Gardner Funeral Home

11/30/2025

Tony Andrew Janney, 68, of Pilot, passed away on Saturday November 29, 2025. Arrangements are pending at this time.

11/26/2025

Juanna “Ann” Young, 84, of Check, went to be with the Lord on November 26, 2025. Preceded in death by her daughter: Dianne Sowder Midkiff; Husbands: Sonny Williams and James Young; parents: Troy Wade & Irene Walters Vest; brother: Aldo Vest; sister: Joyce Sowder. Survived by her sisters: Pat Scott (Jim), Cathy Yates; son: Doug Sowder; granddaughter: Amanda Cluxton (Jeremy); great grandchildren: Gentry and Emilia Cluxton and several nieces, nephews and extended family. Funeral services will be Saturday Nov. 29, 2025, at 2p.m. at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Scott officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1 until 2 p.m. before the service. In Lieu of flowers the family request donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1785

11/16/2025

Curtis Raye Allen, born on May 12,1940, passed away November 15, 2025.

Curtis retired from Wilson Trucking after 25+ years.

He was an active member at The Presbyterian Church of Floyd where he worshipped faithfully his entire life.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Allen Cox (husband Rodney) and her three children with nine grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Allen and mother, Sylvia Fralin Allen.

A graveside service honoring his life will be held Tuesday, November 18th at 11:00 am at Radford Cemetery with Pastor Bob McLavey officiating. Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1784

11/07/2025

In Loving Memory of Allen (Al) Willard Sanders

Allen “Al” Willard Sanders, originally from Hoffman, Minnesota, passed away November 5, 2025 surrounded by family. After meeting the love of his life, Janet Q. Sanders, in 1994, Al moved to Indian Valley, Virginia, where the two built a beautiful life together. They would have celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary in February 2026.

Al was a man of quiet strength and boundless kindness—a gentle giant with a smile that could brighten even the darkest day. Children seemed to find him wherever he went, drawn to his playful spirit and big heart. He loved his family deeply—his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and every other child who came his way.

Early in his career, Al worked for Loram Maintenance of Way in Minnesota, traveling across the country as a railroad trackman. After settling in Virginia, he was employed by several local contracting companies before joining Virginia Tech as a master electrician. He proudly retired in 2022 after 22 years of dedicated service.

Known for his humor and lighthearted outlook, Al wore his personality proudly. One of his favorite shirts read: “Fun-cle: noun. Similar to a dad, but only cooler and better looking. [See also: handsome, exceptional].” That line could not have described him better.

True to his generous nature, Al chose to continue giving even after his passing by being an organ donor—helping others in need and inspiring future healers through his final act of service.

Al leaves behind his beloved wife, Janet; children, Amie vonKattengel (Ed), Joshua Manning (Hona); grandchildren, Hunter Maxwell (Jena), Isaac Maxwell (Amy), Wyatt Maxwell (Jessi Rhodes), and Kozmo Federer; great grandchildren, Koda, Paisley, and Allie--his namesake– expected to arrive in 2026.

Al is also survived by his parents, Willard and Sandra Sanders; sisters, Cindy Trosen, Stephanie Gavin (Steve), Joanne Somera (Hugo) and brother, Mike Sanders; chosen family, Danny Quesenberry (Shelby), Donnie Quesenberry (Sarah), Toney Quesenberry (Bonnie), Kathy Wright (Steve), numerous nieces and nephews, and a large extended family who will forever carry his laughter, love, and wisdom in their hearts.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Gardner’s Funeral Home Chapel, with pastors John Hopkins and Greg Cox officiating. Interment will follow at Captain George Quesenberry Cemetery, Willis, VA. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the American Cancer Society be made in memory of Al. Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1783

11/01/2025

What a remarkable attendance we had tonight for another Spooky Halloween Extravaganza! We appreciate everyone who was able to attend and make it possible. It was great to see everyone dressed up in impressive costumes and to see the community come out to enjoy the evening. Thank you, Floyd, for always showing your support!

10/12/2025

Curtis Turner, 85, of Floyd, passed away on Friday October 10, 2025. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Margaret Turner; Parents, Cam and Hopie Turner; sister, Shirley Gardner; and brothers, Gene Turner, Lewis Turner.
He is survived by his son, Grant Turner; daughter, Marnie (Marty) Turner; sister Christine McGuire; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Skyline Nursing and Rehab and ACG Hospice for the special care that they gave him during his time there.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday October 15, 2025, at 1PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Stan Hawkins Officiating. Interment will follow in Duncans Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor. Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1782

