U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Jennings B. Shifflett, 69
Date of Death: Jun 28, 2010
Jennings B. Shifflett, 69, a resident of Harrisonburg, died Monday, June 28, 2010. Mr. Shifflett was born on October 19, 1940 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Lena Shifflett. He was a farmer and rental property manager. Surviving is a sister, Vivian Barbour of Covington, and a cousin, Sue Reynolds of Mayland. Reverend Hudson Nucklos will conduct a graveside service on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Gospel Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the McMullen Funeral Home anytime until Thursday at 12:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1477, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Virginia K. Messerley, 71
Date of Death: Jul 12, 2010
Harrisonburg - Virginia Kisamore Messerley, 71, Harrisonburg, died July 12, 2010 at her home. Mrs. Messerley was born on June 2, 1939 in Harman, West Virginia and was the daughter of the late Frank and Bethal Turner Kisamore. She worked for Rockingham Poultry until her retirement. She enjoyed gardening, reading, and doing word puzzles. She also loved spending time with her dog, Dude. On February 6, 1960 she married
James Messerley who survives. Also surviving are two brothers, Carl Kisamore and Danny Kisamore, two sisters, Violet Crease and Karen Cole. Mrs. Messerley was preceded in death by a sister Rosalea Hensley and two brothers Randall Kisamore and Hollis Kisamore. Reverend Richard Early will conduct a funeral service Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 11a.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. Burial will follow Linville cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10a.m. until 11a.m. at the funeral home. Friends may also call at the funeral home at any time.
Richard A. Coakley, 80
Date of Death: Jul 5, 2010
Richard Allen Coakley, 80, a resident of Dayton, died Monday, July 5, 2010 at his home. Mr. Coakley was born on May 23, 1930, in Mt. Clinton and was the son of the late John W. Sr. and Ethel Swank Coakley. He was a United States Army Korean War Veteran, serving stateside. He retired from the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, and was a member of the American Legion Post 27. He was a member of the Dayton United Methodist Church. On July 10, 1954, he married
Adele G. Coakley who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Sherry Lynn Pebworth and husband Otto of Broadway, Toni C. Harris and husband Billy of North Carolina, and Heidi C. Myers and husband Jon of Dayton; and two grandchildren, Wesley A. Harris and Courtney M. Harris. Mr. Coakley was preceded in death by two brothers, John W. Coakley, Jr. and C. Eugene Coakley, and a sister, Winifred Coakley. Reverend Steven Byrd and The Reverend Christopher D. Carr will conduct a funeral service at Dayton United Methodist Church, Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Salem Lutheran cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening at the McMullen Funeral Home from 7 until 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to RMH Hospice, 2010 Health Campus Drive, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801 or to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, 304 N. Main Street, Bridgewater, Va. 22812.
Weldon C. Hilbert, 85
Date of Death: Jul 5, 2010
Weldon - Charles Hilbert, 85, a resident of Dayton, died Monday, July 5, 2010 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Hilbert was born on April 22, 1925 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Gordon McKinley and Sally Ann Mongold Hilbert. He was a World War II Navy veteran who served on the USS New Jersey. He was a member of the American Legion Post 27. Mr. Hilbert had owned and operated an excavating business and was Clover Hill United Methodist Church. On January 19, 1943 he married
the former Cynthia Lilly Hilbert who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Brenda Druen and husband Ray of Gore, Va., Elaine Estep and husband Tom of Dayton, Sherry Clark and husband Sonny of Harrisonburg; three sisters, Nancy Huffman, Carolyn Myers and husband John, all of Bridgewater, Ann Plaugher of Dayton, one brother, John Hilbert and wife Mary Ann of Dayton; two grandchildren, Michele Estep of Dayton, Scott Clark and wife Christa of Dayton, two great-grandchildren, Rylee Clark and Reston Clark. Mr. Hilbert was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Phyllis Jean Hilbert. A private burial was held at Clover Hill cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Victory Fellowship Church, 188 Bellview Road, Harrisonburg, Va. 22802 or to American Legion Post 27, 3021 John Wayland Highway, Dayton, Va. 22821.
