Obituaries
March 26, 2026
Betty
Linkenhoker
Christian
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...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
3/30/26, 6:00 PM
Service
March 23, 2026
Michael
Persinger
Haven
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...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
3/29/26, 7:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
3/29/26, 6:00 PM
March 22, 2026
Richard
Smith, Jr.
Charles
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...
Visitation
Service
March 21, 2026
Dianne
Huckle
Lynn Ross
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...
Visitation
Service
March 20, 2026
Lewis
Porter, Jr.
Elbert
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...
Visitation
Service
March 20, 2026
Geraldine
Allen
Fourquean
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...
Pine Street Baptist Church
Visitation
3/28/26, 5:00 PM
Pine Street Baptist Church
Service
3/28/26, 6:00 PM
March 14, 2026
David
Price, Sr.
Preston
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. ...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
3/26/26, 3:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
3/26/26, 4:00 PM
March 13, 2026
Joyce
Guilfoil
Victoria
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.
Visitation
Service
March 11, 2026
Charlotte
Redmon
Fix
Charlotte Fix Redmon, age 86, of Covington, died Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at her residence.
She was born, July 8, 1939, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Roy and Myrtle Fix; a son, Kenneth Redmon; two sisters, Phyllis Ridgewell, Loretta Persinger; four brothers-in-law, Harold Ridgewell, Ralph Persinger, Bobby Craghead, Basil King; two daughters-in-law, Peggy Redmon, Lora Redmon; and the father of her children, Chester Redmon.
Following her graduation from Covington High School in 1956, she left Covington going to work for the Pentagon in Washington, DC, working for the navy in a civilian worker role. She returned home to work twenty plus years for the Social Service Administration; after retiring from that position she went to work for Larry Wright at 7-11 also known as Wright’s Convenience Store for several years. She left t...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
3/15/26, 8:00 PM
Service
March 7, 2026
Nancy
Cash
Heck
Nancy Heck Cash, 92, of Covington, received her Heavenly Promotion on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family.
Born on March 19, 1933 in Fincastle, Nancy moved to Covington with her husband, Rev. William M. Cash and their five children in 1963 for him to pastor Calvary Baptist Church and Moss Run Baptist Church. She served these churches in quiet dedication alongside her husband until his retirement in 1999. She also served as Bookkeeper for Cash Masonry Contractor even after William’s death. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William M. Cash; daughter, Larua Ruth Hinojosa; parents, Howard and Bessie Heck; brothers, Rodney Heck and Donald Heck; sisters, Bettie Looney, Dorothy Crews, Janice Gore; and sister-in-law, Jean Cash.
Nancy is survived by four c...
Visitation
Alleghany Memorial Park
Service
3/14/26, 3:00 PM
March 6, 2026
Ella
Perry
Lucille Weikel
Ella Lucille Weikel Perry, 84, of Staunton, died Friday, March 6, 2026 at Brookdale Senior Living in Staunton.
She was born June 28, 1941 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late Ralph and Lucille Robinson Weikel.
Ella spent her life as a dedicated homemaker, quietly devoting herself to raising her family, maintaining a warm and welcoming home, and offering steady, loving support to those around her day after day. That same gentle, caretaking spirit extended to animals—she had a deep and genuine love for them throughout her life.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 61 years, Sharn Perry of Staunton; one son, Steven (Terri) Edwards of Chesterfield two daughters, Leah (Tommy) Musselman of Afton and Dana Romanin (Petri) of Stuarts Draft; seven grandchildren, Rachel Edwards, Thomas (Netta) Musselman, Andrew Musselm...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
3/14/26, 5:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
3/14/26, 6:00 PM
March 6, 2026
Teresa
Vance
Cash
Teresa Jane Cash Vance, age 63, of Covington, passed away March 6, 2026, at Lewis Gale Hospital Alleghany surrounded by her family.
She was born January 1, 1963 in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late James and Dorothy Cash; and three brothers-in-laws, Junior May, Chip Dimon, Butch Brewster.
Teresa shared 22 loving years of marriage with her husband, Gary Vance, building a life filled with memories, love, and devotion to their family. She was a proud and devoted mother of two sons, Robert Cash (Caitlin) and Dustin Cash (Kellie). She adored her grandchildren Dillon, Savannah, Brady, Gracie, Carper, Quincy, and Dixon, who brought her endless joy. She leaves to mourn her loss as well, her loving sisters Ruby May, Sheila Brewster, and Donna Dimon; two special nieces that she considered daughters, Casey Brewster and Samantha Hubbard; along with...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
3/14/26, 8:00 PM
Service