Obituaries
December 19, 2025
Brian
Staton
Keith
Brian Keith Staton, 62, of Lexington and formerly of Covington, died Friday, December 19, 2025.
He was born November 14, 1963 in Clifton Forge, a son of the late Wiliam F. and Rita Arritt Staton.
Brian was a 1983 graduate of Covington High School and received job training at the Woodrow Wilson Vocational Training Center in Fishersville. He was employed for a number of years at the Home Shopping Network warehouse in Salem. In his spare time, Brian enjoyed drawing and writing short stories.
Survivors include his siblings, Gwynith S. Wood of Roanoke, Alan D. Staton of Covington, James B. Staton of Yokosuka, Japan, Justin D. Staton of Littleton, CO, Jimmy Gillispie of Wasilla, AK, and Marie Bailey of Waynesboro; and his stepmother, Norma Staton of Wasilla, AK.
A memorial service...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
12/28/25, 6:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
12/28/25, 7:00 PM
December 18, 2025
Annabelle
Bennett
Johnson
Annabelle Johnson Bennett, 87, of Covington, died Thursday, December 18, 2025.
She was born April 10, 1938 in Hinton, WV, a daughter of the late Dolphus and Gwen Frantz Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son, David ”Monkey” Bennett; two sisters, Barbara Cales and Nancy Neely; two brothers, Jerry Johnson and Edward Johnson; and the father of her children, Arthur G. Bennett.
Annabelle retired from the former TPM, inc. in Low Moor after many years of service in the maintenance department.
Survivors include her two daughters, Terri (Wayne) Perkins of Catawba and Lisa (Eric) Morris of Covington; one granddaughter, Jessica Perkins of Charlotte, NC; one grandson, Seth Perkins of Catawba; one brother, Curtis (Nancy) Johnson; four sisters, Maxine Payne, Mary Tucker, Dorothy Tucker, and Linda Egg...
Visitation
Service
December 14, 2025
Robert "Bobby"
Paxton
Eugene
Robert “Bobby” Eugene Paxton, age 79, of Covington, died Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his residence.
Bobby was born, June 9, 1946, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by his parents, the late Howard B. Paxton, Sr. and Phyllis Tucker Paxton; a brother, Howard “Junie” B. Howard, Jr.; a daughter, Crystal Paxton; and a great-grandchild, Brynnlee Willow Hicks.
For over twenty years Bobby worked at the former Hercules/AET plant until it closed and afterwards was head of security at Alleghany Regional Hospital. He was a former member of Pinnell Chapel United Methodist Church and proudly served in the National Guard for more than twenty years. He was an avid baseball player and fan, cherished his time hunting and fishing, and loved wrestling and classic westerns.
Left to mourn his loss is his wife of 59 years, Vi...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
12/18/25, 11:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
12/19/25, 7:00 PM
December 5, 2025
James
Lewis, Jr.
Daymond
James Daymond Lewis Jr., known to all simply as Daymond, left this world on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Virginia Salem Medical Center in Salem, surrounded by those that loved him. Leaving behind a legacy of laughter, music, and unforgettable stories.
He was preceded in death by his mother, the late Brenda Lewis; his grandmother, Pearl Hughson; his grandfather, Willie Hoe; his stepmother, Janice Lewis; his stepbrother, Michael Vaughn; his cousin and good friend, Otis Marshall.
Born on September 13, 1966, Daymond lived a life full of rhythm, sometimes jazz, sometimes his own beat, and he made sure everyone around him felt it. His laugh was unmistakable, the kind that filled a room before he even walked into it, and his heart was somehow even bigger.
Daymond loved a good drive with the windows down and the music up. He was happiest at cookouts with his friends and family, confidently burning everythi...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
12/14/25, 9:00 PM
Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery
Service
12/15/25, 6:00 PM
November 23, 2025
Stella
Cale
Mae Angle
Stella May Angle Cale, age 87, of Covington, died Sunday, November 23, 2025, at her residence.
Stella was born June 15, 1938, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Winfred J. and Mary Grzyb Angle; her husband, William “Willie” Cale; one sister, Nellie Honaker; five brothers, John, Joe, Mike, Tom, and Robert Angle.
She enjoyed being a homemaker, loved raising her children, and in her pastime, she watched television, worked puzzles and just enjoyed the comforts of home.
Stella leaves to mourn her loss, two sons, Darrell (Susie) Crowder of Eagle Rock, B.J. Cale of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Lisa Cale of Roanoke; four grandchildren; four sisters, Alice (Mark) Mirando of Centerville, Catherine Higgins of Clifton Forge, Patsy (Donnie) Cale of Covington, Debbie Dolan of Bedford; two brothers, ...
Visitation
Service
November 18, 2025
Katherine
Wolfe
Elizabeth
Katherine Elizabeth Wolfe, age 80, originally of Alleghany County, died Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at her residence in Zanesville, OH.
Kathy was born November 10, 1945, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Howard L. and Beatrice Redman Wolfe; three brothers, Melvin Wolfe, Sherman “Hank” Wolfe and Richard Wolfe.
Surviving are her sisters, Brenda W. Cade of Covington, Carol (Gary) Persinger of Dripping Springs, Texas, Doris Eller of Toledo, Ohio; a special friend and business partner for many years, Sandy Sherlock of Zanesville, Ohio; several nieces, nephews and other family members whom she adored.
