U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Rev. Raymond S. Shoemaker, 91
Date of Death: May 13, 2009
Linville - Reverend Raymond Scott Shoemaker, 91, went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Rev. Shoemaker was born on October 5, 1917 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Jacob B. and Maggie Myers Shoemaker. He was ordained as a minister in the Church of the Brethren on July 11, 1952 where he served 45 years. He attributed his dedication to the Lord, to his Godley parents who took him to Church every Sunday as a small child and throughout his childhood. He worked at Riddleberger Brothers for many years and retired from James Madison University as the lead plumber after 20 years of service. He also enjoyed many years of working at his family farm in Linville. He was a member of Greenmount Church of the Brethren. Reverend Shoemaker was one of the seven late pastors which included Rev. M.J. Craun, Rev. J. Galen Wampler, Rev. I.C. Senger, Rev. J.W. Harpine, Rev. Charles T. Good, and Rev. Howard Lam who preached at the following seven Brethren Churches in the Shenandoah District, Greenmount, Fairview, Mt. Zion, Pine Grove, Melrose, Bethany and Bethel. On April 23, 1941, he was united in marriage to Alma Layman Shoemaker, his beloved wife of 65 years, who preceded him in death on June 25, 2006. Surviving are his son, Robert (Bob) Shoemaker of Linville, two grandchildren, Shawna Cross and husband Phil, Chayson Shoemaker and wife Mychaelle, all of Harrisonburg; one great-grandson, Josiah Cross and his daughter-in-law, Beckie Garber Shoemaker, also of Harrisonburg. Along with his wife, Rev. Shoemaker was preceded in death by two sons, Wayne Lee and Gary Scott Shoemaker. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Ward Shoemaker, Ava Hartman, Clarence Shoemaker, Orena Taylor, Carl Shoemaker, and Fleta Wombacker. Pastors Ken Dolan and Don Guthrie will conduct a funeral service Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. at Greenmount Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow at Greenmount cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg.
Freddie "Shobe" W. Myers
Date of Death: Sep 17, 2009
Freddie “Shobe” Wilson Myers, 71, a resident of 7501 Horeb Church Road, Dayton, died Thursday, September 17, 2009 at his home. Mr. Myers was born on June 27, 1938 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late William Edgar and Mary Virginia Ritchie Myers. He was a member of the Virginia Farm Bureau Association and Woodman of the World and was employed by Black Brothers Painting. He was an avid hunter and fisherman with great love and respect for the outdoors. On March 21, 1959 he married
the former Nancy Jean Craun who survives. Also surviving are five sons, Freddie Wilson Myers, Jr. and wife Loria , Timothy Ray Myers and wife Lisa, Robert Lee Myers and wife Barbara, all of Dayton, Michael Wayne Myers and wife Sarah and Kenny Allen Myers and wife Valerie all of Bridgewater; two sisters, Joyce Eunice (Myers) Cooper of Dayton, and Carolyn Joann (Myers) Rosenson of Richmond; twenty one grandchildren and twenty one great-grandchildren. Mr. Myers was preceded in death by three brothers, William “Mutt” Ernest Myers, Paul Samuel Myers and John Clifford Myers. Wendell “Sonny” Henkel and Reverends Tony Martin and Paul Collins will conduct a funeral service on Monday afternoon, September 21, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Spring Creek Nazarene Church in Bridgewater. Burial will follow at Clover Hill cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening at McMullen Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Clover Hill Fire and Rescue, 2100 Clover Hill Road, Dayton, Va. 22821.
Ollie M. Beach, 71
Date of Death: May 25, 2009
Harrisonburg - Ollie Mae Beach, 71, died May 25, 2009 at her home. Mrs. Beach was born on August 9, 1937, in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late Rader Landes and Mary Dorman. Mrs. Beach was formerly employed by Swift Poultry Plant in Harrisonburg for many years and then at the Comfort Inn and Belle Meade Hotels. Her husband Pete Alfred Beach Sr. preceded her in death. Surviving are four daughters, Joyce Shank, and husband Danny, Harrisonburg; Vera B. Floyd and husband Jake, Mount Solon; Cynthia Someija and husband Brad, Martinsville, VA; Betsy Wine and husband Frank, Grottoes; four sons, Pete Beach, Jr. and wife Donna; Harrisonburg; Clinton L. Beach and wife Sue, Harrisonburg; Tommy Beach, Bridgewater; Joseph (Joey) A. Beach, Utah; three sisters, Louise Jordan, Harrisonburg; Mabel Lambert, Mount Solon, and Pauline Spitzer, Harrisonburg; thirteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Pastor Dale Goodwin will conduct a graveside service Friday afternoon at 2p.m. at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7p.m. until 8p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, Virginia 23058-5216.
