Bridgewater College remembers members of the community it has lost.
In the next issue of Bridgewater, you will see a change in format to the Memorials section. We will be publishing shorter memorials to allow for a larger Class Notes section and more Bridgewater College news. Please continue to send memorial information to: alumnews@bridgewater.edu.
Lowell Anthony Miller, Business Manager and Treasurer of Bridgewater College from 1958-83, died Sept. 9, 2018, at his home at the Bridgewater Retirement Community. He was 101.
He was born on July 28, 1917, to David Racy and Sarah Frances Wampler Miller. The youngest of eight children, he was born and raised on the Miller farm in the Greenmount area, and spent most of his life in Rockingham County, Va.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Peggy Wright Miller ’47, and five children: Michael A. Miller ’70 (Karen Stoneburner), Harrisonburg, Va.; Marilyn Miller Knopp ’73 (David), Staunton, Va.; Lawrence W. Miller ’74 (Ellen Burkholder ’79), Bridgewater; E. Dustyn Miller ’77 (Sherry Stitt ’75), Weyers Cave, Va.; and Robert R. Miller ’79 (Terri Gladwell ’80), Bridgewater, Va.
He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Ashley Miller Bucher (Jonathan), Molly Miller Billhimer ’08 (Wayne), Joy Anna Knopp Greer (Steve), Joel Knopp (Patricia), Samuel Knopp (Brandy), Nathanael Knopp ’08 (Jackie ’06), Kelly Marie Miller, Matthew Miller ’11 (Kariann), Rebekah Miller Stovall ’12 (Bill ’10) and Stephen Miller ’15, and 20 great-grandchildren.
Miller graduated from Bridgewater College in 1940. Following graduation, he spent a year in graduate school at Virginia Tech and another year as a Southern States store manager, before joining the U.S. Army in 1942. Raised in the Church of the Brethren, Miller initially registered as a conscientious objector, but after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he gave up that status. Soon afterward, he found himself on a troop ship headed to North Africa, and while serving in Italy, Capt. Miller was awarded a Bronze Star and the Silver Star for “Gallantry in Action.”
On June 8, 1947, Miller married the former Peggy Wright of Roanoke, Va. Miller taught vocational agriculture and coached at Linville Edom High School for several years before being elected to the first of two terms as Commissioner of Revenue for Rockingham County. In 1958, he became Business Manager and Treasurer at Bridgewater College, a position he held for 25 years. He received the Outstanding Service Medal upon his retirement.
In May 2017, Miller was honored with the Phillip C. Stone Award for Exemplary Service to the College. Miller was a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren, first at Greenmount and later at Bridgewater, serving as a deacon for 40 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the First National Bank for 30 years, was a longtime member of Ruritan National Inc., served on the Rockingham County
Equalization Board for many years and was Chair of the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the town of Bridgewater.
He and Peggy enjoyed traveling in their retirement, visiting all 50 states and 40 countries on six continents. He also enjoyed golf in his retirement, scoring two holes-in-one. He cherished most, however, the friendships with his golfing buddies. Gifts may be made to the Lowell A. and Peggy W. Miller Scholarship Fund c/o Bridgewater College, 402 E. College St., Bridgewater, VA 22812.
Robert Burton Houts Jr., Associate Professor of Spanish, Emeritus, from 1963-69 and 1970-92, died April 30, at White Birch Estates in Harrisonburg, Va. He was 90 years old.
He was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., on June 20, 1927, and was a son of the late Robert B. Sr. and Lois Keith Houts.
Houts served as a missionary in Peru for 11 years. He pastored Grace Gospel Chapel in Harrisonburg and Walker’s Chapel Church of the Brethren in Mount Jackson, Va. He retired from Pleasant View Church of the Brethren, also in Mount Jackson, after 22 years.
On Dec. 18, 1949, he married the former Martha Ann Werndli, who preceded him in death on April 2, 2010.