Roma H. Hoover, 84
Date of Death: Jan 30, 2009
Harrisonburg - Roma H. Hoover, 84, a resident 5265 Mt. Clinton Pike, died January 30, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Hoover was born May 30, 1924 in Stone Springs, and was the daughter of the late Hardy W. Hoover and Anna Andrews Hoover Forren. She lived most of her life in the Mt. Clinton area. She worked at the former Stehli Silk Mill, and retired after 30 years of service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She worked part time in Crestwood, and Woodland at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She was a member of the RMH Auxiliary, VMRC Auxiliary and of the Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Surviving are an Uncle, Paul W. Andrews; special family members, Gary J. Hoover, Robyn Hoover Anthony and husband Monte; David D. Hoover and wife Charlotte who helped care for her; two special little ones, Anna and Bradley Rexrode whom she helped cared for. Pastor Mark Keller will conduct a funeral service Tuesday afternoon, 1 p.m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Clinton cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg.
Callie (C.J.) Diehl, 88
Date of Death: Jan 26, 2009
Harrisonburg - Callie John (C.J.) Diehl, 88, a resident of 709 Stuart Street, Harrisonburg, died, Monday, January 26, 2009 at Bridgewater Nursing Home. Mr. Diehl was born on October 24, 1920 in Pleasant Valley, Virginia and was the son of the late William John and Pearl Pauline Baker Diehl. Mr. Diehl received his Bachelor’s and Masters Degrees from James Madison College and Virginia Polytechnic University. He started teaching at Mount Clinton High School, and then he was Principal at Tenth Legion. Mr. Diehl moved to the new Turner Ashby High School in 1956 when it opened teaching U.S. History. He retired in 1982 from the Rockingham County School System with 32 years of service teaching U.S. History and Industrial Cooperative Training. He was also charter advisor for the Turner Ashby Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Chapter. For the past 20 years, he worked for Harrisonburg Auto Auction. He worked part time for Whitsel’s Music selling pianos and organs. He, along with his wife Mary, operated the Coin Laundry on South Main Street for many years. He served in the United States Army as a Tech. Sergeant in World War II. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and West Rockingham Ruritans. He was a member the St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. On February 2, 1943, he married
the former Mary Lillian Garber, who survives. In addition to his wife of 66 years, family members include, two sons, Lary G. Diehl and wife Carol, Hampton and Gary M. Diehl of Sterling; five grandchildren, Andrew Diehl and wife Carla, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Steven Diehl and wife Alicia, Goochland, Patricia Winters and husband Jason, Annapolis, Maryland, Amy Diehl, Richmond, Adam Diehl and wife Niki, Ashburn; three great-grandchildren, Emma Callie Nicole Diehl, Jacob William Diehl, and Colby Mitchell Winters; and one sister, Fanny Diehls of Fort Meyers, Florida. Reverends Tresa F. Quarles and Lary Diehl will conduct a graveside service on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at St. Paul cemetery. A memorial service will be held later that evening at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Harrisonburg. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. The casket will be closed. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 109, Harrisonburg, Va. 22803.
Arthur F. Stroop, 78
Date of Death: Jan 25, 2009
McGaheysville - Arthur Franklin Stroop, 78, a resident of 2839 Resort Drive, McGaheysville, died January 25, 2009 at his home. He had been in failing health for six years. Mr. Stroop was born on January 30, 1930 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Casper S. and Marie Armentrout Stroop. Mr. Stroop worked for McQuay as an abraiser for 35 years until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of Junior Order United American Mechanics, Oak Hill Council #83 McGaheysville and of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. On July 14, 1952, he married
the former Reba May who survives. Also surviving is one son, Eugene Franklin Stroop, McGaheysville; a special son, Frank Kirtley, Stanley; two brothers, Casper Stroop, Jr. and wife Peggy, Irwin Stroop all of Richmond; three sisters, Mary Madeline McDaniel and husband Leonard, Richmond, Irene Helmick, Roanoke, Kathleen Brown and husband Roger, Harrisonburg; two grandchildren, Krystal Diane Shaffer and Ashley Nicole Reed; one step-grandson, Jason Owens; three great-grandchildren, Abriana Marie Shaffer, Jeremiah Franklin Shaffer, Danielle Lee Reed; one step great-granddaughter, Aisha Owens. Mr. Stroop was preceded in death by one sister, Helen Haislip and two brothers, Bobby Lee Stroop and Lawrence Stroop. Rev. Carrie Talbott and Wayne Wright will conduct a funeral service, Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet cemetery, McGaheysville. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice, 235 Cantrell Avenue, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801.
