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Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 317 W Main Street, Bedford, VA (2025)

12/29/2025

Joyce Farris Baker, 87, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025 in Forest, Virginia, after a valiant third battle with breast cancer. Born on August 19, 1938, in Aurora, Illinois, she lived a full and vibrant life marked by fierce dedication to her family and her own special brand of feistiness.
Joyce grew up in Aurora and attended Michigan State University before moving to Chicago, where she worked as an administrative assistant. She met Hal—the love of her life—at the Chicago Ski Club, where the two had a ball together. After marrying in 1963, the couple moved to Cleveland, Ohio, then to Forest, Virginia, in 1972.
After raising her two young daughters, Joyce worked as a legislative aide for three consecutive delegates representing the 22nd district in the Virginia House of Delegates. Her commitment to civic engagement and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on those with whom she worked.
Beyond her work, Joyce was known for her dynamic spirit, zest for life, strength, resilience, beauty, and impeccable appearance. She embraced a wide range of interests over the years: skiing, cooking, playing tennis, gardening, and golfing. Her lifelong love for homemaking is reflected in the lovely spaces she created, culminating in her beautiful home on Ivy Lake.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Rollie and Zella Farris; her husband of 56 years, Hal Baker; her sister, Wilma Reuland; and her brother, James Farris.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Julie Baker and Laurie Wyatt; son-in-law, Shannon Wyatt; grandchildren, Kayleigh and Scott Wyatt; nephew, Fred Reuland and his partner, Martin Grochala; and her supportive Ivy Lake friends. All their lives have been deeply enriched by Joyce’s presence and will continue to be blessed by the wonderful memories they shared.
A private celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/26/2025

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, Tammy Gilbert Blizzard, who left this world peacefully on Christmas Day at the age of 61.
Born in Lynchburg VA on September 30, 1964, Tammy lived a life filled with kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She married her soulmate, Stephen Blizzard, with whom she shared 24 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a home where warmth, faith, and joy were constants, and where every holiday—especially Christmas—was a celebration of love.
A devoted mother to Matthew, Joshua and Megan, she poured her heart into nurturing, guiding, and cheering them on through every stage of life. Her gentle wisdom, warm hugs, and ability to make everyone feel special will be forever missed.
Tammy had a gift for making ordinary days extraordinary—whether through meals, her thoughtful words, or her quiet acts of generosity. Her passing on Christmas Day feels bittersweet, as it was her favorite day of the year, a time she always filled with light, music, and togetherness.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Mearl Gilbert; her mother, Phyllis Marr Witt; and two brothers, Jesse Mearl Gilbert, Jr., & Thomas Randall Gilbert.
She is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Blizzard, three children, Matthew Bryant, Joshua Williams, & Megan Parker, and two sisters, Cindy Currin (Don), and Donna Evans (Dennis).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St John's Episcopal Church (314 N Bridge Street, Bedford VA) at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to SJC Warming Shelter and Shower & Suds Ministry at St John's Episcopal Church or an organization close to her heart.
Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in knowing that her love will continue to guide us, and that her spirit will forever be part of every Christmas morning.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/23/2025

Karen Denise Lang went to be with the Lord, Saturday December 20, 2025. She was born October 20, 1959, the daughter of the late Raleigh T. Orange and Ida P. Orange.
Denise loved animals of all kinds, traveling, and going on mission trips to share her love of God. She cherished being a part of the Taylor’s Mountain community. As many of us know she loved plants and enjoyed landscaping.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jerry Orange.
She is survived by her daughters, Jessica Craig and Jenna Francisco; her grandsons, Isaiah Craig and Jamie Craig; and her granddaughter Isabella Francisco, Nana's sunshine. She is also survived by her loving companion, Ernest Myers; her sister, Regina (Troy) Cheek; her brother, Roger Orange; her cousin Debra Ellis; special friends, Brenda Hammans, Rhonda Maxey, Peggy Nester; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Her final wish was to be cremated, with her ashes buried by her parents on Taylor’s Mountain.
She will be deeply missed, but her love, kindness and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/22/2025

Scottie Lynn Rider, 44, of Moneta, Virginia suddenly and unexpectedly left this earth and has gone home to be with his Momma and Daddy, Vicky and Roy Rider, on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
He is survived by his brother, Lee and wife, Heather Rider & their children & grandchildren; and his brother, Todd Nuckols.
He is also survived on his mother’s side by Dinah Davis & family, and on his father's side, Danny Rider & family.
At the time of his passing, Scottie worked for Adams Construction, where he loved working with his big brother Lee, every day.
Scottie will surely be missed by all. Some friends he had for a lifetime while others he met along the way.
He never met a stranger, he didn’t talk much, but he would help anyone out with anything that was ever needed. If you were good to him, he was good to you. Life was just that simple for him.
If there is anything we can take from knowing and loving Scottie, and who he was, let it be this:
Speak lightly.
Don't be scared of a damn thing.
Leave a huge impact when you leave.
We love you brother.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/22/2025

