U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Edward E. Eavers, 65
Date of Death: Nov 15, 2009
Dayton - Edward Elijah Eavers, 65, a resident of 4976 Ottobine Road, Dayton died November 15, 2009 at his home. Mr. Eavers was born on August 2, 1944 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Ira and Stella Rexrode Eavers. He worked for the Rockingham County Landfill until his retirement due to his health. Mr. Eavers was an avid hunter and enjoyed the mountains and his spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Montezuma Church of the Brethren. His wife Wilma Smith Eavers preceded him in death November 16, 1991. Surviving are two sons, Dale E. Eavers and wife April, Harrisonburg; William “Bill” Eavers, and wife Barbara, Dayton; two brothers, Cecil Eavers and wife Juanita, Verona; Jerry Eavers, Waynesboro; two grandchildren, Paige Eavers and Blake Eavers. Minister of Visitation, Janet E.Whetzel will conduct a funeral service Wednesday morning at 11a.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Sangerville Brethren cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from seven until eight at the funeral home. Friends may also call anytime during the day on Tuesday, at the Eavers Home, 4976 Ottobine Road, Dayton. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgewater Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 285 Bridgewater, Virginia 22812.
Margaret Early Hall
Date of Death: Nov 10, 2009
On November 10, 2009 Margaret Early Hall, a native of Washington, D.C. passed away peacefully at home. She is survived by her longtime companion, Ramer Simpson, daughter Ingrid Elliot, son Craig Hall, sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Ross Beal, three grandsons and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neal Hall. Service at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, November 18 at noon. Memorial contributions may be made to Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice, 235 Cantrell Avenue, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801.
Eric M. Knight, 38
Date of Death: Nov 15, 2009
Singers Glen - Eric Mitchell Knight, 38, a resident of 8417 Copperhead Road, Singers Glen, Virginia died November 15, 2009 at his home. He had been in failing health. Mr. Knight was born on December 18, 1970 in Rockingham County and was the son of David L. and Lois M. Armentrout Knight. He graduated from Turner Ashby High School in 1988 and then worked as a Registered Nurse for Augusta Medical and the University of Virginia Dialysis Center. He was a dedicated nurse to all of his patients. He was a member of the Zion Hill Mennonite Church. Surviving in addition to his parents are a brother, Kelly Knight, Singers Glen, a sister-in-law, Yvonne Knight; a niece, Elizabeth Knight and a nephew Benjamin Knight. Reverend John Petersheim will conduct a graveside service Thursday morning at 11a.m. at the Singers Glen cemetery. At his request, the body will be cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to Singers Glen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 75, Singers Glen, Virginia 22850. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donald G. Weaver, 72
Date of Death: Nov 27, 2009
Harrisonburg - Donald Grove Weaver, 72, died November 27, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home after a brief hospitalization. Mr. Weaver and his wife moved to the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in 2007 from the Washington D.C. area. He was a member of the Park View Mennonite Church. Mr. Weaver was born on August 30, 1937, in Hesston, KS, and was the son of the late Albert H. and Ruth Grove Weaver. He received his master’s degree from the University of Iowa and worked for the international health organization, Project HOPE, for 30 years. Beginning as Hospital Administrator in Trujillo, Peru, in 1963, Mr. Weaver worked on health programs around the world. He retired from HOPE in 1993 as Vice President of the International Division. After his retirement, Mr. Weaver was a partner in Ganado Unlimited, which raised cattle in TX, OK, and NE. On August 10, 1957, he married
the former Barbara Ann Geil of Gulfport, MS, who will continue to reside at VMRC. He is also survived by four daughters and three sons-in-law: Jolene & Robert Romanyshyn, Fairfax; Shari Weaver, Harrisonburg; Pamela & Dave Bone, Alexandria; Colette & Greg Simmons, Charles Town, West Virginia; as well as three grandchildren: Joanna Romanyshyn, Michael Romanyshyn, and Melinda Bone. Also surviving is one sister, Wandalee Kabira, in Toyko, Japan. Reverend Phil Kniss will conduct a memorial service on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Park View Mennonite Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Don Weaver may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund, VMRC, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com. McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is in charge of arrangements.
