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

DATE: MONDAY, July 31, 1995                   TAG: 9507310146
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

BLEVINS, Rosetta Shepherd, (``Fat Granny and Granny B.""), 96, of Pulaski, passed away Sunday, July 30, 1995. Arrangements by Bower Funeral Home Chapel, Pulaski.

CASH, Mary Etta, 76, of Pilot, died Friday, July 28, 1995 of injuries received in an auto accident. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 2, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Porter Street, Blacksburg, by Bishop James H. Cloe with burial in the Huffville Cemetery, Floyd County. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home, Christiansburg, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening.

CASTELLI, Rudolf E., 64, of Vinton, died Sunday, July 30, 1995. Arrangements by Oakey's Vinton Chapel.

CASTELLI, Rudolf E., (``Rudy""), 64, of Vinton, died Sunday, July 30, 1995. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Vinton and was owner and operator of Deb's Lemonade. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean conflict and he was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church. Mr. Castelli was a native of Cranston, Rhode Island but has resided in Vinton for many years. He was preceded in death by his father, Mauro Castelli. Surviving is his wife, Joyce Castelli; a son, Michael Castelli, Providence, R.I.; a daughter, Debra Castelli, Roanoke; his mother, Maddelena Castelli; a brother, Frank Castelli; a sister, Esther Reali, all of Rhode Island. The family will receive friends at Oakey's Vinton Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Funeral and interment will be in Rhode Island. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the American Lung Association.

DeWITT, Mattie Elizabeth, 88, of Bedford, passed away Sunday, July 30, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday, Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford.

HARRIS, Mark D., 23, of Marion, died Sunday, July 30, 1995. Arrangements by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service.

HODGES, Evelyn Wray, 81, of Boones Mill, went to be wi th the Lord on Saturday, July 29, 1995. She died at home in the company of her family and friends. Mrs. Hodges was a member of Monte Vista Church of the Brethren. She served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Monte Vista Women's Fellowship until her illness. She worked hard on their farm in Boones Mill. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Bessie Wray, stepmother, Lula Bartlett Wray, sister, Gracie Hodges, brother-in-law, Arthur Maro. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Wilford W. Hodges; three daughters and sons-in-law, Annabell and James Hodges, Vinton, Christeen and Ray Hartman, Roanoke, Marilyn and Leonard Donahue, Callaway; one son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Shirley Hodges, Boones Mill; six grandchildren and spouses, Alan and Diane Hartman, Stanley Donahue, Charles and Shelly Hodges, Serina and Tony Gregory, Dale Hartman, Marie and Sidney Muncy; five great-grandchildren, Tabitha Hartman, Mattie Hartman, Austin Gregory, Shane Hodges, Victoria Muncy; three sisters, Myrtle Webster, Indiana, Blanche Webster, Callaway, Helen Maro, Pennsylvania; one brother, Luther B. Wray, Callaway; many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the friends who helped during Evelyn's illness. Special thanks to Earl Hodges, Ruth Taylor, Nadine Sloan, Wilbur Hodges, Blanche Webster, Russell Hodges, and the Good Samaritan Hospice, Inc. Funeral services will be conducted from Monte Vista Church of the Brethren, 11 a.m. Wednesday, with Rev. Robert Jones and Rev. Frank B. Layman Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Monte Vista Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to Monte Vista Women's Fellowship, Route 1, Callaway, Va. 24067. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Monday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main St., Rocky Mount.

