Obituaries

Shelby S. Higgs

Shelby S. Higgs

Sep 21, 2025

Shelby Strickland Higgs, of Waynesboro left us peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Fishersville, VA.

She was born September 11, 1939, and raised in Reidsville, North Carolina.

She is survived by her husband John Higgs; her children, Susan Higgs and her husband, Chad Miller, Robert Higgs and his wife Angela Higgs; her sisters Vivian Pearson and Vanesa Souther; and grandson Duncan...

Mary B. Austin

Mary B. Austin

Sep 21, 2025

Mary Lou Brookman Austin, 81, of Mint Spring, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

She was born on March 25, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Daniel John and Lula Effie Pultz Brookman.

She is survived by her son, Eric Daniel Walton; her daughter-in-law, Tiffany Walton; her grandchildren, Alex and Madison Walton; her niece,...

Anita R. Rexrode

Anita R. Rexrode

Sep 20, 2025

Our mother, Anita Kay Ramsey Rexrode, 76, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, to join our dad for eternity.

She was born on July 26, 1949, in Greenville to the late Harold “Shorty” Houston and Gladys Virginia Schultz Ramsey. She spoke of her love for them often.

Later she met and married our dad, Larry B. Rexrode.

She is survived by her...

Susan T. Hagler

Susan T. Hagler

Sep 19, 2025

Susan Elizabeth Taylor Hagler, 75, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Hospice of The Piedmont – Hospice House in Charlottesville.

She was born on September 25, 1949, in Xenia, Ohio to the late Alfred and Gertrude Taylor.

Susan graduated from Xenia High School in 1967 and went on to attend Central State University for a year. She dedicated...

Katie H. Rawlings

Katie H. Rawlings

Sep 19, 2025

Katie Huffman Rawlings died unexpectedly from natural causes at her residence on Friday, September 19, 2025. She was only 48 years old. Her family is shocked and saddened by her passing, but equally resolute in their commitment to build upon the foundation she set in developing her three boys - Will, Jay, and Grant - into outstanding young men.

Katie was...

Joyce B. Hanger

Joyce B. Hanger

Sep 16, 2025

Joyce Ann Baylor Hanger, 84, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Blue Ridge Christian Home in Raphine.

She was born on June 29, 1941, in Middlebrook to the late Willis Newton, Jr. and Louise Gertrude Clemmer Baylor.

Joyce attended Dunsmore Business College. She was a lifelong member of Mount Tabor Lutheran Church where she was the organist for many years.

On...

Betty M. Bartley

Betty M. Bartley

Sep 14, 2025

Betty Susan Miller Bartley, 92, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, Augusta Health Shenandoah House in Fishersville.

She was born on May 4, 1933, in Augusta County, to the late Harold Bittle and Mary Jane Snyder Miller.

Betty was a devoted homemaker whose greatest joy was caring for her family and her home. For a short period of time before dedicating...

Michael H. Capaccio

Michael H. Capaccio

Sep 12, 2025

His family sorrowfully announces the passing of Michael Hughes Capaccio, 67, on Friday, September 12, 2025, at his residence in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Michael was born and raised in New Jersey. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and was a MALD candidate at The Fletcher School at Tufts University. His accomplished career in commercial real estate development included positions with...

The Honorable James "Jim" G. Welsh

The Honorable James "Jim" G. Welsh

Sep 9, 2025

James “Jim” Greer Welsh, 86, passed away peacefully at Salemtowne in Winston Salem, North Carolina on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

He was born on April 4, 1939, and was one of three sons to the late Donald Greer and Helen Kendall Welsh.

He spent his youth in Washington, DC and attended Calvin Cooledge High School. After high school, he attended the University...

Janet S. Grine

Janet S. Grine

Sep 8, 2025

Janet May Smiley Grine, 81, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Staunton Post Acute and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on March 28, 1944, in Staunton to the late William Guy, Sr. and Viola May McLear Smiley.

Janet’s greatest joy was her family – her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also had a love for country music and never missed...

Laura E. Buckley

Laura E. Buckley

Sep 7, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Laura Elizabeth “Libbey” Buckley on September 7, 2025, following a brave battle with cancer. The beloved daughter of Carie and Debbie Buckley, Libbey was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. She grew up in Staunton, Virginia enjoying a very happy childhood.

After suffering a traumatic brain injury at age 17, Libbey...

Herman "Johnny" J. Johnson

Herman "Johnny" J. Johnson

Sep 5, 2025

Herman Junior Johnson, 88, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Augusta Health Shenandoah House in Fishersville.

He was born on June 14, 1937, in Staunton to the late William McKinley, Sr. and Icy Mines Sprouse Johnson.

Herman served as a manager with a tire company, where his dedication and work ethic were well known.

Outside of work, he was a true...

Nellie A. Harris

Nellie A. Harris

Sep 4, 2025

Nellie Alene Sheffer Harris, 93, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Fishersville, VA.

She was born in Augusta County, VA to the late James Floyd Sheffer and Bertha Mae Jackson Bosserman.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Preston Harris, and her son, Stephen Randal Harris.

A graveside service will take place at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10,...

Michael J. Vayvada

Michael J. Vayvada

Sep 3, 2025

Michael Joseph Vayvada, 63, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

He was born on January 5, 1962, in Frederick, Maryland to the late George and Nancy Rebecca Kennedy Vayvada.

Michael was a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree with a major in History and a minor...

Raymond "Junior" T. Conner

Raymond "Junior" T. Conner

Sep 3, 2025

Raymond “Junior” Thomas Conner, Jr., 78, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on May 19, 1947, in Greenville to the late Raymond Thomas, Sr. and Elna Vaughn Ramsey Conner.

Raymond was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Church, where he generously gave his time serving as an usher for many years. He greeted...

Franklin A. Morris

Franklin A. Morris

Sep 2, 2025

Franklin Alvin Morris, 89, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on January 17, 1936, in Rockingham County to Gladys Morris.

Franklin dedicated much of his life to working in the restaurant industry as a cook.

Outside of work, he could often be found with a word search puzzle in his hand. He also loved...

Victoria "Vicki" F. Medley

Victoria "Vicki" F. Medley

Aug 30, 2025

Victoria "Vicki" Calhoun (Fitzgerald) Medley, 73, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

Victoria was born at Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg on August 26, 1952, to the late William Fitzgerald and Josephine Marie Fitzgerald (Hite).

She is survived by her son, Joseph Carter Medley, and his wife, Dawn, as well as her grandchildren, Laura Olivia Medley...

Chrystal M. DeSarno

Chrystal M. DeSarno

Aug 29, 2025

Chrystal Mae (Robertson) DeSarno, 48, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

Chrystal was born on March 31, 1977, in Waynesboro to Douglas Wayne and Katherine Lee (Fitzgerald) Robertson.

As the owner of a reputable cleaning business, Chrystal demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic. Her ability to manage her business while being a devoted family member is a...

Marion Hallinan

Marion Hallinan

Aug 26, 2025

Marion Hallinan, 95, formerly of Farmington, CT, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

She leaves behind her two daughters, Kimberly and Jennifer; her three grandsons, Dustin, Ryan and Kyle; one great-granddaughter, Ruby.

She is preceded in death by her two children, Peter and Philippa, who passed way in 1993 and 2009, respectively.

She was born in London, England. She was...

Christine Y. Knopp

Christine Y. Knopp

Aug 25, 2025

Christine Marie Yahnig Knopp passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 106 on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Christine's deep faith was evident in every aspect of her life, which shone through her joyful spirit and unwavering trust in God. She was a steadfast prayer warrior with a radiant heart, always living out her faith in action and grace.

Born...