Person Page - 899

     Leona Martha Paxton Leona Paxton Filkins, 89, of Salem, Va., formerly of New Castle, Va., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2020. She was born on Sunday, March 8, 1931, to the late Clifford C. Paxton and Daisy Mobee Saunders Paxton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John N. Filkins; brothers, William Paxton and wife, Mavis, Walton Paxton and wife, Joy, and Clyde M. Paxton; sisters, Janes Kendall and husband, Floyd, and Virginia L. Paxton. She is survived by her sister, Helen P. Coggsdale; brothers, Robert Paxton and wife, Peggy, and Glenn M. Paxton; sister-in-law, Betty C. Paxton; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. A graveside service will be conducted for the family at the Huffman Memorial Park in New Castle, Va., which will be held privately.⁸ She was buried at Huffman Memorial Park (also known as Chestnut Grove Church Cemetery), Craig Co., Virginia.^8,9 She was born on March 8, 1931 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,8 She married John Nathan Filkins on October 27, 1956 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,8 As of October 27, 1956,her married name was Filkins. Leona Martha Paxton died on April 19, 2020 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 89.⁸

     John Nathan Filkins was buried at Huffman Memorial Park (also known as Chestnut Grove Church Cemetery), Craig Co., Virginia.³ He was born on January 13, 1931 at Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer Co., New York.⁴ He married Leona Martha Paxton, daughter of Clifford Clyde Paxton and Daisy Mobee Saunders, on October 27, 1956 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,5 John Nathan Filkins died on July 29, 1970 at Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer Co., New York, at age 39.²

     Bruce Clinton Switzer Sr. was buried at Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rt. 606, Barbours Creek, Craig Co., Virginia.³ He Bruce Clinton Switzer Sr., 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, April 30, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Doretta "Ducky" Switzer, and his beloved Son Bruce Clinton "Clint" Switzer Jr. He was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad: Virginia and Les Switzer; brother, John W. Switzer; mother-in-law, Mary L. Linkous; brothers-in-law: George Winter and Hugh Henderson. In addition to his wife and son, surviving are sisters: Dollie Henderson and Peggy (Jimmy) Robertson; brother, Leslie A. (Karen) Switzer Jr; sister-in-law, Sandra Winter; nieces: Doretta Winter, Dawn Winter Ware, Chastity Spence, and Emilee Lauer; nephews: Turman Henderson, Leslie Henderson, and Todd Robertson; special brother-like friend, Raymond Whitlock; and his special dog, Pooh Bear, who kept up with him. Bruce was a faithful member of 50 plus years at Troutville Baptist Church in Troutville, and a faithful member of T.E.L. Sunday School Class. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years and retired from Elizabeth Arden. A graveside service with military honors will be held 2:00 pm, Thursday May 5 at Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1981 Caldwell Mountain Road, New Castle, Virginia with Reverend Carol Johnston officiating. Many thanks to the awesome folks at Elks Noble Senior Living Memory Care Facility Bedford, Virginia, and the Loving care by Gentle Shepherd Hospice. Additional thanks and prayers to Special Friend, Debi Martin and her Daughter, Toni Martin for their giving time and Love to Bruce. It was much appreciated.³ He was born on September 5, 1935 at Craig Co., Virginia.^7,4 He married Ella Jean Watkins, daughter of Ted J. Watkins and Mabel Abbott, on December 22, 1956 at Craig Co., Virginia.⁷ Bruce Clinton Switzer Sr. and Ella Jean Watkins were divorced on March 26, 1959 at Craig Co., Virginia.¹ Bruce Clinton Switzer Sr. married Doretta Joyce Linkous on February 20, 1960 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3 Bruce Clinton Switzer Sr. died on April 30, 2022 at Virginia at age 86.³

     Edith Jane Ferrel was buried at Huffman Memorial Park (also known as Chestnut Grove Church Cemetery), Craig Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on February 28, 1932 at Greenbrier Co., West Virginia.² She married Thurman Dale "Tump" Ruble, son of Terry Virgil Ruble and Leota Ethel Caldwell, on December 21, 1957 at Craig Co., Virginia.^2,3,1,4 As of December 21, 1957,her married name was Ruble. Edith Jane Ferrel died on June 29, 2006 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 74.^1,5 She Edith Jane Ferrel Ruble, 74, of New Castle, passed away Thursday, June 29, 2006. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Martin and Ressie Paxton Ferrel. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Thurman D. Ruble; daughters and son-in-law Sandra J. Ruble and Linda and Raymond Reynolds; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Leonard Stewart; sister-in-law, Ida Mae Wallace; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Graveside services will be held 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, 2006 at Huffman Memorial Park with Dr. Ernie Johnson officiating. Family will receive friends Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. at the family home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Craig County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 81, New Castle, Va. 24127, or the New Castle Volunteer Fire Department, New Castle. Arrangements by Paitsel Funeral Home. on July 1, 2006.¹

