Obituaries

Bo Everrett Blakeslee, infant son of Amber Kaye Fox and Charles Everrett Blakeslee, died Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

Service arrangements are incomplete and being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.

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Cynthia Kathryn Sawyer, 64, of Clifton Forge, died Monday, May 25, 2026 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.

She was born January 20, 1962 in Detroit, Michigan, a daughter of the late Thomas Sawyer, Sr. and Mary Kathryn Deering Sawyer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Sawyer, Jr.

She worked for many years as an LPN, specializing in geriatric care and bringing comfort and kindness to her patients. In her personal time, she found joy in simple pleasures — caring for animals, coloring, making soap and candles, and playing Farmville. Above all, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her “Ladybug” and “Frog.”

Survivors include her daughter, Lucinda Sawyer (Michael Riddle); grandchildren, Aeryn and Jacob; her sister, Elizabeth Sawyer, al...

Jean Reid Broughman, formerly of Clifton Forge, transitioned peacefully to heaven on May 22, 2026, at Bridgewater Retirement Home in Bridgewater, Virginia.

Jean was born in Covington, Virginia, in 1933 to Lovie and Lawrence Reid, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Philip Riley, Claude Wolfe, and Hansford “Tater” Broughman; her daughter-in-law, Libby Riley; and her grandson, Lucas Riley.

In 2012, Jean moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, to live with her daughter and remained close to the family she cherished so deeply.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Linda (Carl) Roy of Harrisonburg, Paul “Buzzy” Riley of Covington, and Charles Wolfe of Avignon, France, as well as her devoted stepdaughter, Robin Hall of Covington. Jean was a proud grandmother to Erin Augustine (Matthew) of Be...

Jackson Leigh Bennett, 18, passed away on May 21,2026, at Lewis Gale Alleghany Regional Hospital, leaving behind a heartbroken family and countless people who loved them deeply. Though their life was far too short, the love, laughter, and light they brought into this world will never be forgotten. Jackson had a beautiful spirit and was known for their kindness, smile, humor, strength, creativity, compassion. They touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know them.

Jackson was preceded in death by late grandmothers, Leigh Bennett and Tammy Bennett.

Jackson grew up in Fredericksburg, VA and Jackson graduated from Allegany High School in 2026; loving art, music, gaming, spending time with family and friends. They dreamed big, loved deeply, and had a way of making others feel special simply by being themselves. Their presence brought comfort, joy, and unforgettable ...

Mary Sue Huffman Fox, 85, of Covington, died Monday, May 19, 2026 at her residence.

Mary Sue was born April 12, 1941, in Ronceverte, WV to the late Rachel Huffman. In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Fox;  a daughter, Debbie Bartley; and two sisters.

Survivors include her daughter, Diane Austin of Covington; two granddaughters, Kayla Maynard and Jessica Perdue; one grandson, Justin (Maggie) Perdue; four great-grandchildren; one brother; and two sisters.

In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

Arritt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Friends wishin...

Barbara Sue Miller Smith, 78, of Fincastle, Virginia, died Tuesday morning, May 12, 2026, at Berkshire Health & Rehabilitation Center in Vinton.

She was born June 21, 1947, in Beckley, WV, the daughter of the late Leiton E. Miller II and Geraldine Smith.

She attended CommUnity Church in Buchanan.

Survivors include a daughter, Jill Brucene Smith of Roanoke, VA; three sisters, Cynthia Pauley of Moundsville, WV, Roberta Offenbacker of Chillicothe, OH, and Jannelle Miller of Beckley, WV; and two brothers, Leiton E. Miller III of Charleston, WV, and Dennis L. Miller of Beckley, WV.

A graveside service will be held on May 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Alleghany Memorial Park with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating, 

The family will receive friends before the s...

Johnny Allen Rogers, age 61, of Low Moor, passed away, Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Lewis Gale Alleghany Hospital in Low Moor.