Houts is survived by three children, Keith Robert Houts and wife, Rebecca, of Harrisonburg, Va., Elisabeth Dickinson
of Chesterfield, Va., and Rosemary Simmons of Mount Crawford, Va.; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.
Joseph Kyle Scott ’35 of Hagerstown, Md., died May 30, at the age of 103. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942 and served on Tinian Island. He earned a master’s degree from Virginia Tech. He taught vocational agriculture and was the Future Farmers of America adviser at Williamsport (Md.) High School for 20 years. He then became principal of the school for 10 years before retiring. He was a member of Williamsport United Methodist Church for more than 70 years.
Ruth M. Solenberger Dobbins ’39 of Newark, N.J., died June 30, at the age of 101. She taught elementary school for many years. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Newark. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and playing bridge.
Mary Long Howar ’43 of Shenandoah Junction, W.Va., died June 15, at the age of 96. She was a Registered Nurse and served as a nurse in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She touched many lives as a nurse and in her love for God. She leaves a legacy of unconditional love for people, undiscriminating kindness and a compassionate heart.
Mildred Schmidt Nethken ’43, of Hagerstown, Md., died Aug. 8, at the age of 94. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. She began her teaching career in 1943 in the Garrett County Public School System and retired as Coordinator of the Office of Home Economics for the Baltimore County School System in 1983. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.
The Rev. Carl F. Smith ’43 of Manassas, Va., died May 27, at the age of 95. He was pastor of the Manassas Church of the Brethren from 1952-73, and then was a senior loan officer with Commonwealth Savings and Loan for 16 years. He volunteered with the Prince William Hospital Auxiliary for 17 years. Classical music, his faith and his family were important to him.
Anna Mae Pope Will ’45 of Bridgewater, Va., died April 22, at the age of 93. She taught typing and bookkeeping at Timberville High School. She was a member of the Church of the Brethren and served as a deacon and circle co-president. She was a member of various organizations, including president of the garden club, women’s club, Red Cross Blood Drive, bridge club and hospital auxiliary. She also volunteered in the hospital gift shop.
Lee Bowman Moomaw ’46 of Virginia Beach, Va., died March 29. She envisioned the Marsh Walk at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, helped found the Virginia Native Plant Society, volunteered at the Norfolk Botanical Garden and served on the Virginia Beach Beautification Committee and the Flower Guild of First Presbyterian Church. Her dedication to horticulture and conservation earned her awards from the Garden Club of America, the Garden Club of Virginia and the Virginia Beach Garden Club.
Evelyn Ritchie Tower ’46 of San Jose, Calif., and formerly of Richmond, Va., died Aug. 9, at the age of 91. She served 15 years as a Presbyterian missionary in South Korea. For many years, she taught at the hospital now known as Children’s Hospital of Richmond. She was an active member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. An accomplished prizewinning poet, Evelyn was invited by Dr. Phillip C. Stone to write a poem and read it at his inauguration as President of Bridgewater College in 1994.
Gloria E. Bohn Wilson ’46 of Bedford, Pa., died April 3, at the age of 92. She was an Assistant Home Demonstrator for the Maryland Extension Service inCumberland, Md. As an agent, she worked with more than 40 4-H clubs in Allegany County. She taught at various positions within the Bedford School District. She was a member of the Bedford Church of the Brethren.
The Rev. Myron Shipman Miller ’47 died Nov. 3, of complications following pneumonia. He was 95. He graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary and was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. In his 37 years with the Virginia Council of Churches, he served as Associate Executive, Executive, Director of Program Ministries and Director of the Migrant Head Start program. He was an active member of the West Richmond Church of the Brethren.
David Eller Flora Sr. ’48 of Bridgewater, Va., died Nov. 5, at the age of 96. He served in the Civilian Public Service during World War II. He taught industrial arts, managed a camp/conference center and made cabinets. He was a Boy Scout leader and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. He was active in both the Westminster (Md.) and Bridgewater churches of the Brethren. He was an avid woodcarver, creating birds, ducks and jewelry.