Gladys D. Kulp, 88
Date of Death: Feb 14, 2009
Harrisonburg - Gladys Derstine Kulp, 88, a resident of 1475 Virginia Avenue, died Saturday, February 14, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. Mrs. Kulp was born on February 7, 1921, in Franconia, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Edwin A. and Elizabeth Krupp Derstine. She was the Clerk in Charge of the Franconia Post Office, and retired from Wampler Longacre Poultry in 1986. She was a member of Lindale Mennonite Church. On May 13, 1939, she married
Floyd G. Kulp who survives. Also surviving are two sons, James D. Kulp and wife Joan, Middletown, Virginia, Donald D. Kulp and wife Charlotte, Landisville, Pennsylvania; one daughter, Janice Kulp Long and husband John, Fort Wayne, Indiana; one brother, Stuart K. Derstine, Souderton, Pennsylvania; one sister, Phyllis O. Moyer, also of Souderton, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Pastors Peg Engle and Al Huyard will conduct a funeral service Friday afternoon, February 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindale Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Lindale Mennonite Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Good Samaritan Fund, 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Va. 22802. Family and friends may call at McMullen Funeral Home beginning Wednesday.
Ruth E. Kennel, 87
Date of Death: Feb 9, 2009
Harrisonburg - Ruth Elizabeth Kennel, 87, a resident of 1475 Virginia Avenue, died Monday, February 9, 2009 at Oak Lea Nursing Home. She had been a member of the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community since 1991. Ms. Kennel was born on December 22, 1921 in Chester County, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of the late Isaac and Pricilla Kauffman Kennel. She attended Goshen College in Indiana, and graduated from Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse in Lancaster Pennsylvania, working at Lancaster General Hospital and in offices of primary care physicians. She served as a nurse with Mennonite Central Committee in Indonesia during the 1950’s. She was a life-long member of Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola, Pennsylvania where she served regularly in leadership positions, including that of the first female elder for the congregation. She was an associate member of Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. She dedicated her life to serving others. Surviving are a sister in law, Gladys Kennel, Lititz, Pennsylvania; one nephew; two nieces; and a foster sister. Reverend Shirlee K. Yoder will conduct a memorial service, Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at Park View Mennonite Church. The body was cremated. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Leota A. Martz, 86
Date of Death: Feb 8, 2009
Broadway - Leota Arlene Smith Martz, 86, a resident of 178 Morningside Drive, Broadway, died Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Martz was born on December 15, 1922 in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late Gilmer A. and Leota Mae Ritchie Smith. She worked in banking and began working at Harrisonburg Loan and Thrift and retired from Crestar bank in the 1980’s. She was a member of Cherry Grove United Methodist Church. Surviving are one daughter Sheila Motsinger and husband Michael, Lacey Spring; two sisters, June Whitmer and husband Ivan, Harrisonburg, Gretchen Varner, Linville; one brother Carey Smith and wife Mildred, Linville; five grandchildren, Charles Sorrell and wife Ruth Ann, League City, Texas, Nichole Kelley and husband Nathanael, Criders, Shawn Shifflett, Harrisonburg, Maleah Motsinger, Broadway, Jeremy Motsinger and wife Gin, Richmond; three great-grandchildren, Brayden and Isaac Kelley, and Shae Sorrell; special cousins, Geraldine Eaton and Bonnie Andrick; special friends Linda and Mike Hinegardner; and her caretaker Faye Hilbert. She was preceded in death by two sons, Daryle Brent Martz and Dana Craig Martz and her beloved Pomeranian, Little Bear. Reverend Glen Turner will conduct a funeral service on Thursday, February 12, 2009, 4:00 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Cherry Grove cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Nancy H. Puffenbarger, 92
Date of Death: Feb 7, 2009
Harrisonburg - Nancy Heishman Puffenbarger, 92, a resident of 1501 Virginia Avenue, died Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Puffenbarger was born on June 23, 1916 in Edom and was the daughter of the late Jesse (J.B.) and Minnie Brunk Heishman. She worked for Rocco Hatchery and she and her husband owned and operated Wayside Hatchery. Mrs. Puffenbarger lived at Heritage Haven at VMRC since 1999. She was a member of the Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren. On February 25, 1945, she married
Virgil Puffenbarger who preceded her in death on December 3, 1995. Surviving are two sons, Danny Stover Puffenbarger and wife Phyllis, McGaheysville, John M. Puffenbarer and wife Terry, Harrisonburg; one foster brother, Melvyn (Bud) Heishman, Linville; three grandchildren, John Scottie Puffenbarger, Ashley Nichole Puffenbarger and Mandy Elizabeth Puffenbarger. Pastors Ron Wyrick and Guy Hudson will conduct a funeral service Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, Good Samaritan Fund, 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802.