Stanley G. Shank, 85
Date of Death: Nov 30, 2009
Stanley Gerald Shank, 85, a resident of 6557 Rawley Pike, Hinton, went home to the God he loved on November 30, 2009. He left his well loved wife, Edith of 63 years. Mr. Shank was born on January 12, 1924 near Rushville and was the son of the late Glenn Webb and Vernie Ione Hildebrand Shank. He worked as farmer, spending his life living in the Mole Hill and Hinton communities. He is remembered for his love of history, his ability to create toys, and gifts for the family, books, mechanical things, model T’s and his dry sense of humor. He and his wife spent many years serving in church work, teaching Sunday School, Bible School, and visitation work in various churches. He served in the Civilian Public Service Camp in Iowa and Pennsylvania in 1945-1946. He was member of Bank Mennonite Church. On November 20, 1946, he married
the former Edith Lorene Good who survives. Also surviving are five children, Ruth F. Schrock and husband Earl, Linda J. Swartz and husband Carroll, Elizabeth A. Brubaker and husband Charles, John G. Shank and wife Cynthia, Rebecca S. Good and husband Christian; one sister, Julia E. Rhodes; eighteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. John Hartzler, Philip Wenger, and Nathan Horst will conduct a funeral service on, Wednesday December 2, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Bank Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Bank Mennonite Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Voice of the Martyrs, P.O. Box 443, Bartlesville, Ok. 74005-0302. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Waldo Wilson Whetsel, 87
Date of Death: Dec 4, 2009
Waldo Wilson Whetsel, 87, a resident of 45 Mike Mountain Lane, Waynesboro, died Friday, December 4, 2009 at his home. Mr. Wilson was born on January 11, 1922 in Hardy County, West Virginia and was the son of the late John H. and Julia Alice Heishman Whetsel. He retired from Walker Manufacturing in 1984 after twenty years of service and then worked part time for Sellers Furniture. He was a member of the Methodist Church, but attended Blue Ridge Chapel Church of the Brethren for the past nineteen years. On August 8, 1990 he married
Edith S. Combs who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Vanessa Clark and Jennifer McNamara and husband Scott all of Roanoke; and a step-daughter Sharyn M. Ross of Waynesboro; two step-grand daughters Paula R. and husband Andy Winegar, Michelle R. and husband Michael Smiley, of Waynesboro, one step great granddaughter, Amanda N. Winegar; a step great-grandson Matthew A. Smiley and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Whetsel was preceded in death by three sisters, Bessie Wilkins, Virginia McHorney and Arvella Kohne, and four brothers, Harold W., Edward Lee, Howard B. and Earl Whetsel. Pastor John Foster will conduct a graveside service on Monday, December 6, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Greenwood cemetery in Lost City, West Virginia. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6 until 7 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. Friends may also visit at his home, 45 Mike Mountain Lane, Waynesboro, at anytime. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Shenandoah, 64 Sport Medicine Drive, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, Va. 22939. The family would like to offer special thanks and love to Jill Stachowski, and hospice caretakers Debra Brown, Mary S. Miller and Kathy. McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is in charge of arrangements.
Betsy R. Martin, 28
Date of Death: Dec 3, 2009
Betsy Ruth Martin, 28, of Harrisonburg, went home to be with Jesus, Thursday, December 3, 2009 after a four month battle against cancer. Miss Martin was born on August 11, 1981 in Rockingham County and was the daughter of Ray Martin and the late Sue Ann Shank Martin. She was employed by R&L; Construction Incorporated and a member of Mt. Pleasant Mennonite Church. Betsy is survived by her father Ray Martin and step-mother Rosemary Martin; five sisters, Melissa Martin of Dayton, Amanda Knicely and husband James of Bridgewater, Jane Cyzick and husband Jody of Mt. Solon, Sarah Martin of Cornelius, North Carolina, and Christy Martin of Harrisonburg; six nieces and nephews, Colby, Alex and Kayla Knicely, Whitney Shifflett, and Kasey and Ty Cyzick; special friends Eldon, Irene and Brenda Koogler; a grandmother Martha Shank; numerous aunts, uncles, and friends. Miss Martin was preceded in death by her mother, Sue Ann Shank Martin, grandparents, William and Ruth Martin, and Warren Shank. The Ministers of the Church will conduct a funeral service on Sunday, December 6, 2009, at the Mt. Pleasant Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 until 4:00 and 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Mennonite Church. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Robert "Bobby" Joseph Ray, 77
