Obituaries

Ricky L. Clifton

Ricky L. Clifton

Dec 30, 2024

Ricky Lynn Clifton, 64, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on October 19, 1960, in Staunton, to the late John Boyd Clifton, Sr. and Lydia Frances Piner Cash.

Ricky was a person who embraced life with open arms. His passion for hunting and the great outdoors defined much of his leisure time, allowing...

Franklin D. Tumer, Sr.

Franklin D. Tumer, Sr.

Dec 28, 2024

Franklin Dee Tumer, Sr., retired USAF, 89, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House in Fishersville.

He was born on October 16, 1935, in Augusta County to the late Samuel Edgar and Agnes Irene Miller Tumer.

Franklin's life was a testament to the values of resilience, hard work, and love for family. Franklin proudly...

Elton "Junior" M. Hewitt, Jr.

Elton "Junior" M. Hewitt, Jr.

Dec 28, 2024

Elton “Junior” Massie Hewitt, Jr., 96, widower of Margaret “Peggy” (Cook) Hewitt of Swoope, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Blue Ridge Christian Home in Raphine, Virginia.

Mr. Hewitt was born in Augusta County on October 3, 1928, son of the late Elton Massie Hewitt, Sr. and Ruby (Harris) Hewitt.

Junior was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather,...

Eleanor J. Supple

Eleanor J. Supple

Dec 25, 2024

Eleanor Thompson Jamison Noblin Supple of Staunton, VA, passed away early Christmas morning, December 25, 2024.

She was born on November 17, 1920, in Belle Haven, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the daughter of The Reverend William Chalmers Jamison, a Presbyterian minister, and Carrie Elizabeth Thompson Jamison.

While Eleanor was a toddler, The Jamisons moved to Kannapolis, NC where her father...

Ritchie A. Michael

Ritchie A. Michael

Dec 23, 2024

Ritchie “Rick” Allan Michael, 56, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at his residence in Staunton, due to natural causes.

He was born on February 23, 1968, in Staunton to the late Edgar Crawford, Jr. and Kay Schanagel Michael.

Throughout his life, Rick displayed unwavering support to his favorite teams, passionately supporting UVA, the LA Rams, and the Atlanta Braves. His...

Jessica M. Craig

Jessica M. Craig

Dec 22, 2024

Jessica “Missy” Marie Craig, 61, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

She was born on April 7, 1963, in Staunton to the late James Edward, Sr. and Judy Ann Shifflett Craig.

Professionally, she worked as a CNA with Woodrow Wilson Workforce Center in Fishersville. Personally, she was a loving mother, sister, and grandmother. Family meant everything...

Barbara E. Pack

Barbara E. Pack

Dec 21, 2024

Barbara Lynn Eagle Pack, 72, of Fishersville, joined the Lord on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Staunton Post Acute and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by peace and love.

She was born on October 22, 1952, in Beckley, WV, to the late Reverend and Mrs. Franklin Newton Eagle, Jr. and Mary Maquis Eagle.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her husband, Dean Franklin Pack,...

Frances K. Wine

Frances K. Wine

Dec 21, 2024

Frances Virginia Karicofe Wine, 90, of Staunton, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah House in Fishersville.

She was born on September 10, 1934, in Mt. Solon to the late Wilmer Davis and Iva May Todd Karicofe.

Frances grew up in Dayton, where she attended and graduated from Dayton High School in 1951. Following her...

Dickson H. Spencer

Dickson H. Spencer

Dec 20, 2024

Dickson Hall Spencer, 80, a distinguished professional and devoted husband, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville. 

Born on June 29, 1944, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to the late Jack Everett and Eleanor Miriam Bahret Spencer, he left an indelible mark on both his career and his community throughout his lifetime.

His educational achievements laid...

Cheryl K. Niuman

Cheryl K. Niuman

Dec 19, 2024

Cheryl Kay Niuman, 77, of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at River Edge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Waynesboro.

Cheryl was born on October 13, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of the late Frank and Miriam (Lautzenheiser) Niuman. 

