February 23, 2023
Glenna Long Lipes, 99, of Covington, slipped out of this life and into glory on February 23, 2023, following a sudden illness. She was the widow of Arthur C. Lipes, who died on March 4, 2005. They shared 61 years of marriage.
Glenna was born November 20, 1923, in Roanoke County, Virginia, to the late Arthur Raymond Long and Sarah Victoria Young Long. Her three brothers, Raymond, Owen, and Ernest, and her sister, Dorothy May also preceded her in death.
Glenna loved her Lord, and was a devout and faithful member of South Covington United Methodist Church for 85 years. She was an active member of the South Covington United Methodist Women, having served in many capacities, and was the current President. She served her church on many committees, taught Sunday School, directed the Children’s Choir for many years, as well as singing in the Adult Choir, and was Church Treasurer for 35 years.
She graduated from Covington High School, worked at the Covington News Agency, and also worked for a while as a seamstress at Ritsch’s Cleaners. Her main career was loving and caring for her family in so many ways including the best birthday cakes ever. She was a gifted seamstress, who particularly enjoyed sewing for her family, even sewing her daughters’ wedding dresses and dresses for the bridal parties. In her more recent years, she enjoyed crocheting and watching golf, game shows and Hallmark Channel on TV. Mom was never known to let anybody down. In fact, her strong faith, courage and wisdom inspired us, and we regularly used the word “amazing” to describe her. 1 Peter 3:4 “rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.”
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sarah Rector and husband Joe of Leesville, South Carolina, Linda Black and husband Ronnie of Covington; her granddaughter, Christina Clark, and great-grandson, Brandon Clark of Hardy; and her grandson, Will Rector and his wife Kathryn of Gilbert, South Carolina, and Christina’s fiancé, Philip Hoover of Clifton Forge. Glenna was Aunt to many favorite nieces and nephews and their families, including her “like a son” nephew, Ray Lipes. Her family is forever indebted to her loving friends and faithful caregivers, Mable Mann, Libby Weikle, Connie Rose, and Wanda Jamison, and to her beloved hairdresser, Anna Brown. Also surviving are her Church family, those who had adopted her as Mother and Grandmother, and many “like family” friends, who showed her so much love.
The funeral service will be held on Sunday February 26, 2023, at 1:30 PM at the South Covington United Methodist Church with the Pastor Joe Rose officiating.
The interment will follow at Alleghany Memorial Park.
The family will receive their friends on Sunday at the church from 12:30 until service time.
Pallbearers will be Ray Lipes, Will Rector, Brandon Clark, James Mathias, Phillip Hoover, Marty Montgomery.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Rick Smith and Tommy May.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to South Covington United Methodist Church, 1911 S. Kadel Avenue, Covington VA 24426.
The funeral arrangements are being handled by Arritt Funeral Home.
Visitation
Service
Final Resting Place:
Alleghany Memorial Park
7008 Winterberry Ave., Covington, VA 24426
Tributes
Tribute Posted
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Ryan Summers
Sep 21, 2023
I knew Evan through the EB community as we both suffer from this disease. I used to love playing Fortnite with him especially because he was so good at it. It was amazing to know him, and I am going to miss those times. He touched my whole family even though we live far away in Massachusetts. We are all thinking of your family in this hard time.
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The Randozzo Family
Sep 21, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss prayers for comfort as you go through the hard time.
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Kimm Robertson
Sep 21, 2023
Watching this young man over the years be so courageous. He loved his Momma and sisters so much. Thank you for sharing Evans Journey with us. I will continue prayers for your family. I know in my heart that Even is running around heaven enjoying having no pain. God Bless you all.
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Elizabeth Gardner
Sep 21, 2023
I will never forget you Evan Michael Groves. Caring for you was a pleasure and I will forever be changed for the better by knowing you. Your courage and goodness are a rare gift that an Sending love and comfort to your precious family.
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Virginia Doyle
Sep 21, 2023
May God continue bless you all 🙏🙏🙏🙏
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C&O Historical Society
Sep 21, 2023
Very sorry to hear of Evan's passing. We remember his visit to the Heritage Center in July of 2022 and his love of trains. Our thoughts and prayers are with Evan's family.
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Kimberly R Andrews
Sep 20, 2023
As I watched this young man grow from a toddler when you guys moved in beside me, I was simply amazed at the heart and can do in him. I loved seeing him enjoy everyday adventures that most children take for granted, swinging on a swing, playing in the snow, play with his trucks in the gravel and sliding on waterslide between our houses. It is not going to be the same on the drive without him. Many prayers and much love to you and the girls.
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Yvonne Harvey
Sep 20, 2023
Christina, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel like you have been my family since I have kept up with Evans journey. You have been the best mom.I wondered how you did it all.Thank you for allowing us to be apart of Evans life.I sure am gonna miss him. He is riding his train and we know he is happy.
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Heather Mann
Sep 20, 2023
Many thoughts are with you Christina and his sisters. I know your hearts are so heavy right now but we know dear Evan is free of the horrific pain he lived with all his life. He was such a strong boy and I know his tired little body is now at peace. God be with you all and comfort you during this difficult time. He was so special to so many people.
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Kay & Eddie Long
Sep 19, 2023
Dad (Leonard) and (Mom) Phoebe with us four children (Carol, Kay, Wilson and Barbara lived beside (Uncle Abe and His wife Trudy, with their four children John, Alvin, Lorraine, and Gradey. Many years we all had the best fun and wonderful memories of wonderful country living and mountain air. My best memories of Uncle Abe “ was come Spring to plow the garden. As a young girl, I always wondered how the heck did he keep that big work horse from running off with him when, plowing the garden. That big work horse practically ran with him. Uncle Abe had the most wonderful garden each summer and took great care to tend to the garden and always shared with us. I will always remember Uncle Abe stood by our Family when ( Dad) Leonard passed. We were very grateful for that. Uncle Abe, now there is a (Bountiful Garden) in Heaven that is waiting for you and all those passed before you. Uncle Abe your hard work here on earth is done. You have been a Wonderful Servant unto our Lord. May you Rest In Peace. You will be missed. Kay & Eddie Long.
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Addie Holesapple
Sep 19, 2023
Sending so much love to Christina, Chyanne, Hannah, and the entire family! 💗 Evan was such a sweet, special soul and will be forever remembered. Praying for peace and comfort both now and in the days and years to come.
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Virginia Wright Wilson
Sep 19, 2023
Uncle Abe was always one of my favorite people. I can hear him say "mercy" like it was yesterday. I haven't seen him since probably when my daddy died in 2014. Rest easy and say hello to everyone for us.