ADAMS, Ruth G.
Ruth Elaine Gray Adams, 98, of Blue Ridge, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 24, 2018, with her family by her side. For many years she was the heart and strength of our family and always attributed her longevity to her hard work. She was an accomplished seamstress, an excellent cook and had a great love for her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Yule Gorman and Sarah Frances Gray; husband, Herman P. Adams; sons, C. Wayne (Buck) Adams and Herman P. (Butch) Adams Jr.; grandchildren, Charles Thompson, Rhonda and Infant St.Clair; and five siblings.
She is survived by her daughters, Rochelle A. Graham of Salem, Barbara A. Huffman of Blue Ridge, Jean A. Sanders of Vinton, and June A. Thompson of Buchanan; daughter-in-law, Carol H. Adams of Roanoke; 12 grandchildren, Sonya G. (James) Mason, Kim S. (Kevin) Wright, Richard L. Kristi) St.Clair, Craig Roman St.Clair, Dena M. Priddy, Jeffrey D. Morgan, Kevin Thompson, Lisa (Lewis) Shilling, Amy (Billie) McMinnis, Andrea (Peter) Cousins, Tracy W. Sloan and Chastity W. Loan; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends who expressed compassion and support for her throughout her aging years. She is also survived by her fur babies, Miss Molly and Miss Bibbs.
The family received friends from 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday, May 28, at Oakey’s East Chapel. A funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, at Oakey’s East Chapel with Pastor Greg Moser officiating. Interment was in Glade Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com
AUSTIN, James A.
In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 3, 2018, James A. (Jimmy) Austin, 74, of Buchanan, won his battle against Glioblastoma. Jimmy was retired supervisor from Groendyk Manufacturing in Buchanan.
Jimmy was the son of the late Claudie Matthew and Viola Linkenhoker Austin. He was also predeceased by his step-daughter, Valerie Booze.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 14 years, Betsy; his son, Todd and wife, Jennifer of Buchanan; granddaughter, Carly and husband, Patrick Toler of Bedford, grandson, Ethan and fiancée, Ciera Foley of Buchanan; grandson, Seth Snead of Eagle Rock; and stepson, Chris Perez, of Natural Bridge Station. He is survived by four great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Sandra Fisher; friend and former wife, Joyce Wood; and his canine buddy, Rascal.
In earlier years, Jimmy enjoyed fishing with his friends. Many a fish were caught, stories were told, and many beers were drunk along creek banks and the James River. Jimmy had a curiosity about what made things work and he had the ability to figure it out, sometimes making things work even better while “tinkering” with them in the garage. Even though he was a retired supervisor, Jimmy still liked to oversee Todd and Ethan’s work in the garage giving out any advice he felt they needed.
Jimmy liked all types of racing but drag racing was his favorite. Many weekends you would find Jimmy and Betsy at the drag strip where Todd was racing. Jimmy wasn’t just a spectator, he was the pit crew and chief mechanic, spending time between rounds, and many weeknights, making sure the car was running just right.
Jimmy was a proud Dad, Papaw, and Great-Papaw. He enjoyed his time spent with Carly and Ethan and loved to sit and watch the great-grandkids play when they came to visit.
“Jimmy– Our time together ended too soon and I miss you very much. I will cherish our time together and hold those memories close to my heart. I know you looking out for me and that keeps me going. Love You, Betsy.
“Dad– You were not just a Dad to me but you were also my friend. You taught me so many things and gave me so many great memories. I will miss you every day but I take comfort in knowing you are at peace. Love, Todd”
“Papaw– You were the greatest Papaw anyone could ask for and I am so proud that I got to have you as mine. Love, Ethan”
“Papaw– I love you very much and I will miss you every day. I will keep you close to me in my heart. Love, Carly”
A causal memorial gathering will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. Flowers are beautiful, however. the family wishes memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.botetourtfuneralhome.com or 254-3000.
HENRY, Dorothy A.
Dorothy Ann Henry of Roanoke, and formerly of LaFargeville, N.Y., went to be with her Lord on May 26, 2018.
Dottie was born December 26, 1932 in Mineola, Long Island. She was the daughter of the late George Bowes and Lydia Keppler Bowes Zang.
Dottie moved to LaFargeville, N.Y. in 1947, where she graduated from LaFargeville Central School in 1951 and married her beloved farmer, Maurice. They were married 44 years before his death in April 1996. After his death she moved to Roanoke.
She was employed as the first teacher aide in LaFargeville Central School, working there 16 years.
Dottie was one of the founders of the Church of the Nazarene in LaFargeville, N.Y., where she received the Distinguished Service Award in 1991. She taught Sunday School for over 50 years and had a real gift for inspiring children. She was a member of the First Nazarene Church in Roanoke.
Surviving are her five children, Marilyn LaForty of Oxbow, N.Y.; Lee Minnix and husband Luther of Troutville; George and wife, Paula of Salem; William and wife, Paulette of Amherst, N.Y.; Leslie and wife Deanna of LaFargeville, N.Y.; sister, Lillian Perkins of Clayton, N.Y.; brother, George Bowes Jr. and wife, Miriam of LaFargeville, N.Y.; half-brother, Philip Zang Jr. of Adams, N.Y.; step-sisters, Evelyn Queal of Watertown, N.Y. and Glorianne Garnsey of Pennsylvia. She also leaves to cherish her memory 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held in LaFargeville, N.Y. on August 11 at 1 p.m.. She will be buried at Grove Cemetery, LaFargeville. Donations may be sent to Grove Cemetery Association, LaFargeville, N.Y., Church of the Nazarene, LaFargeville, N.Y. or Heartland Hospice, Roanoke.
HILGER, Mary S.
Mary Susan Hilger, 71, departed this life on June 4, 2018 at home in Badin Lake, N.C.
Mary was born on January 8, 1947 in O’Fallon, Ill. to Donald and Mary Sartor. She attended O’Fallon Township High School where she graduated at the top of her class with countless awards for her achievements in Science, Band, Chorus, Drama, and Track and Field. Mary attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. on a scholarship, earning Dean’s List Honors.
Mrs. Hilger was joined in wedlock to her beloved husband, Jerry Dennis Hilger, on June 8, 1968 in Collinsville, Ill. During their 38-year marriage, they built a happy and successful life together in Maryville, Ill. and Blue Ridge, Va., raising two beautiful children in Gina and Jason Hilger.
During her early life, Mary was a trailblazer for women in industry as a chemist at the prestigious Monsanto Company in St. Louis, Mo. in the 1960s. Possessing a brilliant mind, she also excelled as an environmental chemist, pharmacy technician, substitute teacher, referee/umpire, and stay-at-home mother. She enjoyed reading, gardening, yardwork, crafts, cooking, camping, hiking, and water skiing. She was also an outdoor enthusiast and nature lover. Most importantly, Mary was a loving and caring mother and wife who adored her husband Jerry, children Gina and Jason, daughter-in-law Landy, and grandchildren Carlos and Jose.
Mrs. Hilger was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Hilger, and her parents, Donald and Mary Sartor. She is survived by her children, Gina and Jason; her grandchildren, Carlos and Jose; and two brothers, Donald and Dick Sartor.
A visitation service will be held on Wednesday June 6, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Stanly Funeral & Cremation Care in Albemarle, N.C.
