Obituaries

Patricia Harley McCaleb Myers passed peacefully at home on August 8, 2026 shortly after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer. She was born in Covington on August 21, 1947 to Robert Busby and Margaret LeRoy McCaleb. She is predeceased by her parents and younger brother Tom McCaleb. Also her “heart horse” Arabian of 30 years, Jinell, along with other special pets whom she would want included, true to her lifelong love of animals.

Despite being raised on Fudge Street by a businessman and classical musician, she managed to be a tomboy from birth riding bikes in the streets and playing marbles with the boys. Fortunately her parents indulged her and eventually bought her first horse “Lady” who was boarded at the old fairgrounds (now Tractor Supply).  Colonel Beirne served as her riding buddy and general partner in trail riding misadventures. Thus began the horse craze that wasn’t a phase.

Preston Gilmer Rucker, Sr., age 86, of Covington, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Springs Nursing and Rehab Center in Hot Springs.

He was born April 7, 1940, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Lyle Curtis and Catherine Rucker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Haynes Rucker; a son, Preston G. Rucker, Jr.; one brother, Lyle Rucker; and a sister, Geraldine Adams.

Preston grew up in Alleghany County and was a lifelong member of Hoke Chapel United Methodist Church. He worked in construction until his retirement in 1981 and was a member of the Boilermakers Union.

Surviving to mourn his loss is his daughter, Lisa (Mark) Nida of Covington; two sons, Billy (Annemie) Rucker of Purcellville, Jerry (Julie) Rucker of Covington; eleven grandchildren, Amanda (Barry) Rucker, Ann Marie (Jessie) Newton, Jeremy Rucker, ...

Troy Reed Shaffer, 51, of Midlothian and formerly of Clifton Forge, died Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

He was born February 27, 1975, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Donald Shaffer and Vicki Shaffer Williamson of Glen Wilton. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leona Conner, Calvin Reed ("Cab"), Ovie Shaffer, and Mary Shaffer; and his loyal chocolate lab, Switzer.

Troy is survived by the loves of his life, Sarah Maloney and their son, Wyatt Shaffer, who brought him his greatest joy. He is also survived by his mother, Vicki Shaffer Williamson; his brother, Scott Shaffer, and sister-in-law, Sherry Shaffer; his aunt, Cyndie Bradley; his cousins, including Victoria Bradley and Cole Bradley; many other beloved cousins, relatives, and friends; and his cherished cats, Smokey and The Bandit.

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Betty West Cade, 85, of Covington, died Monday, August 3, 2026, at her residence.

She was born July 3, 1941, in Eagle Rock, a daughter of the late Boyd E. West and Janice King West. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Donald Crosier; a stepson, James Cade, Jr; a brother, James; three sisters, Shirley, Frances, and Judy.

Betty enjoyed going to yard sales in her free time, always on the lookout for interesting finds. She also loved to garden, taking pleasure in working in the soil and watching things grow.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 32 years, James Cade; her son, Robert Dudley (Barb) of Harts Run, WV; her daughter, Joyce (Earl) Anderson of Iron Gate. A daughter-in-law, Lesley Crosier of Covington;a stepson, Dennis Cade (Pam) of Blue Ridge; a stepdaughter, Christie Bane (Tripp) o...

John Michael “Mike” Givens, 71, of Covington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born July 20, 1955, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Helen Wright Cronhardt.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. A true jack of all trades, there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. Whether he was building something with his hands, working on a car, or helping someone in need, Mike took pride in hard work and figuring things out. He enjoyed staying busy, spending time with his family, and living life on his own terms. He had a laid-back spirit, a great sense of humor, and never knew a stranger.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Holestin Givens; his daughter, Marcie Hoy (Paul), and their children, Michael “Donovan” Givens and ...

Deborah Kay Twitty, age 74, of 509 S. Mercer Avenue, Covington, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born, January 30, 1952, in Covington, the second oldest daughter of the late Clarence and Juanita West Twitty; in addition to her parents, Deborah was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence (Gut) Twitty III; her grandparents, Ralph and Helen West, Clarence and Mary Twitty, her best friends, Gloria Jeter and Ann Reynolds.

Deborah was a faithful and dedicated member of Historical First Baptist Church where she was baptized at an early age working in the church on the hospitality committee; for many years she was employed at the former K Mart in Covington as a salesclerk, did housework for people outside her home; she was the caretaker of her mom, dad and brother during their last days; she adore...

