Donnie Lee Woods

     Donnie Lee Woods, 55, of Staunton, Virginia passed away Saturday, March 20, 2021 at his home in Staunton, Virginia. 

     He was born July 30, 1965 in Augusta County, the son of the late Woodrow Wilson Woods, Sr. and Charlotte Balser Woods.

     Donnie was employed as a landscaper and outdoor handyman.

     He was a simple man who like working on cars and being outdoors, who helped those in need and never met a stranger.

     Donnie is survived by his fiancé Wilma Campbell; brothers, Woodrow Woods III, Mike Woods; sisters; Diane Woods, Julie Woods and fiancé Mark Ingram; special niece, Sally Glass and husband Charles; and special friends, Edith Welch, Joey Henderson, and Marcela.

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Euley Woods, Jr.

     The family will receive friends from 6 – 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Craigsville Funeral Home.  A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 26, 2021 at Little River Presbyterian Cemetery with Pastor Billy Curry officiating.  

     Pallbearers will be Mark Ingram, Charles Glass, Joey Henderson, Daniel Ingram, Matthew Ingram, Phil Balser, and Roger Woods.

     Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Craigsville Funeral Home to help the family with expenses.

Shirley Stuples Bazzrea

     Shirley Marie Stuples Bazzrea, 75, of Greenville, Virginia passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at her home in Greenville, Virginia, surrounded by her loved ones. 

     She was born January 7, 1946 in Craigsville, Virginia, the daughter of the late Guy Lewis Stuples and Nellie Marie Nicely Stuples.

     Shirley was previously employed as a CNA for Augusta Nursing and Rehab.

     She enjoyed fishing and camping in the outdoors and playing Bingo every week, and loved her family, helping people, and living her life.

     Shirley is survived by her brothers, Melvin Stuples and wife Lee, Bobby Stuples, Ray Stuples and wife Jamie; sister, Doris Frye; numerous nieces and nephews; special niece Michelle Randozzo and husband Frank; and special friends, Gail and Jerry McLain, Charles “J.P.” Fridley, JD White, Junior and Jessie Thomas, Barbara Short, and Justine Daniels.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Thomas Bazzrea; and two brothers, James and Marshall Stuples.

     The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Craigsville Funeral Home.  Interment will be in Craigsville Community Cemetery.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org.

Epsy Louise Campbell

     Epsy Louise Campbell, 70, of Goshen, Virginia passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Augusta Health, following her final illness, a grieving heart. 

     She was born May 20, 1950 in Fordwick, Virginia, the oldest daughter of the late Forrest “Pete” Sherwood Campbell and the recently deceased Frances Louise Snow Campbell.

     Epsy, who may be the only person on Earth with that name, worked at Staunton Manor Nursing Home, Stillwater Worsted Mills, Wayntex, and lastly Augusta Correctional Center, from where she retired.  Realistically, her lifetime job was caring for her Dad and Mom for their entire existence.  She devoted all her resources to her parents and the family farm. 

     Epsy never married or had children, aside from her animals she called kids.  She was a devoted sister making sure she shared whatever blessing she was given with her sisters and anyone else in need.  Epsy attributed herself as raising her youngest sister, and reminded her of it often.  She was a transparent person and you always knew where you stood with her, as she enjoyed telling you.

    Epsy is survived by her brother; Forrest Sherwood Campbell, Jr. and wife Judy; sister, Shirley Lyle and husband John; and “baby sissy” Shelby Fox and husband Richard, whom she taught to farm.  Epsy was especially fond of Richard, giving her someone to argue with, tease, and ridicule for his lack of farming skills.

     In keeping with her final written wishes, Epsy has requested no public service, replaced by a private memorial of casting her ashes across Cold Springs at her home place. 

     She has also requested no flowers to be sent, though Epsy was always the first to send beautiful flowers to a family in loss.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity or church of your choice.

     Epsy would often use the salutation “TOOTLES” to finish her conversation with you, whether you were finished talking or not.  So, I say thank you to my faithful sister for your life’s service to our Mom and Dad, and for raising me up to be transparent, just like you.  “TOOTLES” dear heart, till we all come in the unity of the faith.

Sylvia Campbell Sprouse

     Sylvia Jean Campbell Sprouse, 84, of Craigsville, Virginia passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. 

     She was born June 6, 1936 in Augusta County, the daughter of the late John Brooks Campbell and Martha May Martin Campbell.

     Sylvia was employed as a dairy farmer for 31 years.