10/11/2025

Ronald Allen Byrd Jr., 60, of Dublin, finished his final race here on earth and passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday October 10, 2025. Ronnie grew up in little creek, VA. He met the love of his life in middle school and have been happily together for 44 years. Ronnie had a passion for building and racing cars. He was well known in the racing community. Ronnie loved the lord and shared his testimony with others and was a long-time member of the Dublin Church of God. Above all else Ronnie enjoyed the time he got to spend with his children and his grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his father Ronald Allen Byrd Sr. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Michaela Byrd; children, Jamie Byrd (Kim), Lindsey Groseclose (Jason), Whitney Cockram (Daryn); grandchildren, Eli Byrd, Marlee Byrd, Ireland Byrd, Tripp Byrd, Chase King, Channing Gallimore, Brittany Cockram(Ryan Collins), Dustin Potts(Lauren), Jessica Dunn(Cory), Matthew Cockram, Lakyn Cockram; great grandchildren, Carson Collins, Conner Collins, Madeline Dunn, Bryton Dunn, Parker Potts; mother, Barbara Cumbe; stepfather, Douglas Linkous; Mother and Father in Law, Vernon and Sara Stanley; siblings, Dwayne Linkous (Robin), Sarah Garmon (Steve), Cynthia Hurst (Josh), Jill Linkous; brother in law, Brian Stanley (Diane); along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Lewis Gale Pulaski, Blue Ridge Cancer Care, UVA Medical Center, and ACG Hospice for the amazing and compassionate care that you gave him over the past few years.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October 14, 2025, at 7pm at Dublin Church of God with Pastor Adam Frye officiating. A private family graveside will be held at a later time. The family will receive friends from 4pm - 7pm on Tuesday prior to service time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dublin Church of God. Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1781

10/06/2025

Mildred Marie “Millie” Thompson, 87, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Saturday October 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her son: Reggie Thompson; former husband: Roger Thompson; parents: Margaret and Berkley Vest; siblings: James Steele, Sandra Pratt, Ruby Dalton, Juanita Thomas. She is survived by her children: Dawn Thompson (Tom Shrader Jr.), Daryl Thompson (Carolan Deacon); daughter-in-law: Patricia Thompson; grandchildren: R. J. Thompson (Jennifer Ramey), Heather Thompson, Marah Saville (Trevor), Leah Henning (Cody), Connor Thompson, Josh Shrader(Amanda), Angie Faverio(Mike); great grandchildren: Eli Thompson, Ellianna Henning, Lyla Faverio, Wyatt Shrader; brother: Danny Vest (Cindy). Funeral services will be Thursday October 9, 2025, at 12 Noon at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Kenny King officiating. Interment will follow in Wilson Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before service time on Thursday. Online Condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1780

09/25/2025

Catherine (Jean) Hazelwood Moran, 89, of Floyd, entered her heavenly home on September 24, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents: George W and Ada Salmons Hazelwood; husband: Edward Moran; three sons: Carlos Moran, Gerald Moran (along with wife Karen), Marc Moran; sister: Flora Phillips (John); half-sister: Virginia Hazelwood Belcher (Olen); brother: Calvin Hazelwood.
Left to cherish her memories are her sister: Frances Thompson of Deland, FL; grandson: Jason Moran (Kyler), of Copper Hill, VA; granddaughter: Tracy Moran of Roanoke, VA; daughter-in-law: Robin Moran of Roanoke, VA; sisters-in-law: Lucille Harris of Meadows of Dan, VA, Janice Conner of Roanoke, VA; daughter-in-law: Cathy Moran of West VA; along with her many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Catherine was a very independent hard-working lady. She fought hard to stay strong and keep her faith until her last breath of life! People knew her by her faith in God and her sweet smile. Even on her tough days in life, she smiled. Catherine attended Floyd Baptist Church being a faithful member and witness for her Savior.
Catherine’s family that remains extends our heartfelt thanks to the many people that loved and helped her over the years. A special thank you for the support from the Floyd Baptist Church even after being unable to attend church there. Our thanks go out to the staff at Carilion Clinic in Floyd and Dr. Hullett for his special care for her. Also, South Roanoke Nursing home and then Heritage Hall Nursing Home where she spent her final days. We thank them for showing Catherine love and compassion and giving her family support. Also thank you to the many friends, neighbors, and loved ones, for your acts of kindness with special thanks to Steve and Carrie Phillips, Janice Conner, and Brian and Carla Hazelwood.
A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Terry Semones officiating. Interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1779
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV

09/15/2025

Evelyn Irene Reed, 93, of Floyd, passed away on Friday September 12, 2025. She was born July 19, 1932, in Danville, VA to the late William and Ollie Raines. She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Calvin C. Reed; great-granddaughters, Evelynn Grace Reed, Ada Jean Reed; sisters, Jean Butts, Joyce Hill brother, Joe Raines; and son-in-law, Darrell Parks.
She is survived by her children, Douglas Reed (Elizabeth), Donna Parks, and David Reed (Wanda); Six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Barbara Hamlett, Vera Mae Paschal; and brother, Harold Raines.
A funeral service will be held on Friday September 19, 2025, at 12:30PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Cox officiating. Interment will follow at Beaver Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11-12:30pm prior to service time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Willis Full Gospel Church c/o Vera Hall 2128 Macks Mtn Rd NW Indian Valley, VA 24105.
Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1778