Mary Linda Gillespie, our beloved mother passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born on October 11, 1944, and lived a life defined by love, dedication, and quiet strength.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband (or beloved father), James Gillespie Jr; her parents, Rachel and Herman Thomason; her siblings, Shirley, Jimmy, Evelyn, and Wayne; a special niece, Monica; and her cherished pets, Blackie, Buffy, and BJ.
She is survived by her three devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Harold Jones, Donna and Charles Taylor, and Sandy Tayloe-Wiseman and Tony Wiseman. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren, Christy Carroll (Nick), Erin Delp (Travis), Jessica Sine (Daniel), Josh Taylor (Paige), and Alex Tayloe (Melanie); twelve treasured great-grandchildren; and one precious great-great-grandchild.
A hardworking wife and devoted mother, she was known for her strong work ethic and deep love for her family. She took great pride in her home, especially her beautifully maintained yard and flower garden, which reflected the care, patience, and beauty she brought into the lives of those around her. Her kindness, resilience, and nurturing spirit will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.
She will be forever loved and never forgotten.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/22/2025

Gene Arthur “Fat Man” Nichols, 87, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Mt. Herman Baptist Church, 3805 Otterville Road, Bedford with Rev. John Boyles and Rev. Austin Hull officiating.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/17/2025

Peter VanDieren Behrens, 71, of Bedford, passed peacefully in his home with his best fur buddy Mac on Sunday, November 16, 2025. He was born in Salzburg, Austria on January 10, 1954 the son of the late Robert H. Behrens and Helen Kindler Behrens.
He is survived by his only son and best friend, Bobby Behrens and his daughter in love Jessica Behrens; his brother, Eric; and sisters, Yvonne, Diane, and Christina.
No services will be held.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/12/2025

Daniel Lewis Witt III, 78, passed away peacefully at his residence on December 11, 2025.
He was born July 7th, 1947, and raised in Evington, Virginia. Daniel later made his home in Lynchburg, Virginia.
He was an avid golfer and spent many happy days on the courses at London Downs and Falling River Country Clubs' courses. A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, he was known to wage a bet or twelve. He loved to walk and be active which was great, since he also really loved sweets. He loved his Firebirds and always wanted to show anyone he could convince, to go look at the red one.
He worked for Meredith-Burda, was a delivery driver for Pepsi, and lastly retired from Flav-O-Rich Dairy, as a delivery driver. He still loved to tell anyone who asked, that he was the "Milkman".
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Lewis Witt II and Dorothy Milam Witt, his brother Kenneth (Carolyn) Witt, and both his half-brothers, Stevie and Rick Stevens.
Daniel is survived by his only child, daughter, Rebecca Lynn Reynolds (Jason) of Concord; and his only grandson Joseph Lewis Thurman (Hannah) of Concord.
Daniel also held a special place in his heart for Violet Taylor, as well as her grandson Jason Mays (Melanie) and Jason's son Hunter.
Daniel’s family is deeply grateful to his dedicated caregivers, Wanda Blankenship and Danny Ferguson, for the exceptional care, comfort, and support they provided. Also, the family would like to thank 1st Choice Facilitators (Jennifer Ferguson/ Delores White) for the integral role they played in keeping him at home until the end.
He will be remembered for his jokes, laughter, and giving nature. For those wishing to make a donation please consider the Alzheimer's Association.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date TBD.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-5867360.

12/08/2025

MASON, Thomas Kent “Tom”, 75, of Goode, Virginia went into the arms of Jesus to Heaven on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, while sleeping and being cared for by Hospice House, Bedford, Virginia.
He lived and embodied his calling from Father God, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. His calling included daily intercessory prayer for his family, his church, Thomas Road Baptist Church and its staff, his community, state and nation.
He was a devoted, faithful, respectful, protective and loving husband to Bonnie Gaynelle Bruce Mason for 35 years and father during those years to Corrie Alexa Mason Barrick (Andrew), Meredyth Alyssa Mason, Lance W. Byrd (Annie), Leah Mason Virgin (Brad); and grandfather to Hallie Drew Barrick, Mason Byrd, Miles Byrd, and Jackson, Joshua, and Jada Marie Virgin.
Beloved and respected by his fellow Schrader Bridgeport employees he served from 2009 to approximately 2025 with time away for medical leave. He designed and helped to build automated assembly applications to manufacture automotive parts for a worldwide industry. Mechatronic Engineering and mentoring young Engineers was his specialty evidenced in his ownership of MMB Automation, Inc., and Mason Manufacturing Services, Inc., both of Maryland, whose customers included Orbital Sciences, Siemens of Newport News, Siemens of Italy, Ford of Michigan, Federal Mogul, GORETEX, Dentsply, and others to support his family. He volunteered to minister to inmates and teach The Bible with a Jail and Prison ministry, teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, serve on the vestry and pray and study God’s Holy Scriptures of the Bible with men’s groups at church.
Tom was the son of Kenneth Joseph Mason and Irma Doris Eide Mason. He was a sibling to Jim, Stuart, Pam and Christy. Growing up, Tom loved being with his cousins, the Johnsons and Masons as well as the “across the street” neighbors, the Corbin family of Wausau, WI. He spent summers as a child in Eagle River, WI enjoying golf and watersports. Tom studied engineering and fine arts at the University of WI at Milwaukee graduating to use the skills he attained there (where he built kilns, worked in pottery and welded sculptures) to work in a naval shipyard reading blueprints and welding! As a Patriot, Tom researched truth to protect and effectively pray for his family and nation. Maintenance and driving his Audi TT was a shared enjoyment with his wife. Generous with his time, he attended family reunions with Bonnie’s cousins on her mother’s side, the Phillips family.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 24, 2025 at Thomas Road Baptist Church Pate Chapel. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/04/2025

