Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 21, 1995                   TAG: 9505220082
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

BRAMLETT, Lois Christine, 82, of Montvale, passed away Friday, May 19, 1995 in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born in Bedford County on July 5, 1912, a daughter of the late Oscar Bowles and Luanna Boothe Bowles. Her husband was the late Russell W. Bramlett. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Margie Fullen and a brother George Bowles. She was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. She is survived by ten daughters, Shirley Bramlett, Lynchburg, Claudine Bramlett, Evelyn Davenport and Lucy Fowler, all of Bedford, Nell Lambert and Bonnie Silcott, Salem, Myrtle Bramlett, Roanoke, Wilma Ferguson, Blue Ridge, Doris Tyler and Peggy Orr, Troutville; two sons, Carlton Bramlett, Roanoke and Ernest Bramlett, Montvale; a brother, William S. Bo wles, Roanoke; four sisters, Pearl Muse and Lena Muse, Roanoke, Bernice Shaver, Vinton and Gladys Bowles, Asheville, N.C.; 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, May 22, 1995 at 2 p.m. from Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford, by the Rev. Johnny Basham with interment in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

BROWN, Evilee Ola, 88, of Fancy Gap, died Saturday, May 20, 1995. Funeral 10 a.m., Tuesday, Bethany United Methodist Church. Arrangments by Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville.

COX, Joseph Ellis, 87, of Catawba, died Friday, May 19, 1995. Family graveside service, 10 a.m. Monday, Galax City Cemetery. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.

CRONK, Ruth Bush, 89, of Roanoke, died Saturday, May 20, 1995. She was the widow of Rev. Logan S. Cronk and was a life-long member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Marvin E. and Patty Cronk, Roanoke; daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette Cronk and Vernon Body, Roanoke; two brothers, Carl Bush, Estero, Fla., Nelson Bush, Roanoke; sister, Mrs. Lucille Benson, Roanoke; grandchildren, Ray Morrison and wife, Dione, Michael Morrison, Wanda Clower and husband Paul, Lori Ashwell and husband Richard, Daryl Cronk and Tracey Cronk; great-grandchildren, Kristina Ashwell, Justin Ashwell, Billy Morrison, Bobby Morrison, Kayleigh Morrison, Emily Morrison and Scott Clower; stepgreat-grandchildren, Jackie Thompson, Jaime Thompson. Funeral services will be at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church 2 p.m. Monday with the Rev. Jerry L. Cloninger Jr. and the Rev. Mark Washington officiating. Interment will be in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call at Oakey's Vinton Chapel.

CROSON, Thomas L., 82, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, May 20, 1995. Arrangements by Hamlar Curtis Funeral Home.

CRUMP, Frank J. Sr., 77, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, May 19, 1995. Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Crump, Roanoke; daughter, Mary Alice French, Elizabeth City, N.C.; son, Frank J. Crump Jr., Roanoke; three grandsons, William Kent Smith Jr., Buford Allen French III, Michael Wesley French Jr., all of Roanoke; brother, Russell Crump, Roanoke; three sisters, Elizabeth Ball, Columbus, Ohio, Elon Bonner, Pittsburgh, Penn., Catherine Thomas, Roanoke; granddaughter-in-law, Deidre Smith, Roanoke; sister-in-law, Mary Crump, Roanoke; a host of neices, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 2 p.m. Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church with burial in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 30 minutes before service at the church. Arrangements by Hamlar Curtis Funeral Home.

DURHAM, Page Bolton, 72, of Fries, died Saturday, May 20, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, Fries United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.

EANES, Cabell Edward, 45, of Houston, Texas, died Sunday, May 14, 1995. Formerly of Floyd Co., Mr. Eanes was preceded in death by his father, Charles Oscar Eanes Sr. and a brother, Charles Oscar Eanes Jr. Surviving are his mother, Iva Radford Eanes, Salem; and a number of aunts and uncles. A graveside service will be conducted 10:30 a.m. Monday in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Thomas C. Clay. Arrangements by Oakey's North Chapel.