     Ressie M. Paxton was buried at Guy Trollinger Huffman Family Cemetery, off Rt. 632 on John's Creek, Craig Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on July 13, 1900 at Craig Co., Virginia.² She married Albert Martin Ferrel on August 18, 1931 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.³ As of August 18, 1931,her married name was Ferrel. Ressie M. Paxton died on June 8, 1993 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia, at age 92.^1,2 She FERREL, Ressie Paxton, 92, of New Castle, died in her home June 8, 1993. She was the daughter of the late William I. Paxton and Ruby Lucas Paxton, and was preceded in death by six sisters. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Edith Jane and Thurman Ruble; granddaughter, Sandra J. Ruble; granddaughter and husband Linda and Raymond Reynolds all of New Castle; one niece, Bessel White, Hardy. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. on Thursday, at Boitnott Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. James Bayne and Dr. Ernie Johnson officiating. Interment at Huffman Family Cemetery. The family request contributions be made to Craig County Rescue Squad EMS, in lieu of flowers. on June 9, 1993.¹

     Pauline Frankie Tripp Pauline (Tiny) F. Blankenship, 76, of New Castle went to be with the Lord Sunday, January 28, 2018. She is preceded in death by her husband; Kenneth A. Blankenship, parents; Frank and Mary Tripp, brothers; Lester, Calvin, Lloyd (Bud), John, Everett, Norris (Peck) and Norman Tripp, sister; Evelyn (Sis) Caldwell. She is survived by daughter; Mary McCormick, daughters and sons-in-law; Paula Parker and Joe, Doris Jenkins and Robert, son and daughter-in-law; James Blankenship and Donna, daughter and son-in-law; Lisa Hancock and Clyde, 11 grandchildren, many numerous great-grandchildren, sister; Barbara (Bobbie) Dudding, brother; Maxie Tripp, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.⁶ She was born on May 14, 1941 at Craig Co., Virginia.¹ She married Kenneth Allison Blankenship on December 24, 1957 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,6 As of December 24, 1957,her married name was Blankenship. Pauline Frankie Tripp died on January 28, 2018 at Virginia at age 76.⁶

     Kenneth Allison Blankenship was buried at Crossroads Church Cemetery, at intersection of Rt. 615 and Rt. 611, Craig Co., Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 228-48-1619.⁵ He was born on September 6, 1935 at Bluefield, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^1,5,3 He married Pauline Frankie Tripp, daughter of Frank James Tripp and Mary Katherine Whiting, on December 24, 1957 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,6,7,8 Kenneth Allison Blankenship died on June 10, 2012 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 76.^5,4,9 He Kenneth A. Blankenship, 76, of New Castle, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Fannie Blankenship, brother, Maynard Blankenship, sister, Alpha Jean Hancock, brothers, Dennis Hannah and Jerry Springer. He is survived by loving wife of 55 years, Pauline F. Blankenship; daughter, Mary McCormick; daughters and sons-in-law, Doris Jenkins and husband Robert, Paula Parker and husband Joe; son and daughter-in-law, James Blankenship and wife Donna; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Hancock and husband Clyde; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Janice Hannah and Rita Springer; brother-in-law, Herbie Hancock; numerous nieces and nephews. on June 11, 2012.⁹

     Gene Martin Smith Gene Martin Smith, 87 of Craig County, passed away Monday, April 15, 2019. He made his home in the Sinking Creek Valley. Gene retired in 1988 from General Electric with 32 years of service. He then worked for the U.S. Forest Service and also with the Dept. of Forestry. Gene was a member of Level Green Christian Church for over 50 years, where he served as Deacon and Trustee. A former Boy Scout Leader of Troop 429, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. An avid bear hunter for over 70 years, inducted into the Virginia Bear Hunter’s Hall of Fame, where he was a life member. He loved spending time with Linda, farming, gardening, and dancing. He also loved working with his sons farming and hunting. He especially enjoyed every minute with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very proud to have seen his 4 grandchildren married. Born in Covington, he graduated from Troutville High School in 1950. He spent a lot of time helping his aunt and uncle Bay and Jesse Taylor farm in Paint Bank. Preceded in death by son, Timothy Martin Smith; parents, Bryan and Viola Taylor Smith; brother and sister-in-law, Woodrow and Irene Smith; sister, Geraldine S. Farrier; great-nephew, B.J. Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Linda Garman Smith; sons and wives, Benji and Dee Dee Smith and Richard and Joy Smith; grandchildren and spouses, Stacy and Dan Brock, Justin and Kristen Smith, Dustin and Alisha Smith, Shawn and Cate Smith; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Paul and Luke Brock, Willow Karnes, Raelynn Smith; brother-in-laws, “Billy Lewis” Farrier, and Tony and Shirley Garman; nephews and spouses, Denny and Janice Smith, Eddie B. and Vickie Smith, Ken and Kathy Smith, Lewis and Cindy Farrier; nieces and spouses, Mitzi and David Webster, Gail Garman and Bob Wright; great-nieces and newphews, and spouses, Danielle and Noel Woodard, Mark Smith, Ethan Webster, Carly Webster, and Justin Sarver; many cousins, Magnum Hunt Club, his neighbors, and his fellow church members. Interment will follow at Level Green Christian Church Cemetery.⁴ He was buried at Level Green Christian Church Cemetery, Craig Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on October 6, 1931 at Covington, Alleghany Co., Virginia.^3,4 He married Linda Loy Garman, daughter of Richard Byrd Garman and Eva Claudine Hypes, on June 14, 1958 at Craig Co., Virginia.^1,5,4 Gene Martin Smith died on April 15, 2019 at Virginia at age 87.⁴

