Person Page - 1365

     Maurice Trent Slusher Maurice Trent Slusher, 92, of Floyd went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. He was born on April 14, 1927 in Floyd County, to George Lester and Callie Lillie Weeks Slusher. He was also preceded in death by his sister Betty Jean Mannon and his son-in-law Seth Wilson. He was devoted to his wife of sixty-nine years, Nadine Hale Slusher. Also surviving are his son Richard (Liang) Slusher and daughter Denise Wilson, granddaughters Sarah Wilson (Travis Johnston) and Katie Wilson, and great-granddaughters Quinn and Maisie. He also leaves behind his brother Lane Slusher (Mina) and sister Jane S. Williams as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shortly after his graduation from Floyd High School in 1944, Maurice and three friends enlisted in the Navy. He was assigned to a yard mine sweeper and served sixteen months (Feb 19, 1945 to July 30, 1946). When he came home, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, beginning in 1947 as a clerk in the Floyd Post Office. From 1962 to 1988, he worked as a rural mail carrier, serving 500 households on a ninety-three mile route. He was also elected as State Steward for the Rural Letter Carriers of Virginia (1975-1988). As an avid stamp collector he built a collection of post mark covers from community post offices in Floyd County dating back to the early 1800s. He donated his collection of postal memorabilia to the Floyd County Historical Society where a postal display is presented. Maurice loved baseball and was one of the original members of the Floyd Blue Sox who played in the Tri-County League beginning in 1947. He umpired high school games, coached Little League teams, and followed the game of baseball all his life. He enjoyed music, especially bluegrass, and was a familiar face at festivals, fiddlers conventions, and concerts at the Country Store. Maurice helped bring County Sales to Floyd and worked to make the company a success. Maurice devoted his life to his community, family, and farm. He and Nadine had been active members of Falling Branch United Methodist Church since 1958, serving the church in all capacities. He was a charter member of the Floyd County Historical Society and freely shared his love and knowledge of county history. He restored, maintained, and documented the Jacob Slusher and Weeks Cemeteries. Having grown up tending the farm that had belonged to his great-great-great grandfather, Maurice also continued farming and gardening on his own, raising beef cattle and improving his land. Interment will follow in the Jacksonville Cemetery with Military Rites by the Floyd VFW Post # 7854 and American Legion Post #127.² He was buried at Jacksonville Burial Ground, Rt. 8, 0.25 miles south of Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on April 14, 1927 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^2,3 He married Nadine Lumis Hale, daughter of William Horace Hale and Myrtle Tida DeWeese, on October 8, 1951 at Floyd, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,4,2,5 Maurice Trent Slusher died on September 4, 2019 at Virginia at age 92.²

