Person Page - 1034

     Franklin Willard "Frank" Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,8 He was born on February 22, 1862 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,8,6 He died on March 14, 1934 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 72.^7,8,9,6

     His Social Security Number was 225-44-2612.³ Charlie Eden Sutphin was buried at Belmont Community Cemetery, Belmont, Montgomery Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "VA A 2nd C U.S.A.F."^3,4 He Shawsville - Charlie E. Sutphin, age 36, of Rt. 1, Shawsville, died Monday night at his home. Surviving are his wife, Geraldine H. Sutphin; one son, Larry Sutphin, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Thelma Hurley and Mrs. Frances Meredith both of Radford; Mrs. Opal Jones of Salem; three brothers, the Rev. M. C. Sutphin of Christiansburg; Marvin E. Sutphin of salt Lake City, Utah; Raymond Allen Sutphin. Funeral services will be Thursdat at 11:00 a.m. from the Anath Baptist Church in Christiansburg with burial in the Belmont Cemetery.⁵ He was born on December 5, 1937 at Radford, Virginia.^3,1,4,6,2 He married Geraldine Audrey Hall, daughter of Eugene Harry Hall and Jean Louise Wright, on March 18, 1966 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^5,6,2 Charlie Eden Sutphin died on December 31, 1973 at age 36.^3,4,6

     Dorothy Sowder was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^6,3 She CHRISTIANSBURG - Funeral services for Donald Ray Hall, 22, and his wife, Dorothy Sowder Hall, 19, who died Friday in a car wreck, will be at 2.p.m. Monday at Sowders Chapel Baptist Church with burial in Piedmont Cemetery, near Shawsville. The couple is survived by, a son, Donald Eugene Hall, at home. Hall is also survived by is parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hall; Shawsville; a sister, Mrs. Geraldine Sutphin, Shawsville; three brothers, John Barry Hall, William Gary Hall, Lesley Eugene Hall, Shawsville. Mrs. Hall also is survived by her mother, Mrs. Iva Sowder, Check; five brothers, Jimmy Lee Sowder; Salem, Thomas L. Sowder, Check, Kenneth Sowder, Shawsville, Daniel R. Sowder, Elliston, Ronald Sowder, Roanoke; two sisters, Mrs. Frances Davis, Shawsville, Miss Barbara Ann Sowder, Check. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Richardson Funeral Home, Christiansburg.³ She was born on August 9, 1949 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^6,1,2 She married Donald Ray Hall, son of Eugene Harry Hall and Jean Louise Wright, on March 26, 1966 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,6,2,3 As of March 26, 1966,her married name was Hall. Dorothy Sowder died on April 4, 1969 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 19; Donald and Dorothy died in an automobile accident in Shawsville, Virginia.^6,2

     Frank Lewis Sowder was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia; His tombstone reads "TECH SVC UNIT WWII."¹ He Check - Frank L. Sowder, 49, died today at his home. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Iva V. Sowder; three daughters, the Misses Frances, Dorothy, and Barbara Sowder, at home; five sons, Jimmy Sowder, Roanoke; Thomas and Daniel Sowder, Salem; Kenneth Sowder, Shawsville; Ronald Sowder, at home; four sisters, Mrs. Lorene Pearman, Mrs. Irene Basham and Mrs. JoAnn Bland, Shawsville; Mrs. Pearl Vest, Van Nuys, Calif; three brothers, Paul Sowder, Shawsville; Ralph Sowder, Martinsville; Harry Sowder, Colonial Heights. Arrangements are being made by Grant E. Bryant Funeral Home, Elliston.⁷ He was born on March 20, 1914 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He married Iva Vest, daughter of Albert Washington Vest and Wilda Archester McNeil, on May 25, 1939 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,5,6,8 Frank Lewis Sowder died on July 31, 1963 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 49.^1,5,7