Eva Lee White Sencindiver ’48 of Strasburg, Va., died Nov. 1, 2017, at the age of 90. She was a member of Strasburg Presbyterian Church, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Massanutten Garden Club, Strasburg Compassion Cupboard and Strasburg Heritage Society. She was also a docent at the Strasburg Museum.
The Rev. Eugene Edward Smith ’48 of Churchville, Va., died Aug. 14, at the age of 90. He earned a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary and a master in school administration and supervision from DePaul University. He was an educator for 37 years, serving as teacher, coach and principal. He retired in 1989 as Director of Instruction and Maintenance at the Augusta County School Board central office. He was a lifelong member of the Elk Run Church of the Brethren, where he served 11 years as pastor. He is survived by his wife, Theresa.
Dr. Herman Wallace Brubaker ’49 of Roanoke, Va., died April 12, at the age of 93. He earned his M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia. He completed an internship and internal medicine residency at Lewis-Gale Hospital. After working at the Floyd County Clinic in 1957, he opened the Boxley Hill Clinic, where he practiced family medicine until retiring in 2004. A lifelong member of Williamson Road Church of the Brethren, he served as deacon, board member and Sunday school teacher. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth.
Elva Aylor Einsel ’49 of Westerville, Ohio, died May 23, at the age of 89. She earned an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia and, as a U.S. Army wife, moved 19 times before retiring in Ohio. She was a reading specialist and English teacher for more than 23 years, did secretarial work at the Pentagon for eight years and served as church secretary at Ebenezer United Methodist Church until her mid-70s. She enjoyed gardening.
John Luther “J.L.” Hopkins III ’49 of McGaheysville, Va., died June 24, at the age of 90. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer and developer. He started the first commercial cage laying operation in Virginia and the first U.S. Department of Agriculture on-farm egg grading operation. In 1970, along with several local professionals, he created Massanutten Development Inc., which is known today as Great Eastern Resort. He developed and built four hotels, three golf courses, five Neighbors convenience stores, restaurants, student-housing complexes, residential developments and two shopping centers. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen.
Jo Ann Moomaw Miller Lowdon ’49 of Botetourt County, Va., died May 22, at the age of 91. She graduated from the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing. She taught nursing at Rockingham Memorial Hospital’s School of Nursing. She earned a master’s degree from Hollins College (now University) and taught in the nursing program at Virginia Western Community College, eventually becoming the program’s director. She worked as Director of Nursing at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center and later developed the LPN-to-RN nursing program at Blue Ridge Community College.
Kathleen Wright Wampler ’49 of Blacksburg, Va., died June 20, at the age of 90. She began her career working for the state of Virginia as a Cooperative Extension Agent, and later earned an M.S. in family and child development from Oklahoma State University. In 1963, she joined Virginia Tech as an Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor in Family and Child Development, retiring in 1983. She was a recipient of the Outstanding Service to Young Children Award presented by the Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education. She was an elder at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church.
Bertie Prather Leahy ’50 of Bethesda, Md., died Nov. 20, at the age of 90. She graduated from Bridgewater College and Washington School for Secretaries and worked first as a transcriber for the National Institutes of Health and later as a bookkeeper for the family business—Leahy Plumbing & Heating. A lifelong sports fan, her favorite teams were the Nationals, the Wizards, the Redskins and the Maryland Terrapins.
Joyce Catherine Moyers ’50 of Harrisonburg, Va., died June 12, at the age of 90. She earned an M.S. in library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She retired as Director of Rockingham Public Library (now Massanutten Regional Library) after 36 years of service. More recently, she worked as a part-time receptionist in Oak Lea at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She was a member of Linville Creek Church of the Brethren, where she served on the church board and was financial secretary.
Dawn Arey Smith ’50 of Harrisonburg, Va., died July 17, at the age of 89. She and her husband, the late William L. Smith Jr., operated Hill Top Grocery. She taught piano for 25 years, and volunteered with the Cub Scouts of America and Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Harrisonburg, where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She served two terms on the Harrisonburg City School Board.