     His Social Security Number was 230-12-6898.¹² Robert Lee Hale was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on August 29, 1918 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,10,12,6 He married Elizabeth Louise "Betty" Lilly on December 22, 1948 at Richmond, Wayne Co., Indiana.^13,4,10,14 Robert Lee Hale died on March 31, 2011 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 92.^4,5,12 He Robert Lee Hale, 92, of Roanoke, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2011. He was born on August 29, 1918, to the late Horace and Myrtle DeWeese Hale. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Lilly Hale; and his sisters, Margie Swope and Irene Collier. He is survived by his son, Gary L. Hale and wife, Debra; daughters, Louise Conner and husband, Jack, Virginia (Ginny) Smith and husband, Mark, and Sandra (Sandy) Perdue and husband, Jim; brothers, William Hale, and Thomas Hale and wife, Janie; sister, Nadine Slusher and husband, Maurice; grandchildren, Christopher Conner and wife, Reneé, Gregory Conner and wife, Amanda, Heather Young and husband, Justin, Bradley Hale and wife, Mandi, and Brian Perdue; greatgrandchildren, Luke Conner, Allee Hale, Joshua Conner, Noah Hale, and Mason Young; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; his special kitty, Alley; and a special long term friend, Ezera Wertz. Robert was a member of Copper Hill Church of the Brethren. He worked for Magic City Ford, Fulton Lincoln Mercury, Zeller Lincoln Mercury, and following his retirement, he operated Hale's Produce in Salem, Va., and on Brambleton Ave. in Roanoke. He had a "Green Thumb" for growing vegetables. His special pride was his tomatoes. When the seed catalogs arrived in the fall, he studied all the varieties to select the best. His special excitement was the arrival of the boxes of seeds he had ordered that always seemed to appear on the coldest, snowy days of January. He loved going through them and studying the seed count and deciding where to place them in the garden. He loved the soil, and was happiest working in the garden. Robert also loved giving tractor rides to his greatgrandchildren. He lived through many world changes in the span of 92 years. He often commented on how things had changed and developed from the 1920s, 30s, etc. He, his father, Horace, and brother, William, cut and delivered by horse and trailer the logs used to build the Coffee Pot on Brambleton Ave. He remembered the many miles of farms and orchards that are now replaced by subdivisions and shopping malls. On a visit to his doctor in Clearbrook, we passed through the Oak Grove section of Rt. 419 and he stated all of this area used to be peach orchards. Robert worried about the food and water supply for the next generations. He loved his family and enjoyed all of the calls and visits, and was excited to share them. Also, of much enjoyment was his "walking partners" at Crossroads and Valley View Malls, his neighbors and many close friendships that he had developed over the years.
Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park.The family would like to express their thanks to Loretta Lucado for all of her visits; his neighbor, Everette Boothe for helping Robert and being his special friend; and a special thanks to Mark for his daily attention, care and love for "Dad." Additionally, a special word of thanks to Dr. Stephen Couture and Adren for their dedication and attention to Robert's healthcare over the years. on April 2, 2011.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 225-48-4624.¹⁰ Margie Ann Hale was buried at Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 8838 Floyd Hwy N. US Hwy 221, Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^11,2,6,12 She was born on April 8, 1920 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^{13,11,10,12,6,7,3,4} She married James Nathan King Sr., son of Eugene O. King and Delia Alica Mills, on May 23, 1940 at Bent Mountain, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^13,11,7,14 As of May 23, 1940,her married name was King.⁷ As of February 14, 1959,her married name was Swope.¹² Margie Ann Hale married John Henry Swope on February 14, 1959 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{2,15,16,12,6,7} Margie Ann Hale died on September 30, 1993 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 73.^13,2,10,12,6 She SWOPE, Margie Ann, 73, of 4514 Cresthill Dr., S.W., passed away Thursday, September 30, 1993, in a local nursing home. She was a member of Cave Spring United Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, John H. Swope, Roanoke; son, James N. King; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Bruce Young; son and daughter-in-law, Wes and Shari Swope, all of Roanoke; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and John Stanley, Acworth, Ga; three grandchildren, Jonathan Micheal Swope, Roanoke, Daniel R.S. Barnes, Roanoke, Melissa Lee Stanley, Acworth, Ga; three brothers, Robert Lee Hale, Roanoke; Thomas E. Hale, Roanoke, William H. Hale, Dayton, Ohio; two sisters, Irene Collier, Blacksburg, Nadine Slusher, Floyd. Interment will follow in the Copper Hill Church of the Brethren Cemetery. on October 1, 1993.²

     William Herbert Hale William Herbert Hale, age 97 of Miami Township, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Oak Creek Terrace, Kettering. He was born April 10, 1921 in Copper Hill, Virginia to the late William and Myrtle (DeWeese) Hale. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Erma Dene Hale; a dear companion of 20 years, Jetty Holthaus and siblings, Irene Collier, Margie Swope and Robert Hale. He is survived by his sons, Bill (Linda) Hale and H. Brent Hale; grandchildren, Jason (Karrie) Hale and Kyle (Brooke) Hale; great grandchildren, Adeline, June and Quinn; siblings, Nadine (Maurice) Slusher and Tommy (Janie) Hale and in-laws, Geneva (James) Hayman and Georgetta Sergent as well as many extended family members and friends, including the special caregivers at Oak Creek Terrace. Bill had honorably served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII as a Staff Sergeant. He was a retiree of Air Products as an over-the-road truck driver and belonged to the Teamsters Union Local 836 and 957. Bill enjoyed many past-times including golf, visits to Florida, long drives, yardwork and gardening. He will always be remembered for his no non-sense way, independence, dry wit and extremely high work ethic. Procession to Miami Valley Memory Gardens, Centerville for burial with military honors will conclude services.² He was buried at Miami Valley Memory Gardens, 1639 East Lytle 5 Points Road, Springboro, Warren Co., Ohio.² He was born on April 10, 1921 at Copper Hill, Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2,8 He married Erma Dene Collins circa 1947.^2,9,10 William Herbert Hale died on March 6, 2019 at Kettering, Montgomery Co., Ohio, at age 97.²

