Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, VA (2026)

03/11/2026

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, is National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day. We would like to recognize our funeral directors who meet our families at possibly the hardest times of their lives and help to comfort and care for them to make the coming days as good as they can be. Patrick Lavender has been with us since November 1997 and Lisa Wooldrige has been here at Updike Funeral Home since March 2021. These two are the backbone of our business and we appreciate all they do to make our business the best it can be. Thanks Pat & Lisa!!

03/07/2026

Barbara Gray Powers, 84, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026 in her home with her loving husband, Johnny Powers by her side.

Barbara was born on May 7, 1941 in Bedford, Virginia to the late Gwen Lee Gray and Johnson William Gray. She graduated from Bedford High School Class of 1960 with her high school sweetheart, Johnny. She enjoyed cheer leading and was the beautiful homecoming queen of her senior year.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Gray Walker and her mother-in-law whom she loved as a mother, Nellie Powers; and her sister-in-law and best friend, Jean Powers.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Johnny Powers; her children Lee Ann Showers (Phil), Brian Powers; her grandchildren, Natalee Powers and Jack Powers (mother Jennifer Arbogast); brother Billy Gray (Becky); brother-in-law Larry Powers (Janet) and his daughter Charlotte Powers; and other nieces and nephews.

Her greatest joy was her family, especially caring for her two grandchildren as she watched them grow up. She was a lifelong member of Bedford Christian Church, where she was actively involved in the life of her church. She enjoyed spending time by their pool and on their boat at Smith Mountain Lake, her crafts of needle point and pencil coloring. Barbara worked for many years at a local oil company, throughout the changes of ownership, the last being Watts Petroleum. She was beloved by her coworkers and truly enjoyed working with the public.

A celebration of her life will be held at Bedford Christian Church on Tuesday, March 10 th . Visitation will be at 10 am, with a memorial service at 11 am, led by the Reverend Doctor David Walton. A reception for friends and family will follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Bedford Christian Church building fund or the D-Day Memorial.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

03/06/2026

Robert Wayne McDaniel, 63 of Altavista, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. He was born July 18, 1962, a son of the late Claude McDaniel and Shirley Hall McDaniel. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Tim McDaniel.

He was retired from the Wastewater Treatment Management in Altavista & Chatham. He enjoyed listening to music & going to dances.

He is survived by his sister, Angela Hensley; his nieces & nephews, Gage Hensley, Tabitha Bowker, Ashley Smith, Kaylee Bowker, Conner Bowker, Wyatt Cox; and special friends, Cindy Taylor & children, Stephanie Taylor & Daniel Taylor.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4 until 6 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.

03/05/2026

Linda Lewis Moorefield, 77, of Moneta, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at her residence. She was born on Saturday, May 8, 1948 to the late Milton Lewis & Dorothy Brydon Lewis. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Marshall Caudle.

Linda was a member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church and a hairdresser for many years. She enjoyed crocheting and home decorating. Linda also enjoyed her animals, especially her two dogs, Cindy & Max; and her cat, Buster.

Surviving is her husband of 23 years, Wayne Moorefield; her furbabies, Cindy, Max & Buster; and many special friends.

Per Linda’s wishes, there will be no services.

Arrangement by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

03/05/2026

Gary Lee Howell, 92 of Altavista & formerly of Huddleston passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the home of his daughter, Sylvia. He was born on Tuesday, August 15, 1933, a son of the late William Howell and Ella Ferguson Howell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen Jean St.Clair Howell, a daughter, Sharon Cox, a grandson, Corey Cox, his brothers, Kenneth Howell (Peggy), Douglas Howell (Carol); his sister, Regina Morgan (Dennis).

He was retired from the Lane Company and was a member of Palestine Baptist Church. He was a founding member of the Huddleston Rescue Squad and also served with the Huddleston Fire Department for over 50 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Sylvia Smith (Phillip); his son, Gary Michael Howell; a sister, Eva Elmore,; a brother, Roger Howell (Phyllis); his son-in-law Danny Cox; his grandchildren, Autumn Mayhew (Frankie), Tommy Cox, Timmy Howell, Brooke Patterson (Scott), Mark Smith, April Smith, Peggy English, Jessi Howell, Lauren Walden (Jamie) as well as eighteen great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Palestine Baptist Church and a funeral service will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Dave Janney officiating. Interment, with military honors will follow in Palestine Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.

03/04/2026

Rita Yuvonne McFall, 75 of Bedford, entered her heavenly home on March 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ guided her life and shone through in the way she loved and served others. She cherished her family deeply, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Burt McFall Sr and Ora Lorain McFall, her sister, Sheba Ann McFall and brothers Jesse Burt McFall Jr., Douglas Wayne McFall.

Rita was a graduate of Liberty High School. Her heart for caring began at a young age as a “candy striper” at Bedford Memorial Hospital where her passion for nursing first took root. That early calling blossomed into a dedicated nursing career. Never one to stop growing and learning, she later returned to school to earn a degree in counseling, where she worked with adolescents and individuals facing substance abuse challenges. She also shared her talents in medical coding and even earned a nail technician certificate simply for the enjoyment of learning something new.

