Obituaries

Ralph Lewis Anderson, affectionally known as “Pie”, passed away April 11, 2026 at LewisGale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

He was born November 9, 1939, in Oriskany, Virginia, a son of the late Max and Ruth Bowers Anderson.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Arlene (Sam) Anderson, Charles (Carol) Anderson, Boyd (Carol) Anderson, Lenwood (Judy) Anderson, and Mont Ray (Jewel) Anderson.

Pie loved collecting coins, stamps, and model cars. He enjoyed researching genealogy and had a particular fondness for radishes and fried taters. For many years, he worked as a newspaper printer, skillfully setting type in the classic Standard and Pronto styles that were once staples of the industry.  He served his country in the U.S. Army.

Survivors include several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, ...

Carl Jacob Bogar, Sr., 88, of 5901 Bens Run Road, passed away at his residence on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Mr. Bogar was born on September 29, 1937, in Alleghany County to the late Jacob and Lillian Wright Bogar. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Tucker Bogar; three sisters, Goldie Tucker, Jeanette Bess, and Marlene Wolfe; a very special son, Harry Tucker Jr. “Pedro”; and a daughter, Janie Tucker Brookman.

Mr. Bogar retired after 38 years of service with Bartlett Tree Experts and Wilson Tree Company.

He is survived by four sisters, Arlene Shinault and husband Ted, Judy Clark and husband David, Robin Gillispie and husband Bobby, and Wanda Fridley; two brothers, Jeff Bogar and wife Wanda, and Clifford Bogar; three sons, Carl "Chubby" Bogar Jr., Randy Bogar and wife Brenda, and Stephen “Dinky” Bogar and wife Tammy; and four daughters, ...

Dallas Dewey Bates, age 76, of Covington, died Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Staunton Post Acute and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Winston Salem, NC, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Dallas A. Bates and Emma (Pettyjohn) Bates. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Jason Bates; two brothers and three sisters.

Dallas served his country in the National Guard and was employed with ALSCO Linen Company for 39 years. He loved working out in his yard, watching old westerns that carried him out west. He loved the Atlanta Braves and the Washington Commanders, and found peace on the banks of the Jackson River and in sunsets at Edisto Island, SC— more than anything, he loved his pets, his cup of coffee, and his family.

He leaves to mourn his loss a daughter, Sara...

Rita Guth Lee, age 82, of Covington, died Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

She was born April 5, 1943, in Covington, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Garnet C. Guth and Alma Humphries Guth; her husband, Robert W. Lee in 1999; her sister, Wanda Jean Guth.

Rita was an avid reader, thoroughly enjoyed crocheting and being outside working in her garden. Her last occupation was managing the Virginia Welcome Center where it was always a pleasure to greet the travelers.

She leaves to mourn her loss, a son, Robert (Deirdre) Lee, Jr. of Daleville; two daughters, Christy (Tim) Kimberlin of Covington, Angie (David) Hurt of Clifton Forge; five grandchildren, Brandon Lee, Quincy Edwards, Andrea Buchanan, Ashley Wolfe, Kristen Lee; nine great children; a brother, Randy Furlong of Covington; a broth...

Betty Lou Christian Linkenhoker, age 91, of Covington, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026 at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

Born on April 12, 1934, in Keaster, West Virginia, Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a woman of deep faith. She was a lifelong member of the Brethen faith, which guided her life with quiet strength, kindness, and compassion as she faithfully served her church community. She taught Sunday school at Grace Brethen Church for 30 years, a role she held close to her heart and took great pride in. Her kindness, patience, and deep faith left a lasting impact on the many lives she touched through her teachings.

Betty shared 71 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, James “Jim” Linkenhoker; they built a life centered on family, love, and unwavering commitment. She was a d...

Michael Haven Persinger, age 60, of Covington, died Monday, March 23, 2026, at his residence.

He was born May 4, 1965, in Alleghany County, a son of Marvin and Mae Ailstock Persinger of Cloverdale. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of thirty- eight years, Lisa Kemper Persinger of Covington; a daughter, Megan (Evan) Nicely of Covington; a son, Adam Persinger of Lexington; one granddaughter, Ella Rose Nicely; a sister, Susan Howell of Daleville; his mother and father-in-law, Lewis “Butch” and Lana Kemper of Covington; a niece, Bailey Howell; and numerous other family members.

Mike was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church. He served as vice-president of Dawn Warehousing, as chairman of the board at Highlands Community Bank, and as a member of both the former Lions Club and Hot Springs Rotary Club.

I...