     Althia Irene Hale was buried at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2880 North Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,9 Her Social Security Number was 224-24-4515.¹⁰ She was born on January 17, 1923 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^10,2,9,4,11 As of July 9, 1944,her married name was Collier.³ She married Hillard Sampson Collier on July 9, 1944 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^12,3 Althia Irene Hale died on October 22, 1996 at West Chester, Chester Co., Pennsylvania, at age 73.^10,2,9 She COLLIER, Althia Irene, 73, of Blacksburg, died Tuesday, October 22, 1996, at her son's home in Westchester, Pa. She was born on January 17, 1923 in Copper Hill to the late Horace and Myrtle Hale. Some of her favorite hobbies included canning and gardening and she was also known as a master at making homemade quilts. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Darrel and Mary Collier, Westchester, Pa; two grandchildren, Dillon Hale Collier and Jordan Peter Collier, both of Westchester, Pa; a sister, Nadine Slusher, Floyd; three brothers, Robert Hale, Thomas Hale, both of Roanoke, and William Hale, Ohio; and a brother-in-law, John Swope, Roanoke. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Christiansburg. on October 25, 1996.²

     Bobby Lewis Trail Bobby Lewis Trail, 56 of Check, left this life for his heavenly home on Saturday, January 15, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harlie Bryant Trail & Ollie Mae Trail; and his beloved dog, Little Bit. He is survived by his sister, Carol Caldwell; Niece, Jennifer Whitlock; Nephew, Timothy Caldwell; and his church family at Stonewall House of Prayer.³ He was born on January 22, 1965 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,4,5 He married Gloetta Peeples Vass on November 15, 1988 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ Bobby Lewis Trail and Gloetta Peeples Vass were divorced on October 20, 1994 at Floyd Co., Virginia.⁵ Bobby Lewis Trail married Deana Jo Thrasher on December 28, 1998 at Floyd Co., Virginia; This was the second marriage for both Deanna and Bobby.¹ Bobby Lewis Trail died on January 15, 2022 at Virginia at age 56.³

     Deana Jo Thrasher Deana Jo Trail, 58, of Roanoke, passed away on January 17, 2020. She was born in Virginia on January 20, 1961 to Mary Assaid and the late Buddy Shields. She was also preceded in death by grandparents, Stanley Bud Bishop and Annie Merle Bishop and her first love, Jimmy Lee Belton. Deana is survived by a daughter, Jamey Avancini; a son, Zachary Bolton; grandchildren, Kayla Avancini, Sydney Avancini, Rhaylee Bolton and, Oliver Bolton; sister, Kimberly Thrasher; brother, Mark Assaid and her feline fur baby, Annie.³ She was born on January 20, 1961 at Wythe Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 As of December 28, 1998,her married name was Trail.¹ She married Bobby Lewis Trail, son of Harlie Bryant Trail and Ollie Mae Hale, on December 28, 1998 at Floyd Co., Virginia; This was the second marriage for both Deanna and Bobby.¹ Deana Jo Thrasher died on January 17, 2020 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 58.³

     Thomas Jefferson Boyd was buried at Head of the River Cemetery (also known as Salem Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery), Rt. 221, Check, Floyd Co., Virginia.^4,7,6 His Social Security Number was 226-16-5268.⁸ He was born on November 14, 1901 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His draft card has a birth year of 1902.^1,4,7,9,8,5 He married Claudine Gearheart, daughter of Eugene Albert Gearheart and Callie Ann Stump, on September 16, 1923 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Thomas Jefferson Boyd and an unknown person were divorced on September 22, 1931 at Franklin Co., Virginia.¹⁰ He died on December 14, 1984 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 83.^4,7,9,6 He Thomas Jefferson Boyd, age 83, died Friday in a Salem hospital. He was a veteran of World War I. Surviving are one son, Coolidge Boyd; one sister, Mrs. Nellie Willis, Roanoke; several nieces and nephews. Interment will follow in the Salem Church Cemetery, Copper Hill. on December 16, 1984.⁶

     Claudine Gearheart was born on November 18, 1908 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of September 16, 1923,her married name was Boyd.¹ She married Thomas Jefferson Boyd, son of Peter Thomas Jefferson Boyd and Eva Sarah Elizabeth Booth, on September 16, 1923 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Claudine Gearheart died on August 17, 1935 at Catawba, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 26.²