She was a faithful and active member of Safe Harbor Community Church. Rita served on the praise and worship team and thoughtfully prepared birthday and sympathy cards for her church family. She loved participating in community plays and performances and brought warmth, enthusiasm, and laughter wherever she went. She especially enjoyed gospel. oldies and country music and could flat-foot dance with the best of them. Spunky, kind hearted, and full of life, she truly never met a stranger.

Those left to treasure her memory include her loving partner, Mike StClair; her brother, Donald McFall (Maria); her children, Michael Meador (Linda), Melissa Stump (Calvin), and Kristie O’Quinn; her grandchildren, Brandi Hubbard (Rusty),Christian Wegesin, Thomas Stump (Jessica),Hunter Meador, Morgan O’Quinn, Ethan O’Quinn, Lauren Stump, and Liberty Bailey; and her four beloved great-grandchildren, Cooper, Crew, Harper, and Everett.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Safe Harbor Community Church, 800 Peaksview Street, Bedford, VA 24523. with Pastor Jerry Parr officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Safe Harbor Community Church.

The family extends heartfelt love to Mike StClair for his constant love and devotion. They are also deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Oakwood Health and Rehab Center for their compassionate care and support.

Rita’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, service, joy, and unconditional love. Her spirit will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

03/03/2026

Cheryl Stephenson Lacy, 77, of Moneta, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born on Friday, April 9, 1948 to the late Roy E. Stephenson & Beulah B. Blankenship. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack Edward Lacy, Jr.

Cheryl was a member of Morgan’s Baptist Church, Alpha Psi Omega & Theatre Honor Society. She was a retired English & Theatre teacher for Staunton River High School, where she also did SOL preps and help tutor students. Cheryl enjoyed going to the gym & playing cards with the ladies.

Surviving are her sons, Matthew A. Smith (Jamie), Jack E. Lacy, III (Jeanette) & Henderson L. Lacy (October); grandchildren, Ian R. Smith, Dana Lacy, Christopher Lacy, Dixie Krantz, Alex Lacy & Katlyn Lacy; great-grandson, Theo Lacy; as well as many beloved cousins.

A service to celebrate Cheryl's life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Morgan’s Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

03/02/2026

Lendale Ray Mason, lovingly known as "PawPaw Lenny", 63 of Moneta, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at his home leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship and devotion to family and community. Lendale was born April 14, 1962 in Lynchburg, a son of the late Ray G. Mason and Josephine Mayhew Jacobs Mason. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Timothy Douglas Mason and a half-sister, Judy Overstreet Shields.

Lendale lived in Moneta all his life and grew up next to the fire department. Seeing those red trucks with red lights and sirens has been in his blood since before he was young enough to legally join the fire department. He would often share tales of his mother taking him to the fire scenes in her personal car when the calls went out. As a lifelong member of the department he served in many roles including President and Assistant Chief. Among some of his cherished memories were the years he served under his father, Ray, when he was Chief of the department. When the fire department was growing and was in the developmental stages of the station in the Diamond Hill area of the county to expedite turn out times, his home served as base to house the fire trucks to serve that end of the county. He instilled in his daughters the desire to help others in their time of need through the many episodes of having them "run" calls with him. They recall many times, sitting in his truck watching Lifeguard land somewhere and the pilots waving at the little girls. Nothing made him happier than being able to ride in those fire trucks, dump trucks and heavy equipment or to spend down time camping.

In addition to his over forty years of service with the fire department, Lendale was employed by VDOT for twenty-five years and was Superintendent at the New London area Headquarters in Bedford County. He was also owner of L. R. Mason Excavating and Hauling.

Surviving is his wife of forty years, Marcia Dinkle Mason; his daughters, Jessica (Brandon Reynolds), Andrea (Ben Criner); his son, Dock Epperly (Christina); five grandchildren; Easton, Madison, Harper, Avery and Sophia; a brother, Greg Mason (Phyllis); three half-sisters, Hilda Craft (Jim), Peggy McCauley (Jim), Vickie Burley (Marshall); a half-brother, Douglas Jacobs, not to mention a number of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A special round of thanks to Diane Cunningham and Tracy Goodman for all the hours they spent caring for Lendale after his accident. Additional thanks to all the family and community members who have provided such strong support over the past six months.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Lendale to the Moneta Volunteer Fire Department, 12737 North Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121 or the Moneta Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 497, Moneta, VA 24121

Funeral services will be held at the graveside at Virginia Memorial Park at 11 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 PM until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

03/01/2026

Larry Lee Hackworth, 71 of Lynch Station passed away Friday, February 27,2026 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. Larry was born on Friday, June 18, 1954 in Bedford, the son of late Lonnie Bradford Hackworth, Sr. and Doris Una Creasy Hackworth.

Larry retired from BGF.