     Lillie Christine Wright married William Maywood Hall. Lillie Christine Wright was buried at Crossroads Church Cemetery, at intersection of Rt. 615 and Rt. 611, Craig Co., Virginia.¹ Her Social Security Number was 231-32-5350.² Her married name was Hall. She was born on May 12, 1913.^1,2 She died on December 10, 2004 at Virginia at age 91.^1,2 She Lillie Christine Wright Hall, 91, of New Castle, went to be with her Lord on Friday, December 10, 2004. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chapman Johnson and Virginia Brizendine Wright; sons, William Howard Hall and Charles Kevin Hagie; brothers, Hezzie, Elbert, Clarence and Carl; sisters, Frennie Mayo, Leslie Bush and Virginia Morrison. She is survived by her daughters, Norma H. and husband, Elwood Elmore, Gloria H. Hutchison, all of New Castle; grandchildren, Claude, Wayne, and Carl Elmore, Wanda Romeo, Marvin and Neal Hutchison, Anita Deskins, Sonja Boyd and Scott Hagie; 11 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; a special friend, Marie Carper and many close nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, December 12, 2004 at Paitsel Funeral Home Chapel with interment immediately following at Crossroads Church Cemetery, New Castle. Family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Craig Co. EMS, P.O. Box 81, New Castle, Va. 24127. Arrangements by Paitsel Funeral Home, New Castle. on December 11, 2004.¹

     Her Social Security Number was 233-42-7978.³ Her married name was Pleasant.⁴ Mary Lou Wilson was buried at Knollkreg Memorial Park, Abingdon, Washington Co., Virginia.⁵ She married Unknown Pleasant.⁴ Mary Lou Wilson was born on May 29, 1928 at West Virginia.^3,5,2 She married Leonard Chester Angle Jr., son of Leonard Chester Angle and Maude Lena Sisson, on December 2, 1977 at Abingdon, Washington Co., Virginia.^6,1,2 As of December 2, 1977,her married name was Angle.² Mary Lou Wilson died on February 5, 2009 at Virginia at age 80.^3,1,5 She BLACKSBURG, Va. – Mary Lou Angle, 80, formerly of Abingdon, Va., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009. She was the daughter of the late Troy and Mary Wilson of Kingwood, W.Va. She is survived by her husband, L.C. Angle Jr; children; and grandchildren. Prior to her retirement, she was the director of nursing at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was also very active in volunteer work in the community. on February 7, 2009.¹

     Larry Bruce Elmore was buried at Palestine Baptist Church Cemetery, Huddleston, Bedford Co., Virginia.² He was born on April 3, 1935 at New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.² He married Eve Lois Howell on September 21, 1957 at Craig Co., Virginia.^2,7,3 Larry Bruce Elmore died on December 26, 2008 at Lynchburg, Virginia, at age 73.² He Larry Bruce Elmore, 73, of Huddleston, passed away Friday, December 26, 2008, at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born on Wednesday, April 3, 1935, in New Castle, Va., a son of the late William Bruce Elmore and the late Margaret Coreen Ohmer Elmore. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Joann Elmore and Jane Lee Webb Borst; and a brother, James Elmore. He was a retired employee of F. W. Woolworth and was a member of Palestine Baptist Church. Surviving is his wife of fifty-one years, Eva Lois Howell Elmore; a son, Ronald William Elmore, Huddleston; a sister, Carole Vasquez, Cornado, Calif; many loving nieces, nephews and friends. The family requests that those wishing to make memorials to consider the Palestine Baptist Church Building Fund. Funeral services will be held at the graveside at Palestine Church Cemetery on Monday, December 29, 2008, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jackie Carver officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston. on December 28, 2008.²