James R. Stevenson ’50 of Columbus, Ohio, died Jan. 16, at the age of 91. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the Philippines and Japan. He served as a missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 16 years, and was a United Methodist pastor in Ohio until retirement. He is survived by his wife, Martha.
Earl C. Walston ’50 of Midlothian, Va., died July 8, at the age of 91. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army’s 19th Medical Laboratory in the Philippines. His career began as a bacteriologist, and evolved into pharmaceutical sales and then business and sales management. He retired as Sales Manager of Anchor Hocking Glassware in 1983 and moved from New York to Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, the former Marie Burgess ’48.
Doris Jean Garst Floyd ’51 of Bartlesville, Okla., died Sept. 29, at the age of 88. She lived in Chestertown, Md., for many years, where she was a deacon at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown. She was an avid volunteer and served on many boards, including Horizons, KART and the Hospital Auxiliary Board. She actively volunteered with the Chestertown Hospital, American Cancer Society, Red Cross, Hospice, Horizons and KART.
Eugene “Gene” E. Hillyard ’51 of Harrisonburg, Va., died Aug. 25, at the age of 89. He served in the Korean War. Most recently, he was employed at Sellers Real Estate and Rocco Building Supplies. He attended the Otterbein United Methodist Church.
Merle L. Jenkins ’51 of Orange Park, Fla., died Nov. 13, at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Lynn.
Dr. Raymond Franklin Moore Jr. ’51 of Sumter, S.C., died Sept. 29, at the age of 90. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He received a Ph.D. in entomology from Rutgers University. He spent the majority of his career in the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was the former director of the European Parasite Laboratory near Paris. He was a Boy Scout troop leader and an avid geometric artist.
The Rev. John Earle Sayre ’51 of Bridgewater, Va., died Nov. 8, at the age of 92. He graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary and pastored congregations in Roanoke, Timberville and Beaver Creek near Bridgewater. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. After retiring from full-time ministry, he served as Associate Director of Admissions at Bridgewater from 1985-92 and maintained a private counseling practice. He was a member of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren.
Evelyn Welch Trostle ’51 of Huntingdon, Pa., died May 2, at the age of 87. She taught home economics in Shanksville, Pa., was a registered nurse in Orlando, Fla., and practiced as a nurse supervisor for Ashe Services for Aging in West Jefferson, N.C. She served in the church as board chair, deacon, member of the choir and parish nurse. She was a committee member for National Christian Education Conference in Orlando. She served on Southern Appalachia Leadership Initiative on Cancer for the Carolinas and Georgia. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Charles.
Gilbert Clarence Walbridge ’51 of Easton, Md., died Aug. 22, at the age of 98. During and after World War II, he served in Civilian Public Service at the Selective Service headquarters in Washington, D.C., at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., and at Camp Kane, a Forest Service base camp, located in Kane, Pa. From the 1950s to the 1980s, he was partners with his two brothers in operating Walbridge Bros. Construction. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren since 1929. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Marjorie.
Gar Miley ’52 of Harrisonburg, Va., died June 27, at the age of 87. He earned a master’s degree from Madison College (now James Madison University). He served as principal of Ottobine, Timberville and Pleasant Valley elementary schools for 31 years before retiring. He also served as a board member of Blue Ridge Community College. He was a lifelong member of the Dayton Church of the Brethren. He is survived by his wife, Peggy.
Robert Howard Reichard ’52 of Harrisonburg, Va., died Nov. 24, at the age of 86. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served in Japan during the Korean War specializing in Russian communication interpretation. He earned a M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Columbia Pacific University. In 1982, he founded Evangel Theological Seminary and served as President until 2007. He is survived by his wife, Martha.