GARDNER, Gerard Edgar, 42, of Roanoke, youngest son of Clara Engelmeyer Gardner and Joseph O. Gardner. Beloved Brother of Joseph A. Gardner and Claire Gardner English. Be loved uncle of Alison Gardner, Mary Beth Wimmer, Susan Davies, and Jessica English. Great uncle of Kevin, Sarah, Christopher and Catherine Wimmer. Gifted actor, seeker, devoted brother and loyal friend to many. He had the instincts of a cab driver and the soul of a naturalist. On Friday, April 7, 1995, Gerry caught a swifter current and with deliberate and powerful strokes made haste to scout the further shore. He'll have set up camp by the time we arrive. Friends and family will gather at the Alexander-Gish House in Highland Park in Roanoke on Sunday, May 28, 1 to 4 p.m. Celebration of memories at 2 p.m. Please bring something to share with one another. A finger food, a memory, a favorite photo. Donations in memory of Gerry may be made in his name to Good Samaritan Hospice, Inc. 3825 Electric Rd., Suite A, Roanoke, Va 24018.

HAWTHORNE, Eugene Arvin, 65, of Roanoke, died Saturday, May 20, 1995 at home. He was a graduate of Randolph Henry High School and Virginia Military Institute (Class of 1950 - B); a past President of United Way of Roanoke Valley; past President of the Shenandoah Club and the Roanoke Country Club; Principle Owner of the Roanoke Valley Rebels and past Commissioner of the Southern Hockey League; an avid supporter of Junior Golf and the Scott Robertson Memorial Golf Tournament; and co-founder/President of Progressive Products Corporation. Surviving are his wife, Sa ndra Snead Hawthorne; a son and daughter-in-law, Paxton C. and Joyce Hawthorne, Roanoke; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marilee Hawthorne and John Creekmore, Roanoke, Karen Hawthorne and William K. Glascock, Harpers Ferry, W. Va.; two granddaughters, Hannah Rae Hawthorne, Sarah Durham Creekmore. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday from Second Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. William R. Klein officiating. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Roanoke Memorial Hospital Hospice Program, (P.O. Box 13367, Roanoke, Va. 24033), American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 554, Roanoke, Va. 24003-0554), or The Scott Robertson Memorial Golf Tournament. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, where the family will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

LAMBDON, Mildred Louise, 72, of 2931 Leslie Lane in Roanoke, formerly of Princeton, W.Va., died Friday, May 19, 1995 at the Community Hospital of Roanoke. Born in Mercer County, she was a daughter of the late E. R. ``Jack"" and Julia Ada White Jackson. She had been a resident of Roanoke since 1963 after moving from Cleveland, Ohio. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Princeton, W.Va. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Lambdon II and one brother, Henry S. Jackson. Survivors include one son, Thomas H. Lambdon III; one daughter, Kathryn R. Lester both of Roanoke; one brother, Don Jackson of Princeton, W.Va.; one sister, Peggy B. Brown of Wilmington, Del.; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Graveside rites will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at the White Family Cemetery in Princeton with Rev. Gary Lyons of ficiating. Friends may call at the George W. Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton from 10 a.m. until the service hour Monday. Those attending the service are asked to be at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. Monday.

LINKOUS, Della Mae, 92, of Christiansburg, died Friday, May 19, 1995. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Claude Dove and the Rev. Wallace Yopp with burial in Belmont Christian Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson- Horne Funeral Home.

MATHERLY, Lillie D., 83, of Elliston, died Friday, May 19, 1995 in Lewis-Gale Hospital. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Sowers, Mowyer Sowers, one sister, Dairy Sowers and two great-grandchildren. She is survived by one son, Spencer N. Davis, Christiansburg; a brother, Irvin Sowers, Floyd; six sisters, Lena Dowdy, Clara Saunders, both of Radford, Snowie Bolt, Clifton Forge, Mae Hayes, Salem, Bertha Keith, Roanoke Valley and Ruth McGrady, Christiansburg; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 22, 1995, at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel, Christiansburg, conducted by the Rev. Claude Dove, with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. sunday evening at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

MCCORMICK, Brown Dixon, 83, of Buena Vista, died Thursday, May 18, 1995. Funeral 3 p.m. Sunday, Bolling, Grose & Lotts Funeral Home.