Richard Charles Smith, Jr., 56, of Covington, died Sunday, March 22, 2026 at his residence.

He was born August 23, 1969 in New Jersey, a son of the late Richard Smith, Sr. and Barbara Ann Spalding Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Greg Smith.

Rich worked for many years as an extruding machine operator. In his spare time, he was passionate about automobiles in all forms—whether it was watching NASCAR and Formula 1 races, competing in slot car racing, or cheering on his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. Above all, he was a caring and supportive son and brother, always ready to lend a hand, look out for his family, and put others first.

Survivors include his brother, Chris Smith and his wife, Emily, of Covington; his nieces and nephew, Kiersten Smith, Charlotte Smith, Lillian Smith, Juli...

Dianne Lynn (Ross) Huckle, 76, of Covington, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, resilience, and deep love for those she held close.

Dianne was born on April 30, 1949, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Jack Ross and Ruth (West Ross) Ewell. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Robert Lee Huckle Sr.; her brother, Darrell Ross; her sisters, Sharon Collins and Karen Ayala; her son, Fred Allen; and her grandsons, Trebor Huckle and Rocky Lawson.

Dianne was the cherished wife of Robert Lee Huckle Sr., whom she married on January 4, 2002. Together, they shared 22 wonderful years filled with laughter, companionship, simple joys, and multiple eyerolls over the years. She treasured their time spent exploring the countryside—often sparked by Bob’s familiar words, “Let’s go for a ride.” Whether f...

Lewis Elbert Porter, Jr., 57, of Covington, died Friday, March 20, 2026 at his residence.

He was born June 2, 1968 in Alleghany County, a son of the late Lewis Porter, Sr. and Pansy Warden Porter Caldwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Danny Caldwell.

Lewis was a skilled small engine mechanic by trade, able to diagnose problems just by listening to the sound of the engine. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and was an avid firearms enthusiast. He had a deep love for music of all kinds, though Aerosmith was always his favorite band. He also cherished driving, taking road trips, and going out to eat with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Kay Porter of Clifton Forge; a daughter, Melinda Kay Porter (David Ferris) of Covington; two sons, Dann...

Geraldine Fourquean Allen, age 79, departed this life on March 20, 2026 at her residence after a short illness, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was the daughter of the late Sarah Jordan Smith and Roy E. “Pape” Fourquean. Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband for 34 years, Ronald Allen, Sr.; a daughter, Sherry Allen; a son, Stevie Allen; two sister-in-law’s, Barbara Allen and Linda Wyatt; three brothers-in-law’s, Donald Lee Allen, Ricky Allen, Climmie Lee Wyatt.

Geraldine attended the former Watson High School, was a faithful/active member of Pine Street Baptist Church, serving on the Hospitality Ministry, Decorating Ministry, Homecoming Ministry, and wherever she was needed. She enjoyed singing and was a member of the Willing Worker’s Choir and Ministry, the Combined Choirs of the church and a member of the Resurrecting Praise Community Choir. Ron...

David Preston Price, Sr., of Covington, died Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Covington on May 20, 1943, to his parents, the late Lacy Edward and Violet Mays Price. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Burdette Price; two brothers, Charles Price, Ralph Price; a sister, Carolyn Robinson.

David proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was employed with the Community Service Board and was a member of the Board of Supervisors (Boiling Spring District) and the Curtis A. Smith VFW Post 1033.

Surviving to mourn his loss are his three daughters, Melinda Kathryn Lee and her husband Bob of Jacksonville Beach, FL., Michele Lynette Wilson of Port Orange, Florida, Marie Ansonja Young and her husband, Allen of Roanoke; a son, David Preston Price, Jr. ...

Joyce Victoria Guilfoil, age 66, of Covington, died Friday, March 13, 2026, at Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem.

She was born, June 10, 1959, in Lapeer, Michigan, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late James Vaughan, Sr. and Gloria Heath Vaughn; her husband, Clarence Guilfoil; and a brother, Arthur Vaughan.

Joyce was an employee at the Springs Nursing Home in Bath County in the dietary department.

Surviving to mourn her loss are two daughters, J. J. Guilfoil of West Branch, Michigan and K.C. Smith of Saint Helen, Michigan; her companion, Clarence Taylor of Covington; two grandsons, Austin Guilfoil of West Branch, Michigan, Edward Vinyard; two sisters, Delores Saigh of Fraser, Michigan, Shelly Wlter of Imlay, Michigan; one brother, James Vaughan, Jr. of Columbiaville, Michigan; and many other family members.