She graduated from Beavercreek High School in 1965 and then went on to graduate from Tennessee Temple University in 1969, with...

Katie S. DeHart

Katie S. DeHart

Dec 18, 2024

Katie Settliff DeHart, 55, of Staunton, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at her residence.

She was born in Waynesboro on May 8, 1970.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Rose Eaves; her stepfather, Williams Eaves; and a sister, Regina Forbis.

She is survived by her three children, Sarah R. Chittum, LaTasha J. Chittum and Dakota C. Chittum; twelve grandchildren;...

Gene R. Weller

Gene R. Weller

Dec 18, 2024

Gene Robert Weller, 88, entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

He was born on February 16, 1936, in Verona, the youngest of three sons, to the late Walton “Pop” Milton and Carrie Virginia Aldhizer Weller.

Gene's career spanned several decades, beginning with his education at Mt. Sidney Elementary School and culminating in his graduation from Middle River High...

Sandra F. Lucas

Sandra F. Lucas

Dec 17, 2024

Sandra Kay Fitzgerald Lucas, 75, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at August Healthcare at Richmond.

She was born on February 27, 1949, in Staunton to the late Saylor Blaine and Louise Burgess Allen Fitzgerald.

Sandra retired from the State of Virginia with over thirty years of service. She also retired from Crawford & Company with several additional years of service.

Sandy...

Betty H. Gum

Betty H. Gum

Dec 16, 2024

Betty Durrett Hevener Gum, 85, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Lynchburg General Hospital.

She was born on January 20, 1939, in Albemarle County to the late Charles Berlin, Sr. and Erma Lambert Hevener.

Betty was a 1959 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton. She dedicated a significant portion of her life to serving others, particularly as...

Donnie L. Sweet

Donnie L. Sweet

Dec 14, 2024

Donnie Lee Sweet, 69, passed away at his residence in Stuarts Draft on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

He was born on March 29, 1955 in Augusta County to the late Merlyn Thomas and Ella Dean Hite Sweet.

From his formative years growing up in Augusta County, Donnie developed an affinity for anything that moved on wheels. His love for cars was not...

Carlin N. Rose, Jr.

Carlin N. Rose, Jr.

Dec 14, 2024

Carlin Nevill Rose, Jr., 82, a loving husband, brother, uncle, and proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at his residence in Staunton.

He was born on June 9, 1942, in Alexandria to the late Carlin Nevill, Sr. and Rachael Elizabeth Hatten Rose.

Carlin was a man who never met a stranger. His warm and...

Samuel V. Venable

Samuel V. Venable

Dec 13, 2024

Samuel "Slugga" Vernell Venable, 44, passed away at 4:44 PM on Friday, December 13, 2024, at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville.

He was born on October 18, 1980, in Washington, D.C. to the late Nona “Tolu” Lee Venable Sakyi.

Samuel was a man of diverse interests, with a particular passion for jewelry and history. He had a remarkable eye for fashion, particularly...

William C. Jennings, Jr.

William C. Jennings, Jr.

Dec 12, 2024

William Charles (Bill) Jennings, 90, died Thursday, December 12, 2024, peacefully at home in Staunton, after battling ill health. 

Bill was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church and the Rotary Club of Staunton in his retirement.

A native of Macedon, New York, Bill was born on April 6, 1934. 

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Marjorie, and his first wife, Elaine....

Ronnie E. Via

Ronnie E. Via

Dec 12, 2024

Ronnie Eugene Via, 82, husband of Carolyn J. Fitzgerald Via, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at his residence in Staunton. 

He was born on March 4, 1942, in Augusta County to the late Glennie Ferguson and Bessie Pauline Downey Via Wood.

A proud Navy veteran, Ronnie served his country with honor before embarking on a successful career at A&P for...

William C. Roberson

William C. Roberson

Dec 12, 2024

William Carl (Bill) Roberson, 87, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Augusta Health after a brief illness. He was a favorite math teacher at Robert E. Lee High School (now Staunton High) for many years.

A native of Wise, VA, Bill was born April 29, 1937. He was preceded in death by his mother Eula F. Roberson, his beloved cousin...