HOGE, Katherine Estes, (Jack), 91, of Blacksburg, died July 29, 1995, at her home. She was born in Greene County, Virginia, the only daughter of the late Frank E. and Mattie Estes, on September 5, 1903. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hampton Hoge, and her six brothers, Dr. Robert F. Estes, Ray Estes, John Estes, Cornelius (Bill) Estes, James (Jim) Estes and Keith Estes. Mrs. Hoge attended Lynchburg College and received a B.S. Degree in Home Economics in 1926 from The State Teachers College, Harrisonburg, now James Madison University. She did graduate work at the college of William and Mary, University of Arkansas, University of Maryland and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She taught Home Economics in Virginia schools for 7 years, was a Farm Security Administration Supervisor for 8 years, and a Home Economics Extension Agent for 24 years in Washington and Montgomery Counites. She was a member of many professional organizations, including the Virginia and the American Home Economics Associations and was past state President. She was also a member of the National and Virginia Associations of Extension Home Economists and was a past state President. Other memberships include: National Society Daughters American Revolution, past Regent Alleghany Chapter, Virginia Society Colonial Dames XVII (17th) Century, past President of House of Burgesses Chapter, National Society of the Magna Charta and several other genealogical societies and local organizations. She was a member of the Rochelle Christian Church at Rochelle, Virginia. She is survived by two nieces, Carla Estes McDevitty, and Cynthia Estes Jordan and her husband, Robert; two nephews, W. Keith Estes and wife, Betty Jo, and John C. Estes Jr.; and nine great-nieces and nephews. She also had seven great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. August 2, 1995 at Blacksburg Christian Church with the Rev. Johnny Loughridge officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.

HOPSON, Lawrence Edward, 81, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, July 29, 1995. He retired from Appalachian Power Company. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp. during World War II. Mr. Hopson was a Deacon in the Green Spring Baptist Church located in Goodview. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Hessie Hopson, and one son, Lawrence E. Hopson Jr. Survivors include his wife, Vivian Carter Hopson; step mother, Elder Elizabeth Hopkins, Menefee, W. Va.; four daughters, Shelby LeGarde, Decatur, Ga., Macie (David) Johnson, Ellen (Donald) Strange, and Rita Hopson, all of Roanoke; four sons, William (Shirleen) Hopson, Terry (Janet) Hopson, Perry (Zelma) Hopson, all of Roanoke, and Vernon Hopson, Washington, D.C.; a devoted former daughter-in-law, Debra Bright, Roanoke; two brothers, James Matthew (Lois) Hopson, Roanoke and Charles (Maggie) Hopkins, Washington, D.C.; two sisters, Bernice Wilson and Donna (Taylor) Jackson, Wertz, W.Va.; a long time friend, Lee Anthony, Roanoke; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Wednesday 11 a.m. at the Green Spring Baptist Church, Goodview. Rev. Ray Arrington will officiate with the interment in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

JONES, Joshua O., 78, of Radford, died Saturday, July 29, 1995. Funeral 1 p.m. Tuesday, Claytor-Dean Funeral Home.

MARTIN, Frank L., 90, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, July 29, 1995. He was a native of Stuart, and was the son of the late William Franklin Martin (Confederate Soldier) and Mary Critz Martin. Mr. Martin was a commercial pilot and a member of the OX5 Club and the Eagles. He was an army veteran of WW II. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth See Martin; sister, Georgia M. Sheppard, Stuart; niece, Mary Ruth Cooper Wilmington, N.C.; nephew, Jimmy Sheppard, Stuart. A number of great-nieces and great-nephews. Services will be at Oakey's South Chapel at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, 1995. The Rev. Larry Sprouse will officiate. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Oakey's South Chapel from 2 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Monday. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

MARTIN, Madeline, 65, of Trail Drive, Rocky Mount, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, July 30, 1995. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Lydia Martin, two brothers, Thomas Odell, Franklin Odell, and three sisters, Shirley Johnson, Bonnie Martin and Coletta Odell. Mrs. Martin was a member of Christian Fellowship Church and was retired from MW Manufac turers with 20 years service. Surviving are her husband, Robert Martin; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert L. and Nettie Martin, Atlanta, Ga., Thomas L. and Judy Martin, Rocky Mount; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon M. and Billy Chitwood, Rocky Mount; grandchildren, Selena M. White, Robert L. Martin Jr., Cheryl R. Martin, Lori M. Caldwell and husband Travis, Candace R. Martin, Brian A. Chitwood and wife Laurie, Brooke M. Aheron and husband Donald; two great-granddaughters, Cassaday R. Martin, Ashlee M. Aheron; four sisters, Lorene Whittaker, Pembroke, Elizabeth Taylor, Nevada, Betty Marrs, Herndon, Frances Thornhill, Pembroke; one brother, Carson Martin, Snowsville. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel, 11 a.m. Tuesday with Rev. William K. Doss officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Franklin County, 124 Floyd Ave., Rocky Mount or the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 554, Roanoke, Va. 24003. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Monday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main Street, Rocky Mount.