     Eugene Albert Gearheart was buried at Monte Vista Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 25 Wades Gap Road, Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.² He was born on August 1, 1877 at Floyd Co., Virginia.² He married Callie Ann Stump on November 1, 1900 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Eugene Albert Gearheart died on March 9, 1963 at age 85.²

     Callie Ann Stump was buried at Monte Vista Church of the Brethren Cemetery, 25 Wades Gap Road, Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.² She was born on April 18, 1881 at Franklin Co., Virginia.² She married Eugene Albert Gearheart, son of Andrew Ambrose Gearheart and Martha Ann Shilling, on November 1, 1900 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ As of November 1, 1900,her married name was Gearheart.¹ Callie Ann Stump died on May 15, 1942 at age 61.²

     Malissa O. Boyd was born in April, 1886 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹

     Laura May Boyd was born circa April, 1886 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ She died on May 10, 1888 at Floyd Co., Virginia; Died of flux.^1,2

     Cloyd Herman Peters was buried at Williams Cemetery, on hillside at intersection of Rt. 860 & Rt. 680, Floyd Co., Virginia.⁴ He was born on October 17, 1893 at Floyd Co., Virginia; His WWI Draft Registration card has a birth year of 1895.^2,3 He married Inez Nolen on February 7, 1920 at Floyd Co., Virginia.¹ Cloyd Herman Peters died on March 17, 1943 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 49.³

     Luther Edward Branstetter was buried at Grandview Cemetery, Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Indiana.^4,5 He was born on April 28, 1880 at Missouri.^2,5 He married Emma Ellen Schwartz, daughter of William Schwartz and Ellen "Ella" Conner, circa 1902.^6,7,8 Luther Edward Branstetter died on February 20, 1919 at Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Indiana, at age 38.^1,5

     Helen Marie Schwartz was buried at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana.^5,4 Her married name was Groves.⁴ She married Robert Groves.⁴ Helen Marie Schwartz was born on September 19, 1921 at Indiana.^1,5 As of circa 1950,her married name was Taylor.⁴ She married Raymond Richard Taylor circa 1950.⁴ Helen Marie Schwartz died on May 23, 2020 at Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana, at age 98.⁵ She Helen M. Taylor, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020, at 12:48 p.m. at home in Fort Wayne, Ind., surrounded by her grandchildren Jodi and Michael Groves. Born in Terre Haute, Ind., Helen was a daughter of the late Minnie Minerva and Lloyd Schwartz. She was proud of the fact that she had graduated from high school at the age of 16 and had never been unemployed. Helen retired from Summit Bank, where she was an assistant vice-president and branch manager. After retirement, Helen took up golf and joined several leagues, golfing at least three times a week. She rode her bike almost daily through Foster Park. She took great pride in her home and yard. She loved IU basketball and always called her grandson Mike to remind him when they were playing. As an avid fan, she will be wearing her IU watch for eternity. She made her family laugh, because she always pinned her house key to the pocket of her pants, so she was never locked out of her house. Her family all marveled at her age, but were not allowed to say "98" out loud, she wanted to keep it a secret. Helen is survived by her son, David Groves; grandchildren, Jodi Groves and Michael Groves; great-grandchildren, Delshawn Blanden, Xavier and Emma Groves; and her great-great-granddaughter, Kylie Blanden; and friend, Marilyn Groves. She was also preceded in death in 1988 by her husband of 38 years, Raymond Taylor. Helen adored him and he was crazy in love with her and her beautiful red hair. Helen was also preceded by her sister, Doris Claghorn. on May 26, 2020.⁴

     Her married name was Bandy.⁷ Doris Mae Schwartz married Max Wayne Bandy.⁷ Doris Mae Schwartz was born on October 5, 1922 at Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Indiana.³ As of February 6, 1954,her married name was Cleghorn.⁴ She married Fredrick "Fred" Cleghorn Jr. on February 6, 1954 at Vigo Co., Indiana.^5,4

     Fredrick "Fred" Cleghorn Jr. was buried at Roselawn Memorial Park, 7500 North Clinton Road, Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Indiana.⁴ He was born on December 19, 1924 at Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Indiana.^1,2,3,4 He married Doris Mae Schwartz, daughter of William Lloyd Schwartz and Minnie Minerva Wright, on February 6, 1954 at Vigo Co., Indiana.^5,1 Fredrick "Fred" Cleghorn Jr. died on December 6, 2013 at age 88.⁴