Date of Death: Oct 24, 2009
Robert (Bobby) Joseph Ray, 77, of Harrisonburg, died peacefully Saturday, October 24, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rockingham County on October 11, 1932 and was the son of the late Marion Early and Nellie Ashenfelter Ray. Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 58 years, Bonnie Dean Ray. Four Daughters whom he treasured are Brenda Long , Vicki Lucas and husband Billy, Donna Budzius all of Harrisonburg, Kimberly Hartman and husband Frank of McGaheysville. Also surviving is Donna Robinson of Harrisonburg whom he loved like a daughter. Dear to his heart are five grandchildren who brought much joy to “Poppy”, Kristen Lucas, Brandon Lucas and fiancé Matasha Owens, Matt Hartman and friend Ashley Stroop, Brooke Hartman, Adam Purcell and wife Jessie and two great-grandchildren Cayden Lucas and Jossalyn Hartman. Surviving as well is his dear “sis” Judy and her husband John (Lynwood) Smith of Harrisonburg. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Marion (Sonny) Early Ray, Jr. and Elwood Grattan Ray. He and his two brothers owned and operated Ray Brothers Masonry Contractors Incorporated for over thirty years. In the later years, he delivered newspapers for the Washington Post and the Daily News Record. What brought him much joy was driving a Rockingham County School Bus and the smiling faces of the children he saw every day. Due to illness, he was forced to retire after thirteen years. Bobby proudly served his country as a paratrooper during the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the Carl D. Lee VFW which later became The Bridgewater Post 8644. He had a lifelong passion for the outdoors which included horseback riding, gardening, hunting, fishing and camping, but most importantly passed on his appreciation of nature to his grandchildren. His other interests included crossword puzzles, piddling in his shop, cooking, and his love of poetry and music. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the McMullen Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. The family will remain following the service for a special time with family and friends. At his request, his body will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the RMH Cancer Center, 100 East Grace Street, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801, RHM Hospice 235 Cantrell Avenue, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801 or VFW Post 8644, Bridgewater, Va. 22812.
Helen J. Miller, 93
Date of Death: Oct 25, 2009
Harrisonburg - Helen Juanita Miller, 93, a resident 4575 Snapps Creek Road, Harrisonburg, died Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Miller was born on December 26, 1915 in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late Earl A. and Erthyl Jones Showalter. She graduated from Mount Clinton High School. She and her husband lived in Washington D.C. and she was active in the Washington City Church of the Brethren before moving back to the Harrisonburg area. Mrs. Miller was a member of the Mount Clinton F.C.E. club. She was a member of the Antioch U.C.C. Church where she had taught Sunday school. She was also active in the Shenandoah Association of the U.C.C. and served as a delegate to the Central Atlantic Conference for a number of years. On December 26, 1945, she married
Clyde R. Miller who preceded her in death on October 25, 1977. Surviving are two sisters, Norma Cupp and husband Dewitt, Betty Showalter, all of Harrisonburg; three brothers Neil Showalter, and wife Mildred, Tommy Showalter all of Harrisonburg and Jackie Showalter and wife Gloria of Hinton; a sister-in-law Odessa Showalter of Bridgewater and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Miller was preceded in death by three brothers, Waldo Showalter, Lynnwood Showalter and Jimmie Showalter. Reverend John Snipes will conduct a funeral service at Antioch United Church of Christ on Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Horeb cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Antioch United Church of Christ, 4107 Fort Lynne Road, Harrisonburg, Va. 22802.