It is with great sadness, we announce that John Charles Sonner, 58, of Forest, VA, formerly of Penn Hills, PA passed away on December 2, 2025 surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
Born on November 11, 1967 to the late Janet Ruth McDonald and James Franklin Sonner. John lived a life marked by service, devotion and quiet strength. He grew up in the Pittsburgh area and graduated from Penn Hills HS. A proud Veteran of both the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, he carried the values of dedication, discipline and honor with him long after his service ended.
A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his team. Whether celebrating a big win or riding out a tough loss, he watched every game with the same loyalty, excitement and hope.
Above all else John was a devoted husband, a loving father and stepfather, a cherished brother and proud grandfather, Pap-Pap was his favorite title. He poured his heart into his family -- offering unconditional support, steady guidance and a love that never wavered. To his children and stepchildren, he was a source of strength and comfort. To his spouse, he was a partner in every sense, sharing life's joys, challenges and everyday moments with unwavering commitment.
He is survived by his loving spouse, Roberta Sonner, his children and stepchildren, Jonathon (Danielle), Skylar, Hunter, Noah, Shane, Connor (Amerisa), Meagan (Robbie)and Logan (Kaitlin). 5 beautiful grandchildren Harlie, Skyla, Paxton, Baylor, Haven and a baby boy due in December; sisters, Sue (Mike) and Robin; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents Janet (Scotty) and James he is preceded in death by his brother Jimmy Sonner and Sister Victoria Sonner.
John will be remembered for being a friend to all he met, his sense of humor and his deep love for his family. His impact will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Services will be held in Virginia at 3:00 p.m., on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Timberlake Church, 21649 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg. Military honors will be given by American Legion Post 16.
In lieu of flowers please consider the National Center for Healthy Veterans or Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight. These were near and dear to John and Roberta.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/04/2025

Ann James McCauley passed away peacefully with her loving and caring husband, Tom Meyer, by her side, at their home in Tucson, Arizona, on October 7, 2025. Ann was born on June 20th, 1952, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to the late James Samuel McCauley, Jr. “Jim”, and Rebecca Howell McCauley.
Ann grew up in Bedford County, graduating from Liberty High School, and then the University of Mary Washington where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. She then moved and earned her Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Colorado. Her performance career spanned much of her lifetime in Modern Dance, traveling the world, including a Semester at Sea, teaching MFA students at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, choreographing many of the productions, performing with the Nancy Spanier Dance Theater, as well as managing the Community Dance Collective. Ann also was a Master Knitter and designer and authored two books, The Pleasures Of Knitting and Together Or Separate.
In addition to her parents, Ann was predeceased by her brother, Stephen Lewis McCauley and her sister, Mary Rebecca McCauley Wilkerson.
In addition to her husband, Tom Meyer she is survived by her brother, John Austin McCauley (Trisha); her brother-in-law, Mike Wilkerson; along with their extended families.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery, Bedford, Virginia.
If memorials given, please consider apdaparkinson.org.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

12/02/2025

Rebecca Dawn Dalton Craig, 69, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025. She was born in Danville, VA on March 22, 1956 a daughter of the late Charlie Cooper Dalton and Shirley Bowling Dalton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Debra Dalton; and brother, Gary Lee Dalton.
She is survived by her husband, Jerald Davis “Jerry” Craig; sons, Scott Craig, Chris Craig (Lisa Wooldrige); grandchildren, Isaiah Craig, Jamie Craig; sister, Annie Hunter (John); brother, Jr. Dalton; sisters-in-law, Rachel Bryant, Luanne Weidner; and friends, Barbara Hodges and her daughter, Jennifer Hodges.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford, with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Bedford County Nursing Home.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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