David Milton Dooley ’53 of Roanoke, Va., died Sept. 16, 2015, at the age of 82. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and flight instructor, logging 3,300 hours in jet fighters. He flew with Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong stateside during the Korean War. He worked in sales for Smith Transfer Company for more than 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Marceline.
Warren Robert Wright ’53 of Clearwater, Fla., died July 15, at the age of 88. In 1953, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a pilot and flew 275 combat missions in Vietnam. He earned numerous awards and medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and seven Air Medals. He earned an honorable discharge as a Major from the Air Force in 1973. He served as a pilot for a Florida-based homebuilder and, later, was the Chief Executive Pilot for the Home Shopping Network, before retiring in 1995.
Ray W. Judy ’54 of Kalamazoo, Mich., died May 9, at the age of 85. He was employed at The Upjohn Company, where he was a biochemist. He received an Upjohn Award in 1991, the highest recognition for an employee. He served as caregiver for his wife, Carol, who died in 2003 following a long battle with Huntington’s disease.
Anna Kathryn Schwaninger Ebling ’55 of Easton, Md., died April 16, at the age of 85. She and her husband, Dudley, who predeceased her, farmed for many years. She was also Payroll and Accounts Payable Clerk at Saulsbury Brothers Inc. for 24 years before retiring. She served in many roles at Ridgely and Peach Blossom (Easton) churches of the Brethren, including music and worship, outdoor ministries at Camp Mardela and church district activities.
Donald Lee Shoemaker Jr. ’55 of Staunton, Va., died Oct. 20, at the age of 86. He served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge two years later. He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service at Woodrum Station in Staunton, serving as supervisor and retiring in 1987. He owned and operated Custom Lawn and Garden Service for many years and retired from Sunnyside Retirement Community as a security officer. He was a member of Staunton Church of the Brethren. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma Jean.
Benjamin David Beydler ’56 of Bridgewater, Va., died Aug. 7, at the age of 86. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard at the age of 17 and served during the Korean War. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and served as a teacher and principal for more than 30 years at numerous schools in Augusta County, Va. He was a founding member, first president and a trustee of the Bridgewater Historical Society and Museum.
Richard “Dick” Weikel Graves ’56 of Vienna, Va., died March 20, at the age of 89. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1950-54. He earned an M.Ed. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He worked as an Athletic Director at Langley High School until retiring in 1987. For many years, he volunteered at the Lamb Center, the National Lutheran Home and Dulles Airport Traveler’s Aid. He was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Joey.
Doris Eller Heisel ’56 of Modesto, Calif., died April 26, at the age of 84. She was a special education teacher. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, visiting the sick and traveling. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, John, daughters Gail Heisel ’82 and Joy Heisel Schempp, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
T. Rodman “Rod” Layman ’56 of Pulaski, Va., died Oct. 27, following a long struggle with diabetes. He was 83. He served briefly in the U.S. Army. He earned a juris doctorate from the University of Richmond. He joined the Crowell-Nuckols law firm (now Crowell, Nuckols, Layman and Aust) in the early 1960s and later served as a U.S. District Attorney in Roanoke. He was appointed by Virginia Gov. John Dalton as Secretary of Public Safety and by Gov. George Allen to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Barbara.
The Rev. Bobby Leonard Phillips ’56 of Roanoke, Va., died March 28, at the age of 83. He graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary. He was ordained to the ministry and served seven congregations. He served as moderator for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and as a member, Commission Chair and Chairperson of the Virlina District Board. He was a teacher for the Three-Year Reading Course (predecessor to the Christian Growth Institute). He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edna.
Arva V. Short ’56 of Luray, Va., died April 24, following a long battle with cancer. He was 88. He served in the Korean War and was stationed in Munich from 1951-53. He worked for more than 35 years for State Farm Insurance Co. He retired in 1991 as an Operations Supervisor in the Underwriting Department of the Frederick regional office. He was a member of the Leaksville United Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Jane.