Connie E. Strickler, 70
Date of Death: Dec 7, 2009
Connie Elizabeth Sticker, 70, died Monday, December 7, 2009 at Harrisonburg Health and Rehab. Mrs. Strickler was born on August 17, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland and was the daughter of the late Ernest and Ruth Lloyd Shifflett. She was a homemaker, who loved her family and church very much. She volunteered at Rockingham Memorial Hospital as long as her heath allowed. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and gardening. She was a member of the Vision of Hope United Methodist Church. On October 2, 2004 she married
John Stickler who survives. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Beverly “Buddy” Shoemaker who died on June 26, 1995. She was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Lloyd Shoemaker. Also surviving three children, Pastor E.B. Shoemaker and wife Cindy of Roanoke, Diana S. Flick and husband Jimmy of Linville, Bill Shoemaker and wife Deanna of Harrisonburg; four step children; one sister-in-law, Juanita Hanger of Harrisonburg; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and nine step-grandchildren. Reverend David Burch will conduct a funeral service on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Vision of Hope United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vision of Hope United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 1723 Port Republic Road, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Velma V. Payne, 88
Date of Death: Dec 7, 2009
Velma Viola Payne, 88, of Harrisonburg, died Monday, December 07, 2009 at Harrisonburg Health and Rehab. Mrs. Payne was born on November 8, 1921 in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late John B. and Essie Garber Casiday. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and crocheting. She was an active member of Mt. Clinton Church of God. On December 8, 1941 she married
Franklin Payne who preceded her in death on May 17, 1993. Surviving are three sons, James F. Payne and wife Barbara of Shenandoah, Robert E. Payne, Sr. of Harrisonburg; Charles D. Payne and wife Joyce of Harrisonburg; two daughters, Phyllis Bauserman,of Strasburg, Lorna Prichard and husband Ben of Port Republic; one brother, Charles D. Casiday of Bridgewater; one sister, Dorothy Lawson of Harrisonburg; thirteen grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren. Mrs. Payne was preceded in death by a son, Harold J. Payne and a sister, Naomi Payne. Pastor Michael Fallin will conduct a funeral service on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Clinton Church of God. Burial will follow at Mt. Clinton cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. Friends may also call at the home of her daughter, Lorna Prichard, Port Republic, Virginia at any time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Clinton Church of God, 6454 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, Va. 22802.
Hunter H. Gochenour, 71
Date of Death: Dec 6, 2009
Harrisonburg - Hunter Howard Gochenour, 71, a resident of 765 North Liberty Street, Harrisonburg, died Sunday, December 06, 2009. Mr. Gochenour was born on February 12, 1938 in Luray, Virginia and was the son of the late William and Grace Cave Gochenour. He was a member of the Linville United Methodist Church. On June 24, 1961, he married
the former Jean Burgoyne who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Brenda Shifflett and husband Jerry of Broadway, Dawn Hammer and husband Bennie of Grottoes; four brothers, Ashby Gochenour, of Luray, Leroy Gochenour of Stanley, Ike Gochenour of Luray, Dwight Gochenour, of Williamsburg; three sisters, Charlotte Higgins and Frances Seekford, both of Luray, Nancy Ann Tusing of Woodstock; five grandchildren, Timmy Shifflett, Andy Shifflett, Amy Shifflett, De Wayne Rexrode, Chad Ritchie; and three great-grandchildren, Zach Shifflett, Whitney Shifflett, Dylan Shifflett. Mr. Gochenour was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters, Audrey Gochenour, Goldie Arey, Donald Gochenour, Bobby Gochenour, Rosella Koutsoundia, and Gail Gochenour. Reverend Brian Posey will conduct a funeral service on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Linville United Methodist Church, 5290 Jesse Bennett Way, Linville, Va. 22834. . McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Frances E. Harman, 93
Date of Death: Nov 7, 2009
Frances Elizabeth Harman, 93, passed away November 7, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home where she had been a resident. Mrs. Harman was born on January 16, 1916 in Harrisonburg, Virginia and was the daughter of the late Early and Pearl Blosser Suter. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family. As a member of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church she was active in the Women’s Sewing Group and served as secretary to Pastor Samuel Janzen. Through out the years Frances was involved in giving to various charitable groups and supporting the VMRC auxiliary. She entertained many persons in her home and blessed others with crochet blankets and quilts she pieced or cross stitched. On August 28, 1940, she married
Frank T. Harman who preceded her in death October 31, 1968. Surviving are three children, Orden Harman and wife Reba; Carl Harman and wife Herta; Harriet Harman Steiner and husband Elam all of Harrisonburg; six grandchildren, Randy Harman; Wes Harman; Hans Harman and wife Sarah; Ceci Gray and husband David; Yolanda Hausknecht and husband Ben; Deanna Kozel and husband Nick; ten great grandchildren, Savannah Harman; Nina and Grady Harman; Sydney, Meredith and Charlotte Gray; Anya and Samuel Hausknecht; and Deacon and Jude Kozel. Mrs. Harman was also preceded in death by her siblings, Margaret Brunk, Mary Turner and Daniel Suter. Pastors Mark Keller and Wayne North will conduct a funeral service Wednesday morning at 11a.m. at the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. A private family burial will be held earlier. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from six p.m. until eight p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund, 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 or to the Virginia Mennonite Mission Board, Frank and Frances Harman Family Mission Endowment, 901 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802.