09/13/2025

Steve (Steven) Allen Minnich (August 24, 1951 to September 3, 2025) was born in Huntington, West Virginia but grew up in Roanoke, Virginia as the youngest of three children. After studying Outdoor Recreation and Forestry at Virginia Tech, he married and moved to Floyd, Virginia in 1976. He was a certified farrier, shoeing horses while he attended college and until he began working part-time for the Floyd US Soil and Water Conservation Service. This work helped farmers by shaping their fields to conserve soil and by building farm ponds in Floyd; he later worked full time in Durham, NC’s Soil and Water Conservation Service for several years.
He took on being caretaker for an estate where he lived for 25 years with his family. He was a man outstanding in his field and spent a lot of time mowing grass. He was a part-time Floyd resident from the mid-1980s until the mid 2010s, he returned to Floyd full-time in his retirement. He was passionate about the southern Appalachian forests and worked to replace invasive plants with native ones in his small part of Appalachia in Floyd County.
An Eagle Scout, he was a life-long Scout Leader and original staff member of Camp Powhatan’s High Knoll Trail program, where he recently joined in a celebration of their 50th Anniversary this summer. He was skilled in many things from operating heavy equipment, carpentry, and cars: teaching his boys to fix, repair, and build anything and to become self-reliant. He never read a book twice and quite possibly read most of the books in the Floyd Public Library.
He is survived by his siblings, Sally and Sherwood; his ex-wife, Georgia; his sons, Chris (Laura) and Jack (Bailey); his three grandchildren, Kathryn, Owen, and Evelyn; and multiple nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed family gatherings in Floyd, especially the one held this last summer with both his sons, their wives, all his grandchildren, and extended family. He will always be remembered by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Powhatan’s High Knoll Trail program through BSA or The American Chestnut Foundation.
A Celebration of Life will take place this upcoming spring at the Farm and will be announced by the family.

Online condolences may be made at

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09/10/2025

Edward Patrick Havard, 64, passed from this earthly life on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, at home in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.
Known for his sweet, good nature, his deep, resonant laugh, his unparalleled patience, his love of the natural world (particularly Apis mellifera, the small and mighty honeybee), and deep devotion to spiritual understanding, Ed was a loving husband, loyal friend, amazing father, beautiful soul and fearless adventurer.
Born in New Rochelle, New York on St. Patrick’s Day, 1961, the son of Marilyn Busic Havard and James E. Havard, Ed grew up in the Hudson Valley of New York. He was a graduate of Ossining High School, SUNY Oneonta, and earned his master’s degree at Syracuse University.
An athlete and scholar, Ed played high school football, collegiate lacrosse, ran long distance, and could explain complex scientific theories in a way even his artistic wife and friends could understand.
Ed was a man who followed his dreams and encouraged others to follow theirs. He loved to travel and counted among his treasured memories, time spent with his family exploring Ireland, Wales, England, Iceland, France, Italy, and living in Costa Rica, where he taught at the Monteverde Friends School.
A kind and patient teacher, Ed worked with special needs students and taught high school physics. A lifeguard and water-safety instructor, he was honored to teach adults to swim and gain confidence in their abilities. In his professional life, Ed was an analytical chemist. After retirement, he followed his true calling as a Christian Science practitioner, helping others heal through prayer.
As a beekeeper, Ed spent hours in the garden building hives and tending to his bees. His calm nature could soothe animals and people alike. A favorite family memory was of finding Ed napping in the apiary, among the many busy hives, no veil or suit, completely happy and thoroughly at ease.
Ed was pre-deceased by his parents, Marilyn Busic Havard and James E. Havard, and brother, Michael J. Havard. He is survived by his wife, Rita Murphy, and son, Liam Havard of Meadows of Dan, VA, brother Chris (Lois) Havard of Princeton, NJ, brother-in-law Thomas J. Murphy of Plymouth, MA, sister-in-law, Judith (Michael) Havard of New Canaan, CT, Nephews: Samuel, Henry, Cole, Jack (Elizabeth), niece Taylor Havard, and many dear Havard relatives.
Ed was loved, honored, cherished and cared for by his family and friends, the wonderful staff of Good Samaritan Hospice and Sheila S. Strauss Hospice House, Shannon Lytton, Teresa Bailey, Mary Lee Gill, Todd Triplett, Sudha Wilburn, Mark Bowman, his wife, Rita, and most especially his loving son, Liam.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke, Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary of Floyd, or New Skete Monastery of New York.
Ed loved the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet his heart remained in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where a private family memorial is planned.
Online condolences may be made at http://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1776