Harold F. Webster Sr., 96
Date of Death: May 16, 2009
Harrisonburg - Harold Franklin Webster, Sr., blessed with 96 years of earthly life, died at his residence, 917 Chestnut Drive, Harrisonburg, Virginia on Saturday, May 16, 2009 and joined the Church Triumphant in the sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life, clothed in glory and victory in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God! Mr. Webster was born April 14, 1913 in Bridgewater, Virginia to the late Vernon Linwood and Lottie Jones Webster. On June 16, 1934 he was united in Holy Marriage to Frances Lilly Thomas, who preceded him in death on January 15, 1986. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Minnick; two brothers, Roland and Orville; and a sister, Marie Mechalske; and son-in-law, Joseph H. Foltz. Mr. Webster was employed by Merck & Co., Stonewall Plant in Elkton, Va., for 34 years. He retired January 1, 1977 and enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, helping others, and spending time with his family. He had a great respect for God’s creation and enjoyed nature, the outdoors, the mountains, and the natural order of life as true expressions of divine love and care. At the time of his death, Mr. Webster was the oldest member of the Mt. Clinton United Methodist Church, where he actively participated and served God and others for many years in various capacities, and especially considered it an honor to be the treasurer of the Comrade’s Sunday School Class for 28 years. He had a deep passion for the ministry of Camp Overlook, and as a long-time member of the Mountain Movers he offered his gifts and time to help share the love and salvation of Jesus Christ to young and old. He was a volunteer with the Salvation Army for many years and had a special empathy for the poor and less fortunate in life. Mr. Webster is survived by two daughters, Louise Wright, and her husband Billy, and Joyce Foltz; a son, Harold Webster, Jr. and his wife Kathleen; a sister, Charlotte Murray, and her husband, Ashby; five grandchildren, Lisa Meyer, Cherise Randolph, Harold Webster, III, Gary Minnick, and Joel Webster; four great-grandchildren, Michael and Tyler Matthews, Liam Webster and Aiden Minnick; an aunt, Hazel Jones and a number of nieces and nephews. A Service of Death and Resurrection will be held at the Mt. Clinton United Methodist Church on Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Jack Schooler and Reverend Roy Hedrick officiating. Interment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Overlook, 3014 Camp Overlook Lane, Keezletown, Virginia 22832 or to the Mt. Clinton United Methodist Church, 1798 Muddy Creek Road, Harrisonburg, Va. 22802.
Max B. Wine, 81
Date of Death: May 25, 2009
Bridgewater - Max B. Wine, 81, a resident 107 A Weeping Willow Lane, Bridgewater, died Monday, May 25, 2009 at Sunnyside Retirement Community. Mr. Wine was born on December 9, 1927 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Mervin B. and Maybelle Showalter Wine. Mr. Wine graduated from Dayton High School in 1945 and Bridgewater College in 1950. He served in the United States Army as a medic from 1952 until 1954. He sold for Stock-Go, Eshleman Red Rose Feed, was the president of Farm Machinery Co, and the president and manager of People’s Supply in Charles Town, West Virginia. While in Charles Town, he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, and organized the first Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival. He started the United Way in Jefferson County, WV. Mr. Wine was a past master of the Eureka Lodge #195 in Bridgewater and a past patron of Shenandoah Valley Chapter 76, Order of the Eastern Star. He was a former member of the Charles Town Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon and also Cooks Creek Presbyterian Church. He was a member of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. He worked as a realtor for over 30 years, since 1978. On September 25, 1954, he married
the former Sara Bodkin who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Sara (Lynn) Custer and husband Harold, Melissa S. Wine, all of Bridgewater; one sister, Jane D’Arcy and husband Skip, Harrisonburg; and three grandchildren Mallory, Matthew and Andrew Custer. Pastors Paul O’Gorek and Chris Zepp will conduct a memorial service at 1p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren. Burial will be private. An Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 76 and Masonic Rites by Eureka Lodge 195 Service will be held at 6:30 on Wednesday evening followed by the family receiving friends from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. The casket will be closed. Friends may also call at the home of his wife at any time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 29119, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9119 or a charity of your choice.
Jackie Lee Shifflett, 65
Date of Death: May 24, 2009
Fulks Run - Jackie L. Shifflett, 65, died May 24, 2009 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Shifflet was born on April 3, 1944 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Viola Fagg. He worked for Rockingham Memorial Hospital. He attended Gospel Hill Mennonite Church. He is survived by a cousin, Jennings Shifflett. A funeral service Wednesday afternoon at 2p.m. at the Gospel Hill Mennonite Church. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7p.m. until 8 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg.