Marilyn Joy Nash Beebe ’57 of Las Vegas died April 13, at the age of 83. She worked for AT&T in Chicago until retiring and moving to Las Vegas in 1998. She was a member of the Bassett Church of the Brethren. She enjoyed her family, talking to friends, pets, nature, music and animals.
Betty Lou Jack Dunkle ’58 of Virginia Beach, Va., died April 23, at the age of 81. She worked for the Leader Papers before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as a Finance Specialist. She enjoyed traveling and serving her country.
Carolyn Yates Seidel ’59 of Clifton, Va., died Dec. 11, at the age of 79. She was retired as Editor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Extension Service Review. She volunteered for eight years writing calligraphy in the Clinton White House. She served as a deacon in the Oakton Church of the Brethren. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bob.
Glen Elwood “Nick” Shirkey ’59 of Mint Hill, N.C., died April 14, at the age of 88. He excelled in baseball and signed a Major League contract with the St. Louis Browns before serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. He worked in the insurance industry. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kathryn.
Sue Burkholder Brown ’60 of Charlottesville, Va., died April 26, at the age of 80. She spent most of her 17-year teaching career in Albemarle County Public Schools before becoming a professional decorator. She was inducted into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. She was active in her church, serving on many committees and participating in multiple mission trips, including Haiti. She loved traveling, most recently to France and Italy. She is survived by her husband, Travis.
Janet Lehanna Dove ’60 of Richmond, Va., died Aug. 25, at the age of 80.
Mary Frances “Billie” Moses Carter ’61 of Appomattox, Va., died Dec. 19, 2017. She was active in the community and was a member of her church choir. She served as a mentor. She loved horses and outdoor activities, including camping and kayaking. She was a nationally certified dog groomer. In October 2017, she and six special BC friends, who call themselves “The Rebecca Hall Rowdies,” had a celebration of 60 years of friendship.
Wayne Cody Garst ’61 of Salem, Va., died Oct. 23, at the age of 79. For 30 years, he worked for Virginia Tech, as part of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, in various posts throughout the state. Following retirement in 1990, he served as director of several camps, including Camp Bethel in Fincastle, Va. He was a member of Green Hill Church of the Brethren, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and the Virlina District disaster response coordinator. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean.
William Randall Hall Sr. ’61 of Scottsdale, Ariz., and formerly of Danville, Va., died June 26, at the age of 82. He earned a master in education from Towson State University. He was a teacher and guidance counselor with Baltimore City Public Schools until he retired in 2000. He was a talented athlete, artist, writer, photographer and an avid nature-lover.
Barbara Bland Landis ’61 of Harrisonburg, Va., died Sept. 18, at the age of 78. She taught English and coached debate in the Augusta County Public Schools. She also owned and operated a bridal and formal wear business and later enjoyed being a sales associate at Belk. She enjoyed reading, music and homemaking. She is survived by her husband, James.
Richard Benjamin Harbaugh ’63 of Mechanicsville, Md., died April 4, at the age of 76. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a computer programmer for 30 years at the U.S. Census Bureau. He was an avid Washington Redskins fan. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Mary Ann Ludwick ’64.
Judith Hayslett Hatcher ’65 of Staunton, Va., died May 17, at the age of 73. She earned a master of early childhood education from the University of Virginia. Before retiring, she was employed as a teacher by Alleghany County and Staunton City Schools. She was the director of Effie Ann Johnson Nursery. She was a member of Olivet Presbyterian Church. She volunteered at Augusta Health, Western State Hospital and the Salvation Army, and played piano in many area nursing homes. She is survived by her husband, Paul ’66.
Sonya Caton Price ’65 of Charleston, W.Va., died April 20, following a 34-year battle with cancer. She was 74. She was cofounder/owner/operator of the family business, Price Management Corp., where she worked until retiring in 2012. She was a member of Ruffner Memorial Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, music, art, reading and working on her computer. She was also an avid animal lover. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Roger.
