Obituaries

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...

Helen Louise Gaylor, 98, of Covington, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026 after a brief illness.

Helen was born in Goshen, Va on March 20, 1928.  She was the daughter of the late Walter Gaylor and Hattie Burke Gaylor. She moved to Covington in her late teens where she worked at numerous businesses, including the Merchants Association, Rayon, Hercules, Aides Discount and Magic Mart. Over the years Helen was also a caregiver for many in the local area. She was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, the late Dreama Taylor in 1952; her sisters Maude Gaylor, Estelle Fortune, Marie Fox, Virginia Hooten; her brothers, Walter Stuart Gaylor, Arthur Gaylor, James Gaylor and Howard Gaylor.

Helen is survived by a sister, Mary Baker of Fort Mill...

Loretta Galloway Craft, age 84, of Covington, died Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Woodlands Health and Rehab Center in Clifton Forge.

She was born May 26, 1942, in Clifton Forge, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late James W. Galloway and Maxine Richards Galloway; a sister, Virginia Ruth Simmons; a brother, Raymond Lee Galloway.

Loretta was employed for twenty-two years at the Emmett Memorial Hospital, afterwards working at Alleghany Memorial Hospital as an Operating Room Tech and as a Nursing Assistant. She was a member of Falling Springs Rescue Squad for five years, and for the Red Cross as a CPR instructor for fourteen years and then as a Red Cross instructor.

She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, Gerald E. “Heavy” Craft; a daughter, Dawn C. Downer and husband Michael of Covington, a son, Gerald A. and Melissa Craft of Denver, N.C...

Phyllis Jean Bowen Tingler, age 81, of New Castle, died Thursday, June 25, 2026, at her residence.

She was born, December 23, 1944, in Laurel, Maryland, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Charles Bowen and Annie Brookman Bowen; a son, Paul Hinkle, two sisters, Bertha Elmore, Arletta Hinkle, three brothers, Rodney Bowen, Jerry Bowen, and Leon Bowen.

For many years Phyllis was employed at Kountry Korner's as a clerk. During her past time, she enjoyed working in her yard, planting beautiful flowers, cooking for the family that she adored and loved.

Surviving her loss is her husband, Virgil J. Tingler of New Castle; three daughters, Lisa Osborne of Covington, Pamela (David) Kincaid of Hot Springs, Debbie (Jamey) Smith of Covington, three sons, Robert Hinkle of Covington, Gary (Melissa) Hinkle of Covington, Stev...

Pearl Hosey Tucker. Age 69, of Covington gained her angel wings on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at her residence.

She was born, August 24, 1956, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Kenneth and Mary Bowan Hosey; father and mother-in-law, Haven and Ada Tucker; seven siblings, Isabel, Lithia, and Teresa Hosey, Edith May, Christine Irvine, Mike and George Hosey.

Surviving to mourn her loss is her husband of fifty-one years, Darrel W. Tucker of Covington, her daughter Crystal T. Marsh of Covington, her son, Darrel E. Tucker of Covington (Amanda); grandchildren, Kenny Tucker (Zoay), Ryan H. Tucker, a special grand dog, Rascal, adoptive grandchild, Skylar Nicolas, step-grandchild, Easton Lane; siblings and in laws, Linda Kress of Covington, Wendell Cooter of Covington, Keith Hosey & Darlene, Becky, Patsy (Richard) Hosey of Covington, Virginia...

David Lee Arritt, Sr., 79, of Covington, died Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at his residence.

He was born March 13, 1947 in Washington D.C., a son of the late Albert B. Arritt, Sr. and Elizabeth Jean Ryder Arritt.

David graduated from Covington High School in 1965 and from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1969. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Hafford Lee “Doc” Arritt, Sr., he joined the family business and dedicated his career to Arritt Funeral Home. A passionate advocate for his profession, he served as President of the Virginia Funeral Directors Association, as a board member of the International Order of the Golden Rule, and was twice named VFDA Funeral Director of the Year. In 2019, he was honored with the “Golden License” for 50 years of dedicated service as a licensed funeral director. He also earned the professional designation of Certi...

Henry “Kevin” Fry, of 207 Addison Patch Road, Hot Springs passed away peacefully at his home on June 20, 2026, after a brief illness.

He was born, June 3, 1961, to the late Harold Lee Fry, Sr. and Ann Lillian Whiteside Fry in Hot Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, the late Patricia Stover; a brother-in-law, Billy Stover; and a sister-in-law, Annette Stover.

Kevin graduated from Bath County High School and worked in the print shop at the Homestead and later pursued a career in carpentry and construction. He was known for his unwavering faith and dedication to his family as well as always willing to lend a helping hand. Kevin was known as Pawpaw to many children besides his grandchildren and could always be found in the bleachers for football games supporting his grandson Hunter or helping his granddaughter Erika with a project at her home...