     Iva Vest was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁸ She was born on July 30, 1919 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,13,8 She married Frank Lewis Sowder, son of John Lee Sowder and Nora Effie Whitlock, on May 25, 1939 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^14,3,8,11 As of May 25, 1939,her married name was Sowder. Iva Vest died on December 30, 2012 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 93.⁸ She Iva Vest Sowder, 93, of Check, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, December 30, 2012. She was born July 30, 1919, to the late Albert Washington and Wilda McNeil Vest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Lewis Sowder; daughter, Dorothy Sowder Hall; three brothers; two sisters; one grandson; and one granddaughter. Left to cherish her memory are her sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmie and Edith, Tommy and Barbara, Kenny and Barbara, Danny and June, Ronnie and Janie; daughters and son-in-law, Frances and Dale Richardson, Barbara Sowder Raines; 16 grandchildren; and one special grandson, Donnie Hall, who lived with and cared for her for the past five years; 22 great-grandchildren; numerous stepgrandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Hampton and Louise Vest; special cousin Agatha Austin. The family would like to express appreciation for the care given to their mother by Good Samaritan Hospice and especially Lydia Brown. Funeral Service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at Crockett Springs United Methodist Church with the Rev. Warren Carswell and the Rev. Terry Ross officiating. Interment to follow in the Piedmont Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at Maberry Funeral Home. on January 1, 2013.⁸

     Barbara Ellen Dalton was buried at Piedmont Cemetery, Rt. 11 to Shawsville, turn at nursing home, Rt. 637, about 8 miles on the left, Montgomery Co., Virginia.³ She was born on May 24, 1929 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 She married Horace Vance Hall, son of John Wesley Hall and Vilena/Violena Melvina Conner, on February 14, 1948 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,1,2 As of February 14, 1948,her married name was Hall.² As of circa 2000,her married name was Spence.⁵ Barbara Ellen Dalton married Charles R. Spence circa 2000.^5,6,3 Barbara Ellen Dalton died on April 26, 2022 at Virginia at age 92.³ She Barbara H. Spence, 92, of Salem, Va. and formerly of Montgomery County, Va., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Her surviving family includes her husband of 22 years, Charles R. Spence; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. The family sincerely thanks Heartland Hospice for its personal care given to Barbara. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Piedmont Cemetery in Shawsville, Va., with Pastor Robert Hall officiating. on April 28, 2022.³

     Russell Edward Stiff and Ruby Juanita Caldwell were divorced.³ His Social Security Number was 121-24-0431.⁴ Russell Edward Stiff was buried at Carolina Memorial Park, Concord, Cabarrus Co., North Carolina.² He was born on May 24, 1932 at Richlands, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^2,4,3 He married Ruby Juanita Caldwell, daughter of Marshall Kenny Caldwell and Lera Amanda "Mandy" Conner, on December 26, 1950 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^5,1,3 Russell Edward Stiff died on February 4, 2002 at Concord, Cabarrus Co., North Carolina, at age 69.^2,4 He KANNAPOLIS — Russell Edward Stiff, 69, Kannapolis, died Monday (Feb. 4, 2002) died at NorthEast Medical Center, Concord. Born May 24, 1932, in Tazewell County, Va., Mr. Stiff was a son of the late Eugene and Mary Alice Brumley Stiff. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and retired from A.K. Steel Co., Ashland, Ky. Survivors include wife Joan Greenway Stiff; son Russell Edward Stiff Jr., Blue Ridge, Va; stepson Danny Ray Beam, China Grove; daughters Sharon Guacheta, Roanoke, Va., and Susan Wolford, Russell Springs, Ky; stepdaughter Rita Faye Smith, Mooresville; sister Mary Frances Tennent, Kannapolis; brothers Paul F. Whitley, China Grove, Eugene C. Stiff Jr., Rock Hill, S.C., and Earl G. Stiff, Jefferson City, Tenn; and five grandchildren. Services: Graveside, 11 a.m. Thursday, Carolina Memorial Park. Visitation: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Whitley’s Funeral Home. Memorials: American Heart Association, Box 5216, Glen Allen, Va. 23058-5216; or N.C. Lions Foundation, Box 39, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673. on February 5, 2002.²