     She is survived by her children: Karen Templeton and husband John of Fairfield, Robert Sprouse and wife Wanda of Stuarts Draft, Donald Sprouse and special friend  Lulu Benson of Staunton, Tommy Sprouse and girlfriend April Campbell of Craigsville, Barbara Carroll and husband David of Greenville, Michael Sprouse of Craigsville, John Spouse and wife Teresa of Stuarts Draft; 15 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; brother: Johnny Campbell and wife Thelma of Goshen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sprouse, a daughter, Cathy Sprouse, and two sisters, Luvenia Stokes and Mamie Melton.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Craigsville Funeral Home with Pastor Gwen Carr officiating. Interment will be in Little River Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

     The family will receive friends one hour before the service at Craigsville Funeral Home.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Frances Snow Campbell

     Frances Louise Snow Campbell, 92, of Goshen, Virginia was received by Jesus Christ, our saviour in heaven, Thursday, February 4, 2021 in Craigsville, VA at the home of her daughter, Shelby and son-in-law Richard Fox. 

     She was born July 2, 1928 in Augusta County, VA, the daughter of the late Harry Nelson Snow and Minnie Knight Snow.  She was a devoted wife to her husband of 51 years, Forrest “Pete” Campbell, whom she married on August 23, 1947.  When she lost the love of her life on December 11, 1998, her life would no longer have true meaning.

     Frances lived a simple life compared to some, but it was full of giving, love, and stories of a life forgotten. She lived in an era of hardship that made her strong and resilient. Frances was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, a homemaker, an artist, an excellent cook, a hard worker, comforter, and compassionate. She never felt worthy of the gift Christ gave on Calvary, but accepted him as her Lord and redeemer. Frances leaves behind a family that is broken in her absence as she was the single thread that held them together.

     In spite of her failing health, she continued to be a strong and devoted mother to her children whom survived her: a son, Forrest S. Campbell, Jr. and wife Judy; daughters, Epsy Campbell, her lifelong caregiver, Shirley Lyle and husband John, Shelby Fox and husband Richard, whom she loved as her own son; grandchildren: Forrest S. Campbell III, Janice Troxell, Tonya Hodge, Amanda Killer; step grandchildren, Richard Alan Fox and Faye Pearson; great grandchildren: Tyler and Jordan McManaway, Amber Fox-Hawkins, Katelynn Fitzgerald, and Nina Keller; a host of other great-great-grandchildren; and a special step-granddaughter, Mandy Fox. The family would like to extend much gratitude to hospice nurse Laura Summy and volunteers Judy Burtner and Gail Breeden, for making Frances’ journey bearable with their wisdom and presence.

     She was preceded in death by her; two brothers, Jimmy and Todger Snow, making Frances the final member of her immediate family, as well as a grandchild, Harry Campbell.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at Craigsville Funeral Home with Pastor Claude Williams and Robert Hale officiating. Interment will be in Little River Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

     Pallbearers will be Alvin Fox, Richard Alan Fox, Mike Pearson, Stephen Hodge, John Troxell, Corey Wood, Larry Knight, and Chris Goble. Honorary pallbearers will be her beloved great grandchildren.

     The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, in accordance to the state COVID guidelines.

     Memorial contributions may be made to The Dementia Society of America at PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.

David Hunter Hepler

****Due to inclement weather, the service will be conducted at Craigsville Funeral Home****

     David Hunter Hepler, 73, of Craigsville, Virginia went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA. 

     He was born June 11, 1947 in Millboro, VA, the son of the late Hale Hunter Hepler and Sadie Mae Canterberry Hepler.

     David retired from Virginia Department of Transportation after 39 years of service as a surveyor.

     He was a veteran of the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

     David attended Immanuel Baptist Church in Clifton Forge, VA. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved riding his Harleys. He was known for being a loving husband as well as loving and serving the lord faithfully and whole-heartedly.

     He is survived by his wife, Deborah Lynn Thompson Hepler of 29 years, whom he married on August 31, 1991;  his children: 1 daughter, Brianna Hepler; 2 step daughters, Lori Thompson and husband Mark, Stephanie Shobe; 2 step grandchildren, Caleb and Syndey Thompson; brothers, Sam Hepler and wife Kristy, K.C. Hepler and wife Leah; 2 brothers-in-law, Gene Thompson and wife Janet, Danny Thompson; sisters, Pam Pace and husband Mark, Becky Teague and husband Rick; a sister-in-law, Cindy Powell and husband Dale; special nieces, Wendy Sprouse and Becki Hise and husband Chris, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

     A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 1, 2021 at Craigsville Community Cemetery with Pastor John Godfrey, Jr. officiating.

     Pallbearers will be Ray Puckett, Ron Thomas, Kenny Mayo, Dan Hefner, Craig Williams, Bruce Williams, and Mark Williams.

     Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church at 2819 Douthat Rd, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

Ruby Benson Phillips

     Ruby Bell Benson Phillips, 90, of Emmitsburg, Maryland passed away Thursday, January 21, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Place in Emmitsburg, MD. 

     She was born November 16, 1930 in Craigsville, Virginia, the daughter of the late John Scott Benson and Cora Campbell Benson.

     Ruby was retired from the Orange County School system in Florida as a cafeteria worker.             

     She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.

