Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, February 15, 2004 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004 Today's Deaths Charles William Bates, 87, Bristol Tennessee Charles Rodney Boutwell, 83, Nashville Elva Smith Ferguson Davis, 81, Bristol Virginia D.W. Droke, 95 Nancy Pence Groseclose, 90, Blacksburg, Va. Orpha Mae Hardin, Blountville Hazel Fields Keen, 86, Lebanon Christopher Allen Poston, 22, Marion Marie Anne Geisenhaver Ramsey, 52, Marion Margaret Lois Dye Roark, 65, Bristol Virginia Donley Roop, 76, Chilhowie Charles Bates BRISTOL, Tenn. – Charles William Bates, age 87, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, at the NHC Johnson City. Arrangements are incomplete. Weaver Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. Charles Boutwell NASHVILLE – Dr. Charles Rodney Boutwell, 83, came into the presence of Jesus Christ, his Savior and Lord, Feb. 11, 2004. Formerly of Huntington, W.Va., Dr. Boutwell was residing at 5031 Hillsboro Pike at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys Campbell Boutwell, and his four children and their spouses, Rodney and Sylvia Boutwell of Taylorsville, N.C., Philip and Sue Boutwell of Abingdon, Sandy and Lori Bynes of Nashville and Paul Boutwell of Frankfort, Ky. Dr. Boutwell is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Herman Moore of Knoxville. Dr. Boutwell was well-loved by his four grandchildren, Donna Ratliff, John Boutwell, Laura Boutwell and Carrie Bonner. He had seven great-grandchildren, four nieces and six nephews. Dr. Boutwell was a retired Baptist minister and clinical psychologist, graduating from Fuller Theological Seminary, Marshall University and the University of Tennessee. He enjoyed telling others of his love for his family and his love for Jesus Christ. His favorite verse was Psalms 16:11. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gideon International to honor Dr. Boutwell’s lifelong commitment to evangelism. Brentwood Funeral Home. Elva Davis BRISTOL, Va. – Elva Smith Ferguson Davis, 81, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, at Rogersville Care and Rehab. She was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area and a daughter of the late Roy H. and Mary Fae Smith. She retired from Kelly & Green after 24 years of service and was a member of Fellowship Chapel. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles George Ferguson, her second husband, Wythe Davis, a daughter, Joyce Ann Ferguson, and a brother, Verlin A. Smith. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley R. White and husband Benny of Shelbyville, Ind.; three sons, Philip A. Ferguson and wife Norma of Bristol Virginia, Bruce D. Ferguson and wife Faye of Surgoinsville, Tenn., and Larry M. Ferguson and wife Angie of Bristol Tennessee; two sisters, Bernice Rawlston and Peggy White, both of Bristol Tennessee; a brother, Allen Smith of Bristol Tennessee; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Lester MacKinnon and Rev. Scott Price officiating. The committal service and entombment will be conducted at 11 a.m Monday in the Mountain View Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service at Akard Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Davis. D.W. Droke D.W. "Pete" Droke, age 95, entered into rest Feb. 13, 2004, at Greystone Health Care Center. Mr. Droke was a lifelong resident of Piney Flats and was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dorothy Hendrickson Droke. Mr. Droke was a well-known farmer and insurance agent for Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Sullivan County. He worked for Farmers Mutual for over 40 years, as both an agent and director. Mr. Droke was active for many years as a member and chairman of the Sullivan County ASCS Committee. Mr. Droke was a member of Enterprise United Methodist Church and was well known for his love of baseball, having played and managed for many years. Survivors include son, Jimmie D. Droke and wife Violet of Gray, Tenn.; granddaughter, Janet Taylor and husband Terry of Piney Flats, grandson, Don W. Droke and wife Diane of Piney Flats; great-granddaughters, Leslie and Laurie Johnson, Latosha Banner and Heather Mason; great-grandsons, Austin Droke and Jacob and Jeremy Banner and Adam and Brent Taylor, and great- great-grandchildren, Ariel and Greg Mason. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004, at 6 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dan Theiben officiating, assisted by Rev. Mack Houston. Committal services will be held on Monday at 2 p.m. at Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers include R.E. Milhorn, Dennis Houser, Lawrence Garland, Rudy Burnett, Lawrence Perry, Robert Hall, Ralph Roark, Jack Milhorn, Paul Shuttle, Kyle Blevins, Ray French and Harold Phillips. Honorary pallbearers include Charles Fleming, Bill Warden, J.D. King, Dr. Warren Jones, Dr. Thomas McGinnis, Dr. James Wilson and Dr. Mark Overbay, officers, agents and directors of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Sullivan County and the staff at Greystone Health Care Center. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4- 5:45 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Nancy Groseclose BLACKSBURG, Va. – Dr. Nancy Pence Groseclose, Ph.D., age 90, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2004, at the Kroontje Health Care Center. She was born in Blacksburg on May 31, 1913, to the late John Kelly and Nannie Fisher Groseclose. She graduated from Blacksburg High School and received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from V.P.I. and S.U. and her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. She retired as head of the Biology department at Agnes Scott College, Decatur, Ga. Dr. Groseclose also taught at Hollins College, Roanoke, Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, and at Emory & Henry, Emory, Va. She is survived by eight nieces and nephews, Robert P. Groseclose, Altamonte Springs, Fla., Janet K. Groseclose, Bay Minette, Ala., Betty G. Burton, Silver Hill, Ala., John K. Groseclose, Daphne, Ala., John G. McCaleb, Woodstock, Va., Ann W. Phillips, Vienna, Va., William P. Wiltsee, Charlotte, N.C., Charles S. Wiltsee, Danville, Ky; 19 great-nieces and great-nephews; 24 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2004, in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Don MacNicoll officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg. Remembrances may be made to Agnes Scott College, Office of Development, 141 East College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030-3797, or to Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA 24372. Friends may call anytime after noon Monday and the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday evening at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, SW, Blacksburg. Orpha Mae Hardin BLOUNTVILLE – Orpha Mae Hardin went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at the Holston Valley Medical Center. She was born March 28, 1918, to the late Effie Vickers. Mrs . Hardin was the widow of Haynes Charles Hardin. She was a member of First Baptist Church and was preceded in death by a son, Richard Hardin. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs Carl (Patsy) Smith, Blountville; sons, Charles D. Hardin and wife Sara, Sevierville, Tenn., John L. Hardin and wife Sandra of Blountville and James A. Hardin, Peru, Ind.; daughters-in-law, Nora Hardin and Gwen Wagner Hardin; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Clay Austin officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Committal services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 117, Blountville, TN 37617. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends Monday prior to the service 6 to 7:45 p.m. Mary Jane Henderson BRISTOL, Va. – A graveside funeral service for Mrs. Mary Jane Helton Henderson will be held at 3 p.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004. Rev. Dennis Banks will officiate. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Henderson, 83, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, at her home. Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the Henderson family. Hazel Fields Keen LEBANON – Hazel Fields Keen, 86, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, in the Maple Grove Health Care Center. Born Oct. 15, 1917, in Russell County, she was a daughter of the late John A. Fields and the late Lottie Childress Fields and the wife of the late Ernest Garland Keen. Hazel was a retired teacher in the Buchanan County schools, having taught 17 years at the Council Elementary School. She was a member of the Cornith Baptist Church in Council. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, George Fields, and two sisters, Virginia Wampler and Geneva Baldwin. Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Ernest Garland (E.G.) Keen Jr. and Peggy Keen and Benny Douglas Keen and Joann Keen, all of Bristol Tennessee, John Edward Keen and Kaylene Keen, Spruce Pine, N.C., and Jack Dwight Keen and Sheila Keen, Lebanon; five grandchildren, Tim Keen, Melinda Reed, Lisa Carr, Ernie Keen and Jordan Keen; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Otis Fields, Drill, Va.; a special great-niece, Stephanie Jackson; a special niece, Alice Street and husband Jim, and a special friend, Marvin Ball. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Ancil Childress officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Timothy G. Keen, Andrew Keen, Michael Keen, Ernie Keen, Jordan Keen, Mike Reed, John Hunter and Matthew Carr. The family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004, at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Keen. Mildred Poore BRISTOL, Va. –Funeral services for Mildred Arleen Poore will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, 2004, at the graveside in the Mountain View Cemetery, with Rev. Darrell Pickle and Rev. Noah Holbrook officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be friends of the family. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Ms. Poore of 100 Moore St. went to be with her Lord, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, with her family who loved her dearly by her side. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Christopher Poston MARION – Christopher Allen Poston, age 22, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, in Smyth County Community Hospital. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory. Marie Anne Ramsey MARION – Marie Anne Geisenhaver Ramsey, 52, died at her home. Born on June 4, 1951, in Tecumseh, Mich., she was the daughter of the late Arthur James and Wanda Milbourn Geisenhaver. She was a 1969 graduate of Tecumseh High School and a 1974 graduate of Alma College in Alma, Mich., with a degree in Social Work. Marie had worked with the Department of Social Services for a number of years and was an Episcopalian. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald James and Shawna Crabtree Ramsey of Saltville; one granddaughter, Boadie Ramsey; one brother, Dr. Frank M. Geisenhaver and wife Lee Ann of Abingdon; one nephew, Angus Pochyla and wife Cassie, and a niece, Margaret Pochyla, all of Abingdon. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service. Margaret Roark BRISTOL, Va. – Margaret Lois Dye Roark, age 65, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, in the Wellmont Bristol Hospice. She was the daughter of the late Clyde Beverly and Gracie Inez Pippin Dye. She was the widow of Herbert Burnis Roark. She was retired from the Martha Washington Inn of Abingdon. Survivors include one daughter, Cyndee Roark of Bristol Virginia; four sons, Ronnie Roark and wife Joanie of Abingdon, Tim Roark and wife Shelia, Robbie Roark and Larry Roark and wife Lisa, all of Bristol Virginia; her fiancé, Lloyd Hughes; three sisters, Joyce Rhoten of Abingdon, Billie Sue Eanes of Danville, Va., and Pat Dye of Nashville; three brothers, Jack Dye and Bobby Dye, both of Bristol Virginia, and Homer Dye of Abingdon; eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Margaret Lois Dye Roark will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2004, in the Campbell Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Paul Price and Rev. Clifford Roark Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Abingdon. Active pallbearers will be Gary Roark, Buddy Parris, Larkin Garland, David Rhoten, Larry Rhoten and Cecil Rhoten. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Rhoten, Jim McVey, Ralph Wilson and Jimmy Gregory. The family will receive friends at the Campbell Funeral Home from 7-9 Sunday evening. The family would like to extend their thanks to the Wellmont Bristol Hospice. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. Donley Roop CHILHOWIE – Donley Roop, age 76, died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. He was born in Grayson, Va., to the late Garfield and Delilah Hart Roop, and was preceded in death by two sisters, Grace Batemen Powers and Virginia Mizell, and three brothers, Johnny Taylor, James J. Roop and Frank Roop. Mr. Roop was a route salesman with Universe Corporation, having retired after 18 years of service. Survivors include wife, Ruth Roop; one brother, William N. Roop, Lady Lake, Fla.; three sisters, Elsie Ferraro, Marion, Faye Boyd, Sarasota, Fla., and Charmie Couch, Oxford, Fla., and numerous nieces and nephews including Pricilla Cook, Joe Ferraro and Lisa Murphy. Funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Sunday from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Dennis Eller, Rev. Frank Powers and Rev. Paul Doane officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the McClure Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial donations can be made to the McClure Cemetery, c/o Helen Goodman, 613 St. Clairs Creek Rd., Chilhowie, VA 24319. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family of Mr. Roop. Mary Marie Tiller COUNCIL, Va. – Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Marie Tiller will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens at Lebanon. Pallbearers will be Dr. Brian Maggard, G.C. Barton, Leroy Edwards, Shawn Tiller, Todd Tiller, Rodney Tiller, Anthony Tiller and Blaine Breeding. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Barton, Chester Penley, Jamie Penley and Tracey Tiller. Mrs. Tiller, age 82, passed away Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004, in a Richlands hospital. William Tuell Jr. ATKINS, Va. – William Joseph Tuell Jr., age 33, died Feb. 12, 2004, in Ashe County, N.C. Survivors include wife, Kristy Tuell; mother and stepfather, Polly and Barney Blankenbeckler, Rural Retreat; father and stepmother, William Joseph Tuell Sr. and Wanda, Fishersville; grandmother, Rachel Emma Tuell, Fishersville, and several stepbrothers and sisters also survive. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Pastor Steve Hutton officiating. Interment will follow in Lowman Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family of Mr. Tuell.