     Gilley Bruce Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,6,3 He was born on April 8, 1865 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His death certificate has a birth date of Apr 9, 1865.^5,6,1 He married Nancy Alice "Nannie" Conner, daughter of Nathaniel Osborn/Osburn "Nathan" Conner and Mary Jane Walton, on January 1, 1893 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,7 Gilley Bruce Conner died on February 7, 1942 at Check, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 76.^5,6,8,3

     His Social Security Number was 231-32-7604.⁵ Ralph Eugene Lawson was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.² He was born on January 13, 1930 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,4 He married Ruby Juanita Caldwell, daughter of Marshall Kenny Caldwell and Lera Amanda "Mandy" Conner, on June 7, 1958 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,6,3,4 Ralph Eugene Lawson died on March 4, 1996 at Virginia at age 66.^2,5 He LAWSON, Ralph Eugene, 66, of Roanoke passed away Monday, March 4, 1996. He was a Deacon at Hollins Road Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Juanita Lawson; sons and daughter-in-law, Richard and Lynn Lawson, Russell ""Buzzy"" Stiff and finance', Tonya Walters; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Stiff Guacheta and husband, Ramiro Guacheta; grandchildren, Cory and Katryn Lawson, Juan Nicholas Guacheta; father, Clarence Macklin Lawson; sister, Helen Joyce Turner; brother, Melvin ""Bud"" Lawson. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 1996 at Oakey's North Chapel with Rev. Mark G. Washington officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Oakey's North Chapel. on March 5, 1996.²

     Mary Frances Bane was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ She was born on July 21, 1933 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married William Earl "Bill" Mitchell, son of Luther Hixon "Hix" Mitchell and Pearl Mazie "Pearlie" Conner, on April 29, 1951 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2 As of April 29, 1951,her married name was Mitchell.² Mary Frances Bane died on December 22, 1979 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 46.^1,3

     Barry Wayne Francisco Barry W. "Bear" Francisco, May 13, 1950 - December 19, 2022. Barry "Bear" Francisco went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2022, after a lengthy illness. He was a graduate of Northside High School Class of 1970 and retired from VDOT. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Byrd and Nova Francisco and Gratton and Neva Wells, as well as his parents, Eldred "Pete" Francisco and Louise Wells. He is survived by his ex-wife and devoted friend of 40 years, Gale Francisco; stepson, Jarrett Weeks (Candy); stepdaughter, Christy Wilkerson (Troy); beloved grandchildren, Alexis Wright, Madison Weeks, and Cadence Wilkerson; beloved great-grandchildren, Braedon "Brae" Francisco and Vanessa Wright; a sister who he loved very much, Karen Lee (Ricky); nephew, Matthew Lee (Katie); great-nephew, Evan Lee; great-niece, Anson Lee; niece, Mary-Kathryn Bailey (Ryan); great-nieces, Reagan and Olivia Bailey; uncle, Ellis Wells (Betty); aunt, Marie Campbell, as well as numerous cousins. He also leaves behind a caring and gracious friend and fishing buddy, Ronnie Bryson (Nita), and caring friend, Don Campbell (Tammy). Thanks Ronnie and Nita for your support and for being there so many times when he needed you. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Troy Mays officiating. The family would also like to thank Dr. William "Craig" Mitchell for his thirty plus years of ongoing service and care, as well as the ER and Cardiac ICU staff at Lewis Gale who were kind and caring in his final moments. We would also like to thank the staff at Carvin's Cove boat landing who he enjoyed working with after his retirement.⁴ He was buried at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, 5070 Cove Road N. W., Roanoke, Virginia.⁴ He was born on May 13, 1950 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,3,4 He married Frances Denise Mitchell, daughter of William Earl "Bill" Mitchell and Mary Frances Bane, on December 26, 1970 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 Barry Wayne Francisco and Frances Denise Mitchell were divorced on November 6, 1981 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,3 Barry Wayne Francisco died on December 19, 2022 at Virginia at age 72.⁴

