Obituaries

Gary W. Moats

Gary W. Moats

Nov 6, 2025

Gary Wayne Moats, 67, passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at his residence in Verona.

He was born on October 17, 1958, in Harrisonburg to the late Edward Albert and Bertha Mae Ober Moats.

Gary loved camping, working with his hands, and spending time in the woods. He could often be found watching deer, especially his pet deer, “Daniel”.

A natural tinkerer,...

Emma W. Jordan

Emma W. Jordan

Nov 3, 2025

Emma Wilson Jordan, 92, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025.

She was born on November 13, 1932, on her family’s farm in Raphine, Virginia, to the late James Moore and Blanche (Miller) Wilson. Much to everyone’s surprise, Emma arrived as the second twin that day. Though the doctor doubted she...

William "Bill" L. Harris

William "Bill" L. Harris

Nov 2, 2025

William “Bill” Lee Harris, 72, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence in Afton surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 3, 1953, in Staunton to the late Carl Alexander and Mary Evaline Cason Harris.

Bill graduated from Virginia Tech in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree, in Electrical Engineering Technology. He was a proud Virginia Tech alumnus,...

Sharon S. Vizachero

Sharon S. Vizachero

Nov 1, 2025

Sharon Lee Swearengin Vizachero, 75, of Churchville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Sharon, known to family and friends as Sherry, was born in Staunton, on June 30, 1950. She was the daughter of the late Charles Lewis Swearengin and Judith Madeline (Varner) King.

On December 9, 1966, Sharon married her beloved husband,...

Phillip I. Coltrane

Phillip I. Coltrane

Nov 1, 2025

Phillip Irvin Coltrane, 71, of Fishersville, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his residence on Saturday, November 1, 2025, after a long and arduous battle with cancer.

Phil was born on September 25, 1954, in Beaufort, South Carolina, a son of Annie Frances Phillips Coltrane and the late Robert Irvin Coltrane. He later resided in Raleigh, North Carolina,...

Lester "Buddy" A. Craig

Lester "Buddy" A. Craig

Oct 30, 2025

Lester Alexander “Buddy” Craig, III, 83, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on January 31, 1942, in Staunton to the late Lester Alexander, Jr. and Mable Hause Campbell Craig.

Buddy attended Robert E. Lee High School and was a graduate of Staunton College of Business. A proud veteran, he served with the Virginia...

Charles L. Stephenson, Jr.

Charles L. Stephenson, Jr.

Oct 25, 2025

Charles Leroy Stephenson, Jr., age 64, gained his angel wings peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Leroy was born in Staunton on October 31, 1960 to the late Charles Leroy Stephenson, Sr. and Linda Lou (Kelley) Mynes.

Leroy was a dedicated driver for Sysco for 32 years, where he was known for his passion...

Edgar "Ed" Jones III

Edgar "Ed" Jones III

Oct 22, 2025

Edgar "Ed" Jones III, 84, a well-known figure in the Staunton community and a beloved music craftsman, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in that city.

He was born on October 9, 1941, in Florida, to the late Edgar and Marion Hendry Jones II and from an early age, he dedicated his life to his craft...

Duane A. Persinger

Duane A. Persinger

Oct 20, 2025

Duane Alfred Persinger, 63, of 70 Dabneys Road, Raphine, peacefully went to be with his Lord and savior on Monday, October 20, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on July 20, 1962, in Waynesboro to the late Alfred Watson, III and Helen Marie Persinger.

He resided in his dream home that he built with his late wife of twenty-eight years, Fonda...

Charles E. Thompson

Charles E. Thompson

Oct 19, 2025

Charles "Chuck" Everett Thompson, 81, a devoted family man and for many years the warden of the Staunton Correctional Center, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on August 27, 1944, in Amelia, to the late Elma Marie Thompson Allen and Alfonso Booker. Charles dedicated much of his life to serving others, both...

Betty A. Rexrode

Betty A. Rexrode

Oct 17, 2025

Betty Ann Eckard Rexrode, 83, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

She was born on May 21, 1942, in Highland County, to the late William Roy and Barbara Catherine Smith Eckard.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. A retiree of Genesco for 35 years, Betty later worked in the Staunton City school...

Patricia "Patsy" D. Dillon

Patricia "Patsy" D. Dillon

Oct 12, 2025

Patricia “Patsy” Ann Daniel Dillon passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by family at her residence in Staunton, Virginia.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, John Dillon; daughter, Chris Conyers, and partner, Mike Engleman; son, Mike, and wife, Lori; and four grandchildren, Taylor Conyers, Caleb Conyers and wife, Carley, Elizabeth Winston and husband, Malik, and Emily...

Joan W. Kivlighan

Joan W. Kivlighan

Oct 11, 2025

Joan Nelson Williams Kivlighan, 86, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at The Legacy at North Augusta in Staunton, Virginia.

Joan Kivlighan was born on March 18, 1939, in Mobile, Alabama, the daughter of the late Elliott Maurice and Helen Olivia Nelson Williams.

Joan spent her childhood with a large extended family spread between Mobile and Panama City, Florida, where she...

Bennie G. Reeves

Bennie G. Reeves

Oct 9, 2025

Bennie Garland Reeves, 77, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House.

He was born on March 13, 1948, in Augusta County to the late Marshall Jones and Ruby Viola Corbin Reeves.

Bennie was a graduate of Fort Defiance High School and spent many years as a truck driver for Adams Construction Company.

He was a...

Linda J. Adams

Linda J. Adams

Oct 8, 2025

Linda Elizabeth James Adams, 78, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at her residence in Bland County.

She was born on May 22, 1947, in Newport News to the late Homer Edward and Peggy Anne Houff James, growing up in the Staunton area.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Daniel Lee Adams; her sons, Chris Adams and his...

John A. Craig

John A. Craig

Oct 7, 2025

John Adam Craig, 75, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at King’s Daughters Community Health and Rehabilitation Center in Staunton, Virginia.

He was born on February 2, 1950, in Waynesboro to the late Thomas Jefferson Craig and Anne Maude Mitchell Craig.

John is survived by his brother, Gleason Craig and wife Jeanie; his sons, Gary Craig, Christopher Craig and wife Dana,...

Ella D. Ingram

Ella D. Ingram

Oct 6, 2025

Ella Mae Dingess Ingram, 92, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

She was born on August 4, 1933, in Chapmanville, West Virginia to the late Victor Farmer and Dixie Butcher Dingess.

Ella loved spending time in her flower garden and took great joy in watching the birds that visited her yard. She also enjoyed the quiet...

Susan W. Dull

Susan W. Dull

Oct 2, 2025

Susan Diane Dull, 62, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

She was born on January 15, 1963, in Staunton to the late Charles Casper and Betty Ann Serrett Wimer.

Susan was a proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Class of 1981. Her greatest pride and purpose in life were her five children; Brian Stuart...

Bonnie S. Troxell

Bonnie S. Troxell

Oct 2, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bonnie S. Troxell, 66, of Fishersville, who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 25, 1959, in Staunton, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Ruby Campbell (Bittle). 

She was preceded in death by her two beloved sisters,...

Aaron Hawley

Aaron Hawley

Oct 2, 2025

Aaron Hawley, 45, passed away on October 2, 2025, in Staunton, VA.

He was born on October 17, 1979, in Santa Ana, California.

He was an avid sports fan and loved watching his favorite teams, the Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals, UVA Wahoos, and the Riverheads Gladiators play. He also enjoyed being with family and friends. He was employed at Burger King on...