McCRICKARD, Ida H., 96, of Penhook, died Sunday, July 30, 1995 at Franklin Health Care in Rocky Mount. Born December 5, 1898, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary Hodges Hammock. Mrs. McCrickard was an active member of Boones Chapel Church of the Brethren for over 78 years. She was preceded in death by her husband William Matthew McCrickard, two daughters, Nannie Mae McCrickard and Ruth McCrickard, four sons, Paul McCrickard, W. (Berkley) B. McCrickard, Samuel A. McCrickard, and an infant son. Surviving are five daughters and sons-in-law, Evelyn and Robert Hardy, Danville, Kathryn and Mark O'Rourke, Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Katie and Richard Anderson, Rocky Mount, Virginia and John Meeks, Penhook, and Shelby and Edgar Adams, Martinsville; one daughter-in-law, Virginia McCrickard, Callands; twenty-seven grandchildren; forty-nine great-grandchildren; ten great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lizzie Hodges, Rocky Mount and Ethel Horsely, Dry Fork; special friend Donna Rigney. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 2, 1995 at Boones Chapel Church of the Brethren, Penhook with the Rev. Jimmy Robinson, Rev. Henry Taylor, and Rev. Glenn McCrickard officiating. Burial will follow in the Boones Chapel Church Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 1, 1995 at Lynch Funeral Home Chapel with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. The family will receive friends other times at the home of Virginia and John Meeks. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cool Branch Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 54, Penhook, Va. 24137. Arrington - Bussey Funeral Home, Rocky Mount is in charge of arrangements.

McNIEL, Ruth Willard, of Christiansburg, passed away Friday, July 28, 1995. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 31, at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Chapel conducted by Rev. Kimball Jones and Rev. Leon Alley with burial in Sunset Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.

MEADOR, James A., (""Jimmy""), 82, of Moneta, passed away Sunday, July 30, 1995 after a long illness. Mr. Meador was a member of the Bethlehem United Methodist Church, former member of South Roanoke United Methodist Church, he was the Lay Leader for Roanoke District United Methodist Church, member of the United Methodist Church Annual Conference for 20 years, former Associate Lay Leader of the Annual Conference for Stewardship and Finance, Charter Member of the Ecumenical Center for Stewardship Studies, Board Member of Moneta Medical Center, Former Chairman of the Regional Board of Roanoke United Methodist Homes, Charter Member of Roanoke United Home Foundation and Charter Member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church Foundation. Mr. Meador was associated with John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home, Salem Motors, Inc., Virginia Auto Leasing Co., Wright Motor Corp., Southwest Motor Parts Corp., Piedmont Auto Parts of Greensboro, N.C., A.P. W. Corp. of Greensboro, and Former Member of Chrysler Plymouth Factory Advisory Council. He was former President of Kiwanis Club of Roanoke Foundation, former board member of United Way Agencies, former President of Roanoke Valley Council of Community Serves, former member of Goodwill Industries, member of Bedford #244 AF & AM Masonic Lodge, Thirty Second Degree Mason Lodge and member of the Shrine. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily McCue Meador, his parents, Howard and Lena Meador, four brothers, Francis, Howard, Frank, and Joe. He is survived by four sisters, Elizabeth M. Curtiss, Mildred A. Meador, Lucille M. Davis, Gladys M. Hoover, all of Moneta; two brothers, Smyth M. Meador and his wife, Carol L. Meador, Salem, and H. Lyle Meador, Moneta; twelve nieces and nephews, and their spouses; and twenty-five great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday August 1, 1995 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Moneta, Va. The Rev. Riley Smith and Dr. John Newman will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 3 1, 1995 at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. Memorial donations may be made to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 458, Moneta, Va. 24121.

NANCE, Lee Edward, 66, of Roanoke, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 1995. Viewing Monday from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home. The family will have a private funeral service and burial. Arrangements by Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.