Madeline H. Hedrick, 82
Date of Death: Apr 13, 2010
Madeline Huffer Hedrick, a resident of Harrisonburg Health and Rehab, died Thursday, April 13, 2010. Mrs. Hedrick was born on January 31, 1928, in Augusta County and was the daughter of the late William Edward and Hattie Mae Todd Huffer. She retired from Wampler -Longacre Foods in 1992, and had also worked in the Sheraton Inn housekeeping department for many years. She was a member of the Clover Hill United Methodist Church. In 1956, she married
Herman Boyd Hedrick who preceded her in death on November 1, 1976. Surviving are three children, Dennis Boyd Hedrick and wife Dawn of Clover Hill, Linda H. Sheffer and husband Ernest of Mt. Solon, Robert Allen Hedrick of Clover Hill; one brother, William “Pete” Harold Huffer and wife Juanita of Bridgewater; four grandchildren, Julie Sheffer-Chase and husband Daniel of Orlando, Katie M. Myers and husband Evan of Mt. Solon, Carrie L. Riddle and husband Danny of Bridgewater, Jodie C. Derrow and husband Rusty of Dayton; and one great-grandchild, Quentin Alexander Myers. Mrs. Hedrick was preceded in death by one brother, Jesse Lee Huffer, and three sisters, Ruth Virginia Marshall, Sylvia Irene Marshall, and Bernice Arlene Cook. Reverend Rob Hoskins will conduct a funeral service, Friday, April 16, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Clover Hill United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Clover Hill cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home. Friends may also call at the home of Dennis Hedrick, 2958 Kerns Road, Dayton, Va. 22821. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central and Western Division, 2040 Deyerle Avenue, Suite 102, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801.
Velma T. Blondino, 72
Date of Death: Apr 14, 2010
Velma Thompson Blondino, 72, a resident of 9138 North Congress Street, New Market, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Ms. Blondino was born on May 26, 1937 in West Virginia and was the daughter of the late Fred L. and Myrtle Lynn Mitchell Propst. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, where she enjoyed volunteer work with Lynchburg General Hospital and Rockingham Memorial Hospital. She very much loved and enjoyed her grandchildren. She was a former member and Deacon of Euclid Christian Church. Surviving are one daughter, Susan Thompson Parke and husband Holt of Boyce; three sons, Robert Lee (Butch) Thompson and wife Delorse of Grottoes, Michael Leo Thompson and wife Angie of Lacey Springs, David Scott Thompson and companion Jeanetta of Bridgewater; four brothers, Harley Propst, Stanley Propst, Sheldon Propst, Jesse Carroll Propst; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Ms. Blondino was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters. Pastor Jay Linaburg and Reverend Craig Richter will conduct a memorial service Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Moyer, West Virginia. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. Friends may also call at the home of Mike and Angie Thompson, 11271 Indian Trail Road, Lacey Springs, Va. 22833 The family would like to extend special thanks to Blue Ridge Hospice, Continuing Care and caregivers Rose and Amy. Memorial contributions may be made to The Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280 Washington, DC 20077-7491.
Walter Montie Hughes, 77
Date of Death: Mar 31, 2010
Broadway - Walter Montie Hughes, 77, Runions Creek Road, Broadway, died March 31, 2010 at his home. Mr. Hughes was born on April 28, 1932 in Charlottesville, Virginia and was the son of the late Walter “Happy” and Ruby McCauley Hughes. He worked as a truck driver for Hartz Company and was a salesman for Kmart in the appliance department. He is survived by his wife, Ann Hughes and two sons, Walter Montie Hughes II, John Scott Hughes, one daughter, Kimberly Dawn Hughes, a step-daughter, Sheila A. Gann; five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Mr. Hughes was preceded in death by a son, Howard Michael Hughes who died December 1961 and a daughter, Cristy Lynn Hughes who died 1975. At his request, the body will be cremated and there will be no formal viewing or visitation. McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rockingham Memorial Hospice Program, 235 Cantrell Avenue, Harrisonburg, Va. 22801.