McFARLAND, Arnold M., (``Mac"")52, of Roanoke, died Thursday, May 18, 1995, in a local hospital. He was a retired Army Sergeant, 1st Class. He is survived by his wife, Elaine McFarland; two daughters, Teri Ramsuer, Roanoke and Linda McFarland, Roanoke; two grandchildren, Timothy Ramsuer Jr. and Robin Ramsuer; two sisters, Marie Eaton, Gibsonville, N.C., Emily Kates, Daytona Beach, Fla. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 22, with the Rev. Robert Lanier officiating. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel Sunday wher e the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m

MERCHANT, Linford Clark, 66, of Collinsville, died Saturday, May 20, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Monday at Collins Funeral Chapel, Bassett.

PLASTERS, Samuel Ernest, 94, of Rt. 1 Patrick Springs died Friday, May 19, 1995 in the Franklin Memorial Hospital, Rocky Mount. Born in Patrick County September 13, 1900, he was the son of the late Millard Filmore Plasters and the late Louetta Lawless Plasters. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mae Howell Plasters in 1987 and two sons, Albert and Howard Plasters. He was a member of the Goodwill Baptist Church, Rt. 1, Patrick Springs. He is survived by six sons, Sam PLasters Jr., of Winchester, Melvin R. Plasters of Ridgeway, McCoy Plasters of Bassett, James B. Plasters of Stuart, Ralph H. Plasters and Randolph T. Plasters both of Patrick Springs; six daughters, Mrs. Wesley (Lucille) Hopkins of Woolwine, Mrs. Muriel P. Hughes of Stuart, Helen Plasters of Bassett, Mrs. Harold (Sadie) Spencer of Fieldale, Mrs. James (Betty Jean) Spence of Patrick Springs and Mrs. Melvin (Dee) DeHart of Woolwine; 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 11 a.m. at the Howell Funeral Home Chapel in Stuart with bruiral in the Patrick Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home.

POLLARD, Rachel Malora Ridgway, 73, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, May 19, 1995. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Edward Ridgway and L. G. Ridgway. Mrs. Pollard was a retired employee of the N & W Railway and a member of First Baptist Church. She was owner of Pollard's Antiques in Salem. Surviving are her husband, Robert A. Pollard; sister, Cathlyn R. Booth, Goodview; brothers and sisters-in-law, William Wesley and Jewell Ridgway, Hardy, James P. and Helen Ridgway, Roanoke; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Ridgway, Hardy, Doris P. Sink, Louise P. Poff, both of Roanoke, Elma P. Redford, Palmetto, Fla. and Marie T. Pollard, Lexington; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marvin and Lee Pollard, Roanoke; several nieces and nephews. For those prefering to make memorials the family suggests First Baptist Church for consideration. Funeral servic es will be conducted 11:30 a.m. Monday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. John D. Cochran. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Oakey's North Chapel.

RHOADES, Paul W., 55, of Newbern Road, Pulaski, died Friday morning, May 19, 1995, at his home. He was born in Pulaski, Va. on October 6, 1939, and was the son of the late Joe Rhoades and Beatrice Rhoades McGhee. He was a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. Surviving are wife, Jean P. Rhoades, Pulaski; daughter, Lisa R. Simpkins, Draper; son, Paul W. ``Buddy'' Rhoades Jr., Salem; sisters, Vaneda Roseberry, Pulaski, Lucille Ayers, Lexington, N.C.; brothers, Lee Rhoades, Woodlawn, Va., Robert Rhoades, High Point, N.C.; granddaughters, Brandi Simpkins, Draper, Andrea Rhoades, Salem. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Stevens Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Johnny Howlett officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Visiting will be Sunday evening at Stevens Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Gayle Long, 361 Longview Court, Pulaski, VA 24301. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Pulaski, Va.

