Martha Louise “Lou” Seibel Rader passed away peacefully at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital on August 5, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born in Harrisonburg, Va., on January 19, 1933, to John George Seibel and Sylvia Nadine Harrington Seibel.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Kenneth “Corky” Rader; daughter, Sylvia Lynne Rader Alger; son-in-law, Calvin Bruce Alger; as well as her siblings, Sybil King (Jerry), John Seibel (Hallie), George Seibel, Ginny Keith (Eddie); and brother-in-law, Lewis Hoback.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Rader Durham, and son-in-law, Al; sister, Betsy Seibel Hoback; and sister-in-law, Cookie Seibel; her grandchildren Katie Clark (Daniel), Erin Durham, Morganne Durham, Trey Alger (Taelor), C.B. Alger (Cheyenne), and Amanda Alger; great-grandchildren, Thomas Clark, Amani Taylor, Mila Gonzales, Stella Alger, and Jaden Armstrong.
Lou’s life was marked by education, faith, service, and devotion to her family and community.
Lou graduated from William Byrd High School and Longwood College, then earned master’s degrees from Radford University and the University of Virginia. She began her career as a science and home economics teacher at the former Stonewall Jackson Junior High School, later served as the school’s guidance counselor, and went on to become Supervisor of Guidance for Roanoke City Schools.
Lou was a lifelong and active member of Bonsack United Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities, including singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, serving as a youth leader, going on mission trips, and leading countless committees and projects.
After retirement, Lou and her husband enjoyed traveling across the country. They also devoted themselves to serving others through community service with Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, The Least of These Ministry, and RAM House, to name a few. Lou’s passion for service was especially evident in her involvement with Ruritan National and the local Bonsack/Blue Ridge Ruritan Club, where she served as club president until her passing. She also served the larger organization as a Ruritan National Director, was active with the Ruritan National Foundation, and served as a former First Lady of the organization. Lou successfully engaged Ruritan clubs across the nation to take an active part in the development of the National D-Day Memorial and remained active with the Memorial until her death.
Visitation will be held at Oakey’s East Chapel on Friday, August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at Bonsack United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 15, at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Bonsack United Methodist Memorial Fund, 4493 Bonsack Road, Roanoke, 24012; Ruritan National Foundation General Fund, P.O. Box 487, Dublin, Va. 24084; or National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, Va. 24523.
Lou will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.Oakeys.com. Arrangements are by Oakey’s East Chapel, 540-977-3909.