     Ruby is survived by her children: 4 daughters: Debbie Neff and husband Larry of Staunton, VA, Teresa Morris and husband Steve of Scottsville, VA, Margie Peterson of Hagerstown, MD, Jackie Justice and husband Gary of Orlando, FL; 1 son, Jay Flick and wife Peggy of Clear Springs, MD; 7 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.

     She was preceded in death by 3 brothers: Homer Benson, Henry Marshall Benson, Richard Benson; and one sister, Novella Campbell.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2021 at Craigsville Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Via officiating. Interment will be in Craigsville Community Cemetery.

     The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the funeral home.

Randy William Woods

     Randy William Woods, 59, of Staunton, Virginia passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021 at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville. 

     He was born May 21, 1961 in Staunton, Virginia, the son of Mary Jane Young Woods and the late James William Woods.

     Randy was employed as a boiler plant operator for Augusta Correction Center.

     He was a loving husband who enjoyed baseball, fishing, golf, and anything to do with UVA sports.  He was a kind soul, a hero to others, and a fighter who was loved by everyone.

     Randy is survived by his wife of 10 years, and together for 17 years, Cindy Marie Poage Woods of Staunton; children: Thomas Woods, John Woods, Randie Groah; brother; David Woods and wife Kellie; sister; Sandra Conner and husband Steve Sprouse; extended family in West Virginia: mother-in-law, Ruth Poage; brothers-in-law, Paul, Glen, and Curtis Poage; sister-in-law, Nancy Roberts; special nephew, Zach Sprouse; special uncle, Pete Woods; lifelong friend, Jay Smiley; and his special cat, Shadow.

     A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Craigsville Community Cemetery with Pastor Cody Adkins officiating.

     The viewing will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Craigsville Funeral Home.

     Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flower to the UVA Transplant Clinic, 1300 Jefferson Park Ave, 4^th Floor, Charlottesville, VA  22903.

Nellie Frances Strickler Stephenson

     Nellie Frances Strickler Stephenson, 82, of Staunton, Virginia passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia. 

     She was born July 16, 1938 in Augusta County, the daughter of the late Luther Wesley Strickler and Dolly Mae Strickler Strickler.

     Nellie was a lifelong homemaker who attended the Middlebrook Church of God and enjoyed shopping.

     She is survived by her numerous nieces and nephews; a special niece, Barbara Reed and husband Clifford of Staunton, VA; a special canine companion, Onyx; and her caregiver, Isabelle Hinegardner.

     Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie Hankins Stephenson; 2 brothers, Thomas Alfred Strickler, Earl William Strickler; and 4 sisters, Antha M. Overcash, Peggy M. Sprouse, Jane E. Eckard, and Martha A. Campbell.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 18, 2020 at Estaline Valley Presbyterian Cemetery with Pastor Larry Strickler officiating.

Venita Valarie McCray

    Venita Valarie Campbell McCray, 78, of Staunton, Virginia passed away Thursday, December 03, 2020 at her daughter’s residence.

     She was born November 9, 1942 in Goshen, VA, the daughter of the late Stewart Thompson Campbell and Neader Pearl Massey Campbell.

     Venita was retired from the University of Virginia food service department as a cashier.

     She was a member of the Staunton Moose Lodge. She was known for being a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Venita loved music and enjoyed singing and dancing. She loved her flowers and birds. Venita also enjoyed playing board and card games with her family.

     Venita is survived by a son, John D. Jarvis, Jr. and wife Dawn of Pensacola, Florida; two daughters, Barbara A. Dean and husband Butch of Staunton, VA, and Teresa L. Sprouse and husband Sanford of Swoope, VA; eight grandchildren, Joey D. Sprouse and wife Renee of Stuarts Draft, VA, Daniel V. Sprouse and wife Eliza of Staunton, VA, Sabrina Jones of Pensacola, FL, Tasha Shifflett of Scottsville, VA, and Tabitha Ford and husband Tanner of Crozet, VA, Victoria,  Alyvia, and Jase Jarvis of Pensacola, FL; nine great grandchildren; three brothers, Albert Campbell of Waynesboro, VA, Carl L. Campbell of Goshen, VA, and Zane G. Campbell of Stuarts Draft, VA ; one sister, Willie Ann Jolly of Craigsville, VA; niece JoAnn Giles and nephew Larry Michael Campbell as well as other numerous nieces and nephews, and Gail Dorman, who she considered part of the family.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. McCray; one brother, Lynwood T. Campbell; and two sisters, Dora L. Sprouse and Mattie Louise Grogg.

     A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at the Estaline Valley Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Michael Lawson officiating, and Billy Curry, assisting. Interment will be at Little River Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

     Pallbearers will be Gary A. Campbell, Rodney L. Campbell, Darryl W. Campbell, Derek Campbell, Tanner Ford, and Cody Dean. Honorary pallbearers include Stuart L. Giles and Billy Sacre.

     The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 8, 2020 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Craigsville Funeral Home.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Dr. Fishersville, VA 22939.