SHOWALTER, Adelaide Winston, 85, of Roanoke, died Friday, May 19, 1995 in a local hospital. Mrs. Showalter was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church and a retired teacher with the Roanoke City School System. Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Charles Edwin Showalter; son and daughter-in-law, Edwin Lee and Janet C. Showalter, Midlothian, Va.; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at Christ Episcopal Church 10:30 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Dr. James R. Henry officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 1101 Franklin Road S.W., Roanoke, Va. 24016 or Boy's Home, Inc., 306 Boys Home Road, Covington, Va. 24426. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel.

SMITH, Rosie May, 73, of Buena Vista, died Saturday, May 20, 1995, at the home of her daughter, Betty R. Wright. Mrs. Smith was born January 4, 1922 in Rockbridge County a daughter of the late Robert Lee Potter and Nannie Patterson Potter. She was a member of the new Monmouth Presbyterian Church and the widow of Charles Russell (Dobbin) Smith Sr. Surviving are son, Charles R. Smith Jr., Buena Vista; two daughters, Betty S. Wright, Buena Vista, Shirley S. Powell, Roanoke; brother, Ed Potter, Buena Vista; four sisters, Elsie Ruley, Lexington, Racheal Lawhorn, Louise Clark, Ruby Watkins, all of Buena Vista; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; special grandchild, Angie Lynn, Buena Vista, two special friends, Bertie Smith, Buena Vista, Ruth Sturgill, Vinton. Funeral services will be c onducted 2 p.m. Tuesday May 23, 1995 at the Harrison Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Larry Clark and the Rev. Dean Staton officiating. Burial will follow in the New Monmouth Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Harrison Funeral Home, Lexington and at other times at the home of Betty and Lee Wright.

THOMPSON, Alvin Edison, 69, of Dugspur, passed away Saturday, May 20, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Funeral Home, Hillsville.

THOMPSON, Lala M., 88, of Christiansburg, died Saturday, May 20,1995. Arrangments by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

UMBERGER, Richard V., (``Scratch""), 65, of Wytheville, died Saturday, May 20, 1995 in the Radford Community Hospital following a long illness. He was born in Wythe County, the son of the late Raymond V. ``Skinny"" and Ethel Waddell Umberger. He was a retired state employee and a member of the VGEA, a member of the First Christian Church, where he served as a Trustee, a member of the Moose Lodge #394 and was made an honorary member of the Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department, after serving 16 years. He was preceded in death by a sister, Vivian Irene Umberger. He is survived by his wife, Martha Fry Umberger; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Evelyn J. Umberger, Wytheville, Mary Frances and Tho mas D. Irvin, Englewood, Colorado. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 23, 1995 at 11 a.m. at the Barnett Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Bob Peterson and the Rev. Holly Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Barnett Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday or at the residence at any time. Those who wish may make donations to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 1010, Rockville, Md. 20852. Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville, Va. is in charge of arrangements.

WILEY, Eva Bilbrey, 96, of Roanoke, passed away Thursday, May 18, 1995. She was the widow of Orion L. Wiley. Surviving are four stepchildren. The family asks that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to a favorite charity. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Monday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. G. William Foster. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. Friends may call at Oakey's North Chapel.

WILKINSON, Bertha Blevins, 70, of Roanoke, passed away Friday, May 19, 1995. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Surviving are her husband, Cecil B. Wilkinson Sr., sons and daughters-in-law, Cecil B. Jr. and Shirley Wilkinson, Roanoke, James R. Wilkinson, Phoenix, Ariz., Thomas A. and Sarah Wilkinson, Roanoke; three grandchildren, Mark A. Wilkinson, Jason R. Wilkinson, Christina M. Wilkinson, all of Roanoke; brother, Marvin F. Blevins, Atkins, Va.; sisters, Mae B. Blevins, Green Cove, Va., Ruby B. Hamm, Rural Retreat, Ruth B. Graham, Lancing, N.C. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Housecall Hospice, 2167 Apperson Drive, Salem, VA 24153. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Tuesday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Kenneth P. Lane. Interment will follow in Blue RIdge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Oakey's North Chapel.

YOPP, Arlene J., 69, of Christiansburg, died Thursday, May 18, 1995. Funeral 1 p.m. Sunday at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Jimmie Lee Price and the Rev. Richard H. Horne with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christiansburg Fire Department, Christiansburg Rescue Squad or New River Valley Hospice. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.