NEESE, Bruce O., 86, of Wytheville, died Saturday, July 29, 1995 at his residence. He was retired from the Wythe Lumber Company after 60 years of service. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Roberta Albert and Nadine Palmer, two sons, Randolph Neese and Howard Neese, and also one grandson, Little John Palmer. He was a member of the West End United Methodist Church and Choir for 48 years. He also served as a Lay Preacher. He is survived by his wife, Hazel Brinkley Neese of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Fran and Bob Hall of Henderson, N.C.; one son and daughter-in-law, John and Louise Neese of Dayton, Tenn.; three sisters, Edith Cowan of Morristown, Tenn., Oneta Garland of Wytheville, Thelma Garland of Wytheville; two brothers, Guy Neese Jr. of Blountville, Tenn., Raymond Neese of Roanoke; one daughter-in-law, Betty Neese McRoberts of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one son-in-law, John Palmer of Pulaski; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 1, 1995 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Grubb Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Smith and the Rev. Holly Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Grubb Funeral Home Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. The Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

PHILLIPS, Shirley Gardner, 48, of Radford, passed away Saturday, July 29, 1995. Arrangements by Seaver-Sanders and Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.

SAFEWRIGHT, Emma Myers, 83, of Route 3, Pulaski, died Sunday, July 30, 1995 in Pulaski Community Hospital. Born October 12, 1911 in Pulaski County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Myers and Josephine Southern Myers. She is survived by five sons, Charles Safewright, Draper, Daniel Wayne Safewright, Dublin, Bobby Joe Safewright, Wythe County, Stephen Michael Safewright, Kingsport, Tenn., Frank James Safewright Jr., Waldorf, Md.; one daughter, Alyne Hubbard, Pearisburg; one sister, Martha Marshall, Pulaski; one brother, Joe Myers, Pulaski; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank James Safewright Sr., two sons, Tommy Lee Safewright and David Vernon Safewright. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. from Thomas M. Seagle & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Howlett officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. Visitation will be Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Thomas M. Seagle & Sons Funeral Home.

TRAIL, Teresa G., of Bassett, died Saturday, July 29, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, Collins Funeral Services Chapel, Bassett.

TUCKER, Robert Sherill, 83, of Pulaski, passed away Sunday, July 30, 1995. Arrangements by the Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski.

WITHROW, Edna Reid, 90, of Lexington, died Sunday, July 30, 1995 in Rockbridge County. Mrs. Withrow was born August 13, 1904 in Rockbridge County, a daughter of the late John Thomas Reid and Ella Padgett Reid. She was a member of the Timber Ridge (Old Stone) Presbyterian Church. She was the widow of J. Earl Withrow. Surviving are her children, Margaret Ellen Rodgers, Staunton, Nancy W. Sensabaugh, Rockbridge Baths, Edna May Kirkpatrick, Rockbridge Baths, Sam Withrow, Charlottesville; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Burial services will be conducted 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, 1995 in the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Timber Ridge (Old Stone) Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Daniel Malcolm officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Timber Ridge (Old Stone) Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Harrison Funeral Home, Lexington.

WRIGHT, Alda B. Moore, 79, of Route 1, Wirtz, died Saturday, July 29, 1995 in a Roanoke hospital. Mrs. Wright was a daughter of the late Thomas Benjamin Sr. and Mary Brooks and was preceded in death by her husbands, Elmer Lee Moore and Lawrence Wright, and a brother B. W. Brooks, She was a member of Sandy Ridge Baptist Church. Surviving are four daughters and three sons-in-law, Betty and Raymond Jefferson, Wirtz, Winnie Wright, Roanoke, Linda and David Cooper, Rocky Mount, Vickie and Thomas Hartman, Wirtz; a step daughter and her husband, Mable and L. H. Tuck, Roanoke; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Elizabeth and Larry Moore, Roanoke, Ola and Taylor Sink, Gloria and Buford Dillon, all of Rocky Mount; one brother and sister-in-law, T. B . and Marie Brooks, Wirtz. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday from Sandy Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Dillon officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call after 3 p.m .Monday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main St., Rocky Mount.