He is survived by his sisters, Goldie Sunders, Ella Goodman; brothers, Lonnie Hackworth, Jr. (Brenda), Ronnie Hackworth (Joyce), Ray Hackworth (Tammy); a special niece, Rhonda Pair; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston.

02/28/2026

Thomas Edgar "Tom" Rawlings, 87 of Thaxton, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 in the VA Medical Center. He was born on December 30, 1938 in Bedford County, a son of the late Edgar Rawlings and Makie Witt Rawlings Brown. He was also preceded in death by his sister, June Ellen Rawlings Crouch.

Tom was a graduate of Montvale High School, a retired employee of Rubatex Corporation, a proud veteran having served in the U. S. Army and enjoyed farming and raising cows.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of sixty-two years, Barbara Meador Rawlings; his eldest son, Edgar Rawlings and younger son, Jeff Rawlings (Kim); three granddaughters, Caitlin Hicks (Mac), Beth Rawlings, Tiffany Waldron; a great granddaughter, Jade Hicks. Tom was very proud of his children and granddaughters and enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could. Also surviving is his brother, Johnny Maynard Brown and sisters, Linda Rawlings Overstreet and Shirley Brown Witt.

The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford and a funeral service will follow at 1 PM in the chapel with Pastor Mike Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Glade Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/26/2026

Thomas Vincent Clark, Sr., 99, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 while in Georgetown, South Carolina. He was born on January 19, 1927, in Stony Point, New York, the son of Thomas Vincent Clark and Agnes H. Clark. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Clark, who passed away in 2021. He was preceded in death by oldest son Tom, Jr. and is survived by three of his sons: J. Kevin Clark of Copley, OH; Brian J. Clark and wife Mary Jo of Georgetown, SC; and Jeffrey G. Clark of Fairfax Station, VA.

After graduating high school in Haverstraw, NY, Tom proudly joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his service, he graduated from Xavier University, beginning a long and dedicated career in the civilian military service. He started in the US Army Corp of Engineers located in Richmond, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. He moved on work for the Navy in Charleston, SC and Washington DC as he advanced through the that organization.

As a proud father of four sons, Tom dedicated all his efforts to his young family with many hours spent on coaching baseball, basketball, Boy Scouts, school band, and a million things in support of his kids.

Following retirement, Tom settled in the Bedford, Virginia, where he enjoyed a full and active life. He was a devoted golfer at the Bedford Country Club for many years. He was a committed member of his church, Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church and volunteered time as a docent at Bedford’s D‑Day Memorial, and the Bedford Christian Ministries soup kitchen.

He and Betty found the time to travel and did a lot of that: Germany, Austria, Spain, Ireland, Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, northwest US, southwest US, and others all were experienced.

Tom’s life was marked by service, humility, integrity, generosity, humor, unwavering dedication to family. He will be remembered for the gentle wisdom and the love he gave generously to all who knew him.

In honor of Tom's life please consider making a donation to Heath Wagon, P.O. Box 7070, Wise, VA 24293.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Va. Interment will be in Resurrection Catholic Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

02/24/2026

Mary Elizabeth Reynolds Nichols Howell (“Mary Liz”), 91, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital in Bedford. Born on January 18, 1935, Mary was the daughter of the late Raymond Earl Reynolds and Beulah Beatrice Manley Reynolds. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Troy Lee Nichols (1972), and her second husband, Samuel Orville Howell (2011); brother, Garvis Musgrave Reynolds; sister, Sarah Reynolds Branch; and grandson, Eric Scott Nichols.

Mary is survived by her son, Tony Lee Nichols, of Bedford; grandson, Troy Nance Nichols and his wife, Amanda, of Abingdon; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Burke Nichols and Benjamin Nance Nichols, of Abingdon; daughter-in-law, Gypsy Roberts Nichols, of Bedford; nieces, Bonnie R. McKinney (Billy), of Coahuila, Mexico, Tina Reynolds, of Big Island, Shelby B. Byers (Frank), of Big Island, and Sheila B. Turpin (Dennis), of Big Island; nephew, Garvis M. Reynolds, Jr., of Roanoke; and numerous other family members and many friends.

Mary was a retired postmaster from the United States Postal Service and loyal member of Mentow Baptist Church in Huddleston, Virginia. She loved her church Joy Group and the many special friends she had in the church congregation. Mary was no stranger to hard work. In addition to postmaster, she worked diligently maintaining her farm and garden, and took pride in having an open kitchen where she cooked for so many to enjoy her delicious meals. For many years, she successfully ran her convenience store and restaurant, offering many of the same home cooked dishes. She enjoyed her various initiatives with real estate development and was well respected for having a high business acumen. Most importantly, she loved her family dearly and cherished every moment spent with them.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Mentow Baptist Church Cemetery in Huddleston, Virginia with Rev. Dr. Rick Foster officiating. There is no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mentow Baptist Church, 3282 Mentow Drive, Huddleston, Virginia 24104.

Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.updikefuneralhome.com.

Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service

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