Joeanne Hastings Willey ’65 of Mardela Springs, Md., and formerly of Delmar, Md., died Oct. 2, at the age of 75. She taught French and Spanish at Delmar High School before retiring in 1991. In retirement, she served as a substitute teacher. For many years, she served as scorekeeper for the basketball and wrestling teams. She also chaperoned class trips, experiencing the culture of Europe and other areas.
Catherine “Joyce” Wiskeman-Phillips ’65 of Bristow, Va., died Nov. 17, following a brief illness. She was 75 years old. She was retired from the Prince William County Public Schools as an elementary teacher after teaching for 38 years. She served 18 years on the Prince William County Library Board and was chair for 17 of those years. In 2016, the Prince William Library at Independent Hill dedicated an outdoor pavilion in her name.
Sandra Sue Layman Bolton ’66 of Daleville, Va., died April 8, at the age of 74. She was a lifelong member of Daleville Church of the Brethren, frequently holding leadership positions at the congregational and district levels. She is survived by her husband, Benton.
Samuel David Flory ’68 of Waynesboro, Va., died March 28, at the age of 72. He earned a B.S. in pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia. He was retired as a Staff Pharmacist at Augusta Health. He was a member of Wayne Hills Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, elder and Chairman of the Elders. He is survived by his wife, Lillian.
Donna Kay Adams Rittenhouse ’69 of Bridgewater, Va., died on Oct. 25, following a recurrence of mantle cell lymphoma. She was 79. She earned a doctorate of education from the University of Maryland. She taught preschoolers and elementary students in Maryland and college students in Missouri, as an adjunct professor of education at Webster University. She was an active member of the Church of the Brethren. She was active with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She is survived by her husband, Wilbur.
Louis Mason Spicer III ’70 of Dayton, Va., died May 23, at the age of 71. He was employed by Stanley Furniture and later by Rockingham County Public Schools. He enjoyed HO scale model railroading and hot rods, including a 1932 Ford coupe that he owned. He was a member of the Dayton United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir.
Jerry Dean Plunkett ’71 of Boones Mill, Va., died Sept. 3, following a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 70. He was retired from FinishMaster of Roanoke and he was a lifelong member of Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren. He was active with Relay for Life.
Michael Brent Armstrong ’72 of Morgantown, W.Va., died Jan. 15, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Brenda.
Michael J. Layman ’72 of Fincastle, Va., died Dec. 26, 2017.
James Craft ’74 of Suwanee, Ga., died Sept. 4. He earned a master of business administration from James Madison University. For the past 25 years, “Crafty,” as he was known during his BC years, and his dorm mates from the second floor of Wright East would get together several times a year to play golf and spend time together.
Chris Edwin Miller ’77 of Linville, Va., died July 18, at the age of 63. He worked for more than 20 years at various newspapers, operated the Daily Grind in Park View, Va., and worked for Shenandoah Growers. He was a member of Zion Mennonite Church. He had a passion for music—sang in various choirs, assisted with Broadway High School musicals and led singing at West Side Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Teresa.
David Edwin Will ’83 of Glen Allen, Va., died suddenly Sept. 15, at the age of 57. He joined the certified public accounting firm of Mitchell, Wiggins & Co. and, in 1994, became partner in charge of the Richmond, Va., office. He was an active member of Crestwood Presbyterian Church and later at Mount Vernon Baptist Church. He established the David E. Will Endowed Scholarship for the Support of Public Accounting at Bridgewater College. He is survived by his wife, the former Deborah Layman ’83.
Dana Garber Tacy ’88 of Verona, Va., died Oct. 25, at the age of 53. She taught at Grace Christian Elementary School for 15 years. Most recently, she taught at Covenant Preschool. She also taught at the Staunton-Augusta YMCA and Valley Dance Theatre. She is survived by her husband, David.
Sarah Bursey ’10 of Aiken, S.C., died on Oct. 20 from injuries sustained in a single motor vehicle accident. She was 30. She earned a master’s degree from American University. She had a heart for people, animals and, especially, the elderly.