James B. Emswiler, 74
Date of Death: Apr 12, 2010
James Byron Emswiler, 74, a resident of Harrisonburg, died Monday, April 12, 2010 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital from complications of multiple myeloma. Mr. Emswiler was born on April 18, 1935 in Mathias, West Virginia and was the son of the late George Preston and Ettie Snyder Emswiler. Mr. Emswiler retired after thirty two years from C.S. Mundy Quarries Incorporated. He also worked for nine years at A & J Excavating. He served as Elder and was a member of the South Harrisonburg congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On June 11, 1959, he married
the former Barbara Biller who survives. Also surviving are two sons, James Myron Emswiler and wife Cherie of Fishersville, Kevin Brent Emswiler and wife Karen of Harrisonburg; three brothers, Bill Emswiler of Lynchburg, Ernest Emswiler of Charleston, West Virginia, Leonard Emswiler of Winchester; three sisters, Leota Elder of Winchester, Edith Tusing of Mathias, West Virginia, Peggy Mathias of Harrisonburg; two step-grandsons, Cody Comer and Kyle Comer. Mr. Emswiler was preceded in death by four brothers, Ervin Emswiler, Russell Emswiler, John Emswiler, Charles Emswiler and three sisters, Mary Fake, Lena Noble and Jeanette Combs. Aaron Einstein will conduct a memorial service Thursday, April 15, 2010 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7 until 8 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home. Burial will be private. The casket will be closed.
Donald Eugene Messerley, 88
Date of Death: Mar 24, 2010
Linville - Donald Eugene Messerley, 88, a resident of 5915 Golden View Drive, Linville died March 24, 2010 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mr. Messerley was born on January 20, 1922 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Eugene Walker and Leora Virginia Hinkle Messerley. Mr. Messerley served in the United States Army during World War II. He was the Rockingham County Appraiser from 1973 until 1987 and was a lifelong farmer in the Linville area. Mr. Messerley was a member of the Greenmount Church of the Brethren. On June 20, 1947, he married
the former Allison Diehl who survives. Also surviving are three sons, Dana Messerley and wife Sue, Linville; Timothy Messerley and wife Gloria, Linville; Jerry Messerley and wife Mary, Harrisonburg; two daughters, Susan Cowger, and husband Steven, Harrisonburg; Becky Messerley and husband Barry Kelley, Harrisonburg; one sister, Blanche Frank, Harrisonburg; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one step grandson and three step great grandchildren. Mr. Messerley was preceded in death by one grandson, a brother, Garland Messerley and a sister, Mary Sue Harris. Rev. Ken Dolan and Pastor David R. Miller will conduct a funeral service Saturday morning at 11a.m. at the Greenmount Church of the Brethren. Burial will follow at Linville cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from seven until eight at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenmount Church of the Brethren, 4881 Greenmount Road, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 or to the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice, 235 Cantrell Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801.
Paul B. Knight, 82
Date of Death: May 2, 2010
Paul Blane Knight, 82, a resident of 4493 Peake Mountain Road, Fulks Run, died Sunday, May 2, 2010 at his home. Mr. Knight was born on May 30, 1927 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Jack and Cliffie Cladwell Knight. He lived his entire life in the Peak community and was a member of Peake Pentecostal Church. He was married
to the former Ruby Hoover who preceded him in death. Surviving are four children, Speedy Knight of Harrisonburg, Avis Knight of Fulks Run, Wanda Smith of Brandywine, West Virginia, Carol Knight of Fulks Run; three brothers and sisters, Thelma Brooks, Lorraine Orbaugh, Lanny Knight, all of Fulks Run; eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Rickie Knight and Ronnie Knight and one sister, Gladys Knight and two brothers, Ted Knight and Ralph Knight. Reverend David Kile and J.B. Shoemaker will conduct a funeral service on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Mt. Clinton cemetery. Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, from 7 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Barbara A. Emswiler, 70
Date of Death: Apr 24, 2010
Harrisonburg - Barbara Ann Emswiler, 70, died April 24, 2010, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient. Mrs. Emswiler was born March 7, 1940 in Rockingham County and was the daughter of the late William Jennings and Elenora Frye Biller. Mrs. Emswiler worked as the office manager at Flat Rock Quarry for many years. She was a member of the South Harrisonburg Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On June 11, 1959, she married
James Byron Emswiler who preceded her in death on April 12, 2010. Surviving are two sons, James Myron Emswiler and wife Cherie of Fishersville; Kevin Brent Emswiler and wife Karen of Harrisonburg; two sisters, Mary Mundy of Harrisonburg; Linda Trumbo of Fulks Run; two step grandsons, Cody Comer and Kyle Comer. Mrs. Emswiler was preceded in death by a sister, Geraldine Shipp and a brother Boyd Biller. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 3p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses with Aaron Einstein officiating. The burial will be private. The family will receive friends at the Kingdom Hall following the memorial service. Honoring her wishes to be cremated, McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