Robert C. Lehman
Date of Death: Feb 2, 2009
Robert C. Lehman, 79 Harrisonburg Robert C. Lehman, 79, a resident of 1264 Shank Drive, Harrisonburg, died February 2, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Lehman was born on March 22, 1929 in Harrisonburg, and was the son of the late Chester K. and Myra Kendig Lehman. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School in 1946 and Eastern Mennonite College in 1950. He received his Doctorate in Biophysics from Penn State in 1962. He was employed as a Professor of Physics at Eastern Mennonite College; Goucher College (Baltimore), and Howard County School of Technology(Maryland). He also did additional summer work in the Biophysics Department at Penn State for three summers and worked at the High Altitude Observatory in Boulder, Colorado for two summers. During his sabbaticals, he performed cancer research at Emory University in Atlanta and monitored Energy Consumption at Eastern Mennonite College and made recommendations from that work in the 1970’s. Mr. Lehman served as director of the M.T Brackbill Planetarium at EMC and was organizer of a “Moonwatch Team” of EMC students at the observatory. He was co-founder and first president of Park View Federal Credit Union and of Homes Foundation-Low Cost Housing. Mr. Lehman was also co-founder and president of Sunwood Energy. He was a member of Park View Mennonite Church. On June 10, 1954, he married
the former Ruby Swartzendruber who survives. Also surviving is one daughter, Judith A. Lehman and husband Kenneth Ontjes, Keezletown; three sons, James A. Lehman and wife Julie, Richmond, Donald L. Lehman and wife Connie, Herndon, Douglas C. Lehman, Mali, Africa; one sister, Dorothy L. Yoder, Goshen, In.; four grandchildren, Allison Lehman, Eric Lehman, Brian Lehman, and Michael Lehman. Mr. Lehman was preceded in death by two sisters, Miriam Weaver, Esther K. Lehman, and one infant brother David Lehman. Reverend Phil Kniss will conduct a memorial service on Monday, February 16, 2009, 3 p.m., at Park View Mennonite Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Burial will be private. The body was cremated. Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Central Committee and Summer Peace Building Institute at Eastern Mennonite University. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Etta L. McMullen, 78
Date of Death: Feb 2, 2009
Strasburg - Etta Louise McMullen, 78, a resident of 100 Massanutten Manor Circle, Strasburg passed away February 2, 2009. She died peacefully at the Winchester Medical Center surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her brother. Mrs. McMullen was born on August 11, 1930 in Harrisonburg and was the daughter of the late Franklin Gilbert and Pearl Meadows Wood. She was a generous person, giving to charities, and was an avid animal lover. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Lester McMullen and her beloved dog, Maggie. She is survived by her children, Donna Howard, Front Royal; Gilbert McMullen, Williamsport, Maryland, Laban McMullen, Grottoes; grandchildren, Penny Via, Linden, Joshua Howard, Front Royal, Phoebe McMullen, Abigail McMullen, Tyler McMullen, Stuart McMullen, and Samantha McMullen of Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Olivia Via and Chloe Via, Linden; three sisters, Hazel Shull, Dayton, Vida VanLear, Harrisonburg, Helen Lambert, Mount Crawford; and one brother, George Wood, Grottoes. She was also preceded in death by five sisters, Phyllis Landes, Audrey Michael, Vada Clark, Gertie Breeden, Naomi Crider and two brothers, Cebel Wood, and Joseph Wood. To celebrate her life, a memorial service will be held, Saturday, February 14, 2009, 2 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home Chapel, Harrisonburg. Burial will be private. The body was cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local SPCA or Volunteer Rescue Squad. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
