (Scott) Mitchell o...

Johnny Lewis Nida, Sr., 78, of 3713 Potts Creek Road, died Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Mr. Nida was born September 26, 1945, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Henry Lewis Nida and Lillian Plymale Nida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Haley Grace Nida; two brothers, Marvin Nida, and Donald Nida; and one sister, Anna Mae Ray.

Johnny retired in 2011 from Westrock after thirty years’ service in the recovery department. He was formerly employed with Hercules Inc.  He was member of Pinnell Chapel United Methodist Church, a retired member of the Boiling Spring Fire Department and Rescue Squad and was a member of the Covington Moose Lodge #610 for fifty years.  Johnny loved being with his family, riding his motorcycle and classic cars.

Sur...

Betty Dorene Graves, age 70, of Covington, died Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Lewis-Gale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

Betty was born, July 23, 1953, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Graves, Sr. and Catherine Silvery Graves, and her sister, Yvette Graves Broadnax.

Betty, as she was affectionately called by many, graduated from Covington High School in 1971 and left the area to further her education after graduation. She earned many certificates from various educational institutions. She also was a recipient of the Christian Leader Award from Christian Leaders Institute. Betty made her home in Washington, D.C., and while there she was a paralegal assistant and word processor for the Internal Revenue, Department of Justice and two law firms, Shaw Pittman, and Troutman & Sanders. Outside of working she worked for Catholic Charities h...