Judy Fagg Holestin, age 65, of Covington, died Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Lewisgale Hospital Alleghany.

She was born December 05, 1960, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late, Robert Lee Fagg and Rosalie Meadows Fagg; along with two brothers; Jessie and Frankie Fagg.

During her lifetime, she was an employee of the former Halmode Apparel plant; the Lear Corporation in Covington; retiring from Westrock Extruder Plant as a machine operator in Low Moor. Whenever she wasn’t working, Judy enjoyed being outside spending quality time with her family and she had a love for cats.

Judy leaves to mourn her loss, a husband, Greg Holestin; a daughter, Brittany Holestin and fiancé, Jeffrey Pickering; a step-son in Norfolk Va, Greg Holestin Jr. and his wife Kristen Holestin. One sister; Jill Dodson & hu...

Jackie Lynn Stone, age 73, of Alleghany County, died Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Lewis gale Medical Center in Salem.

He was born, July 2, 1953, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Iva Hepler Stone and Calvin “Jack” Day Stone.

Surviving to mourn his loss are his wife, Anita Stone; three daughters, Christie (Chuck) Simmons, Valerie (Robbie) Jack, Linda (Ronnie) Angle; one son, Raymond ”Manns” (Amanda) Stone, all of Covington; one brother, Ed (Carrie) Whitmore of Chatham; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jackie was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and bale hay. He enjoyed shooting guns and spending time with his family at cookouts, where he liked talking to just about everybody. He attended Dunlap Christian Church and retired ...

Donna Sue Ayers Salyers, 72, of Covington, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at her daughter’s residence in St. Augustine, Florida.

She was born July 11, 1954, in Alleghany County, a daughter of Thomas E. Ayers, Sr., of Low Moor, and the late Dorothy Smith Ayers. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Ernest “Jimmy” Salyers.

Donna enjoyed a long and successful 46-year career in area banking, working at several local institutions where she became a familiar and trusted face in the community. A lifelong member of Hoke Chapel United Methodist Church, she had a special gift for making people feel welcome and happy, often brightening her workplace with thoughtful decorations and her warm, can-do spirit. Always reliable and generous, she would do anything for anyone and could be counted on in every situation. Above all, she cherished her family...

Berlin Albert “BA” Fridley, Jr., 83, of Covington, died Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Brian Center – Alleghany in Low Moor.

He was born June 28, 1943, in Alleghany County, a son of the late Berlin A. Fridley, Sr., and Maxine Bess Fridley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Hancock Fridley, and his sister, Sue Fridley.

BA worked as a self-employed contractor in the Alleghany Highlands for many years. A longtime and dedicated member of Covington Moose Lodge #610, he served in numerous capacities over the years. In recognition of his exceptional service and commitment to the fraternity, he was honored with the prestigious Pilgrim Degree of Merit — the highest honor bestowed by the Loyal Order of Moose. He was also a strong and active supporter of Area 18 Special Olympics, generously giving his time and energy to the organization.

Gwendolyn Ann Wolfe, 76, of Covington, died Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Brian Center Alleghany in Low Moor.

She was born June 26, 1950, in Covington, a daughter of the late Edna Woodson Lowe. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Junior "Woofie" Wolfe; a granddaughter, Gracie Ann Spinks; one brother, Roy Lowe; and two sisters, Linda Hosey and Betty Fridley.

Gwen was a longtime member of Mt. Carmel Methodist Church and an active participant in the Women’s Morning Circle. She loved playing bingo, spending time with her family, and staying connected on Facebook. She especially cherished the fellowship of her church family and enjoyed going to Cucci’s Pizzeria. She was affectionately known by many as the “ticket lady” for the church’s annual fall bazaar.

Left to cherish her memory are ...

Blanche Rachel Perkins, 86, of Covington, died Monday July 13, 2026 at her residence.

She was born October 23, 1939 in Bath County, a daughter of the late John and Icyphine Shifflett Perkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Keyser; seven brothers; and three sisters.

Blanche retired in 1993 as a bus driver for the Alleghany Highlands School Board after 26 years of dedicated service. She was a longtime member of Temple Baptist Church, the Red Hat Ladies, and Chapter #911 of the Women of the Moose. She also worked for several years as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Survivors include her children, Kay Hoke (Don Hoyt), Gail Crickenberger, Sherry Keyser, and Michael (Bonnie) Keyser, all of Covington, and Dale (Karen) Keyser of Waterloo, SC; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three g...