Katherine was the co-owner of Worthington Interiors in Zanesville, Ohio. She received a Bachelor Degree from Kentucky Christian College; was a former employee of Genesis Hospital and attended North Terrace Church o...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
11/26/25, 5:00 PM
Lone Star Cemetery
Service
11/26/25, 7:00 PM
November 4, 2025
Mildred
Kemper
Elizabeth Persinger
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of our beloved mother, Mildred Elizabeth Persinger Kemper, age 88, formerly of Covington, who left us on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at her residence in Richmond surrounded by her loved ones.
Mildred was born, December 22, 1936 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the late James Earl and Ella Wolfe Persinger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Leon Kemper; a brother, John Persinger and a sister Anne Persinger Bowen.
Mildred enjoyed working alongside her husband at their business, Kemper Antique Brick Company, for many years. She also enjoyed being involved with the Lutheran Church.
Survivors include her loving daughter, Nancy Kemper Carns and husband David Carns of Richmond; three sons, Donald P. Kemper of Maryland, Dale L. Kemp...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
11/9/25, 6:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
11/9/25, 7:00 PM
November 3, 2025
Lena
Bess
Brown
Lena Brown Bess, 98, of Covington, died Monday, November 3, 2025 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.
She was born March 4, 1927 in Birch River, WV, a daughter of the late Fred and Ida Brown. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin S. Bess; her step-mother, Bessie Brown; two daughters, Kathy Bess and Thelma Korman; two sons, Ryland Bess and Norman Bess; one grandson, Charles Cole; one great-great granddaughter, Emma Arthur; two sisters; and five brothers.
Lena retired from the former Halmode, Inc. as a seamstress and previously worked at the Industrial Rayon Plant in Covington. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, sewing, traveling, and cheering for the Atlanta Braves. She was a member of Edgemont Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include her ...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
11/8/25, 6:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
11/8/25, 7:00 PM
October 31, 2025
Frances
Bush
Whiting
Frances Whiting Bush, 97, of Covington, died Friday, October 31, 2025 at her residence.
She was born August 20, 1928 in New Castle, a daughter of the late James L. Whiting, Sr. and Carrie Caldwell Whiting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Ray Bush; two daughters, Deborah Stinnett and Dreama Carson; one sister, Carol Whiting; three brothers, James L. Whiting, Jr., Lawrence “Gene” Whiting, and Frederick Whiting; three grandchildren, Sherri Hulcher, Alan Humphries, and Stacey Timaro; and one great-grandchild, Joey Harmon.
Frances was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of the Boiling Springs Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Potts Valley Singers, and she stayed active with the League of Older Americans until her health no longer allowed. She loved puzzles, bird watching, and tending to her flowers.
...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
11/4/25, 12:00 AM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
11/4/25, 7:00 PM
October 27, 2025
Isabell
Hosey
Mae Tingler
Isabell Mae Tingler Hosey, age 79, of Covington, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025 surrounded by her family at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
She was born April 30, 1946 in Covington, a daughter of the late Kennen Hosey and Mary Bowen Hosey. In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her husband, William Homer Tingler; a daughter, Delores Tingler; a granddaughter, Tonya Tingler; one brother, Mike Hosey; and two sisters, Christine Hosey and Edith May.
Isabell cherished solving word searches and playing video games, delighted in spending time with her family, and held her faith with unwavering strength.
Surviving is her daughter, Vickie Tingler of Covington; her two sons, Kenneth Tingler of Covington and Moe (Cyndi) Tingler of Selma; three brothers, Keith Hosey, George Hosey, and Wendell Hosey; two sis...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
10/31/25, 1:30 PM
Cedar Hill Cemetery
Service
10/31/25, 3:00 PM
October 26, 2025
Geraldine
Vass
Faith
Geraldine Faith Thornton Vass, age 84, of Covington, died Sunday, October 26, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by family.
Geraldine was born October 8, 1941 in Lindside, WV to her parents, the late Luke and Vienna Harvey Thornton. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Calvin Thornton; and four sisters, Jo Chapman, Lennie Roles, Lillie Wickline, and Susan Thornton.
She was a homemaker most of her life and enjoyed beautiful flowers, cooking, and baking for her family that she adored.
Surviving to mourn her loss is her loving husband, Jack Vass; three wonderful children, Terry (Carol) Vass, Melisa (Richard) Crizer, Matt (Kristin) Vass; five adorable grandchildren, Luke Vass, Jackleen Butler, (Bradley) Zach Crizer, Owen Burch, Shelby Vass; nieces and nephews and other family members.
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
10/29/25, 4:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
10/29/25, 5:00 PM
October 22, 2025
Janet
White
Robinson
Janet Robinson White, age 72, of Covington, died Tuesday, October 22, 2025, at the Springs Nursing Home in Hot Springs.
Janet was born, July 3, 1953, in Alleghany County, and was preceded in death by her parents, the late Carl Richard and Vaughinie Bell Robinson which she was an only child.
She received her education from Covington High School, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and Radford University where she received a BS in Elementary Education. She was a member and a Sunday School Teacher at the Good News Fellowship Church for many years. Janet loved being an Elementary School Teacher at Callahan Elementary School teaching children Kindergarten through the 3rd grade. She did informal home schooling, preparing Danielle for kindergarten. After retiring from teaching, she enjoyed working hard outside around the house, mowing grass, washing the cars and keeping every...
Arritt Funeral Home
Visitation
10/25/25, 4:00 PM
Arritt Funeral Home
Service
10/25/25, 5:00 PM