He was born June 3, 1964 in Alleghany County; and is survived by his wife Valerie Rogers of Low Moor; his children Wesley Rogers and wife Ashley of Michigan,   Miranda Malcom Shannon of Covington, Savannah Malcom and fiancé Phillip McCoy of Low Moor; Hanna Malcom and Christopher Rogers of Low Moor; along with his nine grandchildren, Jonathan Rogers, Jace Rogers, Jonah Rogers, Cason Shannon, Esme Shannon, Sebastian Shannon, Emmani Shannon, Ca’hiem McCoy.  Also left to mourn his loss are his siblings, Gary Rogers and wife Tammy of Clifton Forge, Marsha Rogers and fiancé Ralph Loan of Low Moor, Rocky Rogers of Richmond, Christy Huggins of South Carolina; many nieces and nephews; a close friend Matt Depriest.

Johnny was reunited in death...

Carl Payton Keyser, Jr., 33, of Clifton Forge died Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond.

He was born September 6, 1992 in Alleghany County, a son of Carl P. Keyser, Sr. and Stacey Doyle Nuckles.

Carl loved the outdoors and all things sports. He was an avid Houston Rockets fan. He was a former employee of Hammond-Mitchell in Covington.

Survivors include his mother, Stacey Doyle Nuckles of Clifton Forge; his father, Carl P. (Crissy) Keyser, Sr. of Staunton; one daughter, Adeline Keyser; a son, Robert Keyser; his siblings, Corey (Angie) Doyle Kayla (Ian Santiago) Keyser, Alex (Dakota Ayers) Keyser, and Cody Nuckles, grandmother Viginia Doyle, all of Covington; Steven Redmon and Sam Redmon, who were raised as brothers; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins including Tracey Doyle and Matthew...

Curtis Brown Bowles, Sr., age 74,  of Covington, died Friday, April 24, 2026, at his residence.

He was born June 8, 1951, in Alleghany County, to his mother and father, the late Noah Brown Bowles, Sr. and Evelyn Ward Bowles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Noah Brown Bowles, Jr.; one sister, Shirley Law; and one nephew, Richard Law.

Curtis had a real passion for Ford Mustangs and loved working on cars. He was happiest outdoors and truly enjoyed the simple things in life. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also had a wide circle of friends who shared his love of cars, and many happy hours were spent together in the garage working on projects and swapping stories.

Surviving to mourn his loss are three children, Jenny (Greg) Taylor,...

Bobby Joe Gill, 65, of Covington, died Friday, April 17, 2026 at his residence.

He was born April 8, 1961 in White Sulphur Springs, WV, a son of the late Julian Gill and Hilda Grace Bates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Kim Gill; two brother Jamie Gill, Billy Gill his twin and a grandson, Zane Hassell.

Bobby worked for many years as a painting contractor throughout the state. He was an avid NASCAR and Washington Commanders fan.

Survivors include four daughters, Kayla Gill of Hopewell, Nicole (Robert) Hassell-Lane of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Patricia Gill of Laplata, MD, and Lydia (Devin) Ward of Georgia; grandchildren, Cannon, Grace, Abigail, Wilder, and Colton; two brothers, Keith Byer and Arlan Bates, Jr, both of Covington; and several nieces and nephews.

Samantha Kay Stanley, age 49, of Covington, died Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at her residence.

She was born November 10, 1976, in South Carolina, a daughter of the late Marilyn Sue Coleman Howarth (Alan Howarth) and Richard Carlyle Strickland (Gail Morrison) of Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Samantha was feisty, but once you got to know her, she revealed a deeply soft-hearted and caring nature. She loved her daughter and her entire family fiercely. Though she could be guarded at first, those closest to her knew the strength of her devotion. Caring for her nieces and nephews was one of the greatest joys of her life.

In addition to her father, survivors include her daughter, Sarah Michelle Stanley; a sister, Christine (Ricky) Thompson of Covington; a brother, James Alan Howarth of Longs, South Carolina; one step-sister, Melanie M...

Tammie Simmons Hubbard, 59, of Covington, died Monday, April 13, 2026 at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem.

She was born October 17, 1966 in Alleghany County, a daughter of William “Sonny” Simmons of Covington and the late Nancy Scott Simmons.

Tammie cherished spending time with family and friends, taking leisurely car rides, and listening to her favorite music.

In addition to her father, she is survived by a daughter, Jessica Hubbard; one granddaughter, Alexus Williams; a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Williams; one brother, Dale Simmons, all of Covington; and several nieces.

In accordance with her wishes, her body has been cremated.

A private memorial service is being planned for a later date.

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