     Jessie Wade Simpkins was born on December 15, 1856.¹ He married Cora French Hall on December 15, 1881. Jessie Wade Simpkins died on February 1, 1923 at age 66.¹

     Cora French Hall was born on October 28, 1862.¹ She married Jessie Wade Simpkins on December 15, 1881. As of December 15, 1881,her married name was Simpkins. Cora French Hall died on February 27, 1932 at age 69.¹

     James Andrew Sowers was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Rt. 221 east from Floyd, left on Bethlehem Church Road NE, left at next fork (Red Oak Grove Road north), on a hill across from Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 187-05-0772.⁵ He married Dorothy Marie Hatcher.¹ James Andrew Sowers was born on June 16, 1917 at Virginia.⁵ He died on May 14, 1982 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 64.¹ He Roanoke - James Andrew Sowers, age 64 of 1024 Rosemary Avenue, SE; and a former resident of Floyd, died in a Roanoke hospital Friday, May 14, 1982. Surviving are his wife Dorothy Hatcher Sowers, Roanoke; one daughter, Mrs. Lois Hartman, Roanoke; four sons, William H. Sowers, Willard R. Sowers, both of Longwood, Florida; Roger L Sowers, Safford; Jackie R. Sowers, Roanoke; thirteen grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Sowers, Danville; Fred Sowers, Manchester, Pa. four sisters, Mrs. Sylvia Vest, Mrs. Zada Peters, both of Harisburg, Pa; Mrs. Nina Eshleman, Mrs. Mildred Kreider, both of Dunsmore, Pa. Funeral was at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 16, at Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, Floyd, with the Reverend Bobby E. Bennett officiating. Interment in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Wood Funeral Home. on May 20, 1982.¹

     Nancy Alice "Nannie" Conner was buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daniel's Run Road (Rt. 661), Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,2 She was born on January 28, 1871 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 She married Gilley Bruce Conner, son of Daniel Peter "Dan" Conner and Elizabeth "Betsy" Wilson, on January 1, 1893 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,5 Nancy Alice "Nannie" Conner died on June 16, 1930 at Locust Grove, Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 59.^4,6,2

     Dorothy Marie Hatcher married James Andrew Sowers, son of William Letcher Sowers and Lillian "Pearl" Howery.¹ Dorothy Marie Hatcher was buried at Red Oak Grove Cemetery, Rt. 221 east from Floyd, left on Bethlehem Church Road NE, left at next fork (Red Oak Grove Road north), on a hill across from Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, Floyd Co., Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 227-07-8478.³ Her married name was Sowers. She was born on October 12, 1920 at Virginia.³ She died on June 30, 1997 at Virginia at age 76.^2,3 She SOWERS, Dorothy Hatcher, 76, of Roanoke, died Monday, June 30, 1997. Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Jeanette Sowers, Longwood, Fla., Roger and Laura Sowers, Callaway, Va., Russell and Sharon Sowers, Roanoke, Va; one daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Herman Hartman, Roanoke; daughter-in-law, Francis Sowers, Roanoke; sixteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers, Hubert Hatcher, Roanoke, Herman Hatcher, Penn. and Wilbert Hatcher, Lewisburg, W. Va. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Red Oak Grove Church of the Brethren with Rev. Don McCaskill officiating. Interment to follow in Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Wood Funeral Home, Floyd, Va. Friends may call at the funeral home. on July 1, 1997.²

     Posey Lee Sowers was buried at Laurel Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, from Rt. 221, right on Rt. 612, left on Rt. 673, right on Rt. 608. The cemetery is on the left on a hillside, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ He was born on October 10, 1885 at Virginia; His WWI Draft Registration card has a birth date of Dec 20, 1886.^3,4,5 He married Addie Howery, daughter of Jonathan Howery and Elizabeth Alice "Eliza" LeSueur, on December 22, 1907 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,1 Posey Lee Sowers died on November 5, 1936 at Floyd Co., Virginia, at age 51.^6,5

     Addie Howery was buried at Laurel Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, from Rt. 221, right on Rt. 612, left on Rt. 673, right on Rt. 608. The cemetery is on the left on a hillside, Floyd Co., Virginia.³ She was born on February 14, 1889 at Virginia.³ She married Posey Lee Sowers, son of Joseph Dawson Sowers and Lurinda Abbiegill "Abbie" Turner, on December 22, 1907 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,2 As of December 22, 1907,her married name was Sowers. Addie Howery died on December 9, 1983 at age 94.³

     His Social Security Number was 224-46-5663.⁸ Wayne Arthur Conner was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.⁹ He was born on November 15, 1937 at Troutville, Botetourt Co., Virginia.^8,3,4,5 He married Clara Colleen Baker on February 20, 1960 at Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² Wayne Arthur Conner married Myrtle Elizabeth Moore, daughter of William Henry Moore Sr. and Mildred Walters, in March, 1971 at Mexico.⁵ Wayne Arthur Conner and Clara Colleen Baker were divorced on July 15, 1971 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.¹⁰ Wayne Arthur Conner died on July 12, 1974 at Provo, Utah Co., Utah, at age 36.⁵ He Wayne Arthur Conner, 41, of 140 W 700 S., Nephi, died Thursday, July 12, 1979, in Provo. He was born Nov 15, 1937 in Troutville, Va., a son to Eugene B. and Maybelle Boggess Conner. In March, 1971 he marred Myrtle Moore in Mexico. Survivors include his wife, two sons and two daughters, Hubert Conner and Eugene Conner, both of Nephi, Tina Conner and Tracy Conner, Elliston, Va., his mother, Troutville, a brother and a sister, Gerald Conner, Farmingdale, N.J., and Mrs. Dawn C. Proffitt, San Jose, Calif. on July 15, 1979.⁵

     Evelyn Therase Newman Evelyn Newman Conner, 64 of Check, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. She is preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Newman; and daughter, Lindy Rupe. Evelyn took pride in being a dedicated nurse at Skyline Nursing and Rehabilitation. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, William Michael Conner; daughters & sons-in-law, Deana & Michael Trail and Debra & Michael Gallimore; father, Harold Newman; grandchildren, Caytie Rupe, Matthew Conner, Amber Rupe, Nathan Trail, Garrett Gallimore, and Evan Gallimore; six brothers; and one sister.³ She was born on November 19, 1958 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^1,2,4 She married William Michael Conner, son of William Marvin Conner and Lillie May Vest, on December 20, 1974 at Bedford Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 As of December 20, 1974,her married name was Conner.² Evelyn Therase Newman died on February 14, 2023 at Virginia at age 64.³

     Linnette Gale "Lindy" Conner Linnette Conner Rupe, 47, of Check, departed this world on Thursday, January 26, 2023. She is survived and dearly missed by her family including her daughters, Caytie and Amber Rupe; her parents, Mike and Evelyn Conner; her sisters, Deana Trail and Debra Gallimore; and many others who loved her dearly including Robbie Rupe and Linda Carnell.⁴ She was born on October 6, 1975 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ She married Wesley Allen Slusher on October 16, 1993 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,3 As of October 16, 1993,her married name was Slusher. Linnette Gale "Lindy" Conner and Wesley Allen Slusher were divorced on October 30, 1995 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁷ Linnette Gale "Lindy" Conner married John David Nester on September 13, 1996 at Pulaski Co., Virginia.⁸ As of September 13, 1996,her married name was Nester.⁸ Linnette Gale "Lindy" Conner and John David Nester were divorced on April 26, 2000 at Radford, Virginia.⁷ As of August 2, 2002,her married name was Rupe.⁸ Linnette Gale "Lindy" Conner married Rodney Lee Rupe Jr. on August 2, 2002 at Carroll Co., Virginia.⁸ Linnette Gale "Lindy" Conner died on January 26, 2023 at Virginia at age 47.⁴