John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory

03/30/2026

Johanna Elizabeth Espelage

Arrangements and family information will be announced soon.

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03/30/2026

https://www.johnmoakey.com/obituaries/glenn-huff

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03/30/2026

Glenn Thomas Huff

The family of Glenn Thomas (Tom) Huff announces that he went to be with the Lord early in the morning of March 30, 2026, at the age of 93. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many.

He was born on March 3, 1933, to the late Claude E. Huff and Annie Wells Huff of Lafayette, Virginia. His years in the Navy as a Seabee took him to many places around the world, including Africa, Bermuda, and Morocco. After attending diesel school, he was employed as an engineer by N&W, working from the steam era through the transition to diesel until his retirement in 1991 from Norfolk Southern. He married the love of his life in 1954, and together they had two adoring daughters, Susan and Teresa. Throughout the years, they shared many adventures.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thalia M. Huff; sisters, Betty Huff McNeely and JoAnn Hartwell; infant brother, Eugene; sons-in-law, Daniel McLaren and Kevin Sheppard; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his daughters, Susan McLaren and Teresa Sheppard; granddaughters, Whitney McIlhany, Ashley Luck (Jeremy), Emily Bryant (Travis), Kimberly Conner (Steve Hilla), and Kayla Battle (Adam); great-grandchildren, Lachlan, Iain, Natalie, Caleb (Halee), Ethan, Kyleigh, Kellen, and Luca; and a close friend and neighbor, Tony Lephew.

The family will welcome friends for a period of visitation on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from noon until 2 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, in Salem. Funeral services will begin directly following, starting at 2 p.m. with Pastor John Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Huff family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

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03/29/2026

Betty Lou Goad

Betty Lou Beckner Goad, 87, of Salem, Virginia, got her promotion to Glory on Saturday, March 28, 2026.



She was born in Catawba, Virginia, and remained a faithful child of God her entire life. She loved Jesus wholeheartedly and her family unconditionally. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and recently became a great-great-grandmother. Listening to the Gaithers was one of her favorite pastimes, and she loved serving while never asking for anything in return.



Preceding her in death was her husband, William Walton Goad; son, Thomas Glenn Goad; daughter, Teresa Diane Martin; and several siblings.



Her surviving family includes children, William Eddie Goad (Nancy), Mark Anthony Goad, Darryl Martin Goad, David Marvin Goad (Karen), and Steven Wayne Goad; brother, Paul Beckner (Pat); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family members.



Special appreciation is extended to her granddaughter, Hollie Henegar, for the loving support she provided during the last 6 years of Betty's life.



Arrangements for Betty will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Salem Church of God located at 600 Craig Avenue in Salem, Virginia, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Pastor Todd Stiffler will officiate.



Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

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03/29/2026

03/27/2026

Michael Lawrence Ruble

Michael "Mike" Ruble was a good man who truly never knew a stranger. He would talk to anyone about anything. Mike loved life. He was a gentle giant. Rest easy love, your pain is gone. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Helen Ruble.

Mike is survived by his wife Pamela Ruble; his step-son, Andrew; and step-daughter, Karleigh. He is also survived by his son, Michael Tony Ruble and wife, Sara; grandson, Parker; and granddaughter, Teagan; sister, Cindy Baldwin and her children, Andi, Jamie, and Rachel.

He will be missed by all and loved by all. Celebrate the memories of Mike and one day we all will meet again in heaven.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

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03/27/2026

Daniel T. "Dan" Andrews

Daniel T. Andrews, 77, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on March 24, 2026. Born on July 3, 1948, in Princeton, Indiana, he was the son of Alberta Taylor Andrews and the late Ted H Andrews.

Raised in St. Francisville, Illinois, Dan was a proud graduate of Saint Francisville Community High School, where he played on the basketball team. He later earned his degree in electrical engineering from Southern Illinois University, pursuing a distinguished career in mining and material handling. Over the years, his expertise benefited teams at Sigeco, GE, and TMEIC.

In 2000, Dan married his beloved wife, Kelley. Together they built a life in Salem filled with his many passions: woodworking, gardening, tinkering with tractors, playing with trains, and flying kites. Beyond his hobbies, Dan was deeply committed to his community, serving as a volunteer EMT, a Red Cross volunteer, Volunteering for the Salvation Army, and as a mentor at the Oakland Intermediate School. If you ever asked Dan how he was doing, you were guaranteed a smile and his signature response: "Mean as ever, twice as ugly." He will be fondly remembered for his sharp wit and trademark sarcasm.

Dan is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kelley Andrews; his mother, Alberta Andrews; two brothers, David (Judy) Andrews and Curtis Andrews; three brother in laws, Scott (Holly) Dunning, John (Gayle) Dunning, and Ninh (Mia) Nguyen, his children, Donald (Misty) Andrews and Jennifer Roy; three grandchildren, Megan (Logan) Dill, Allison (Jake) Kough, and Olivia Andrews; and one great-grandchild, Lucas Dill. Many nieces and nephews, and grand nephews. As well as many friends that have become family. Everyone was welcome at "Camp Andrews"!

A funeral service to celebrate Dan's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, 305 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153. This service will also be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the funeral home.

A second funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. CST on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Wabash Presbyterian Church, 11188 N 2300 Blvd, Allendale, IL 62410 with internment to follow in the Orio Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 12 p.m. CST until the hour of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made in Daniel's memory to Brain Injury Solutions, 3904 Franklin Road, Suite B, Roanoke, VA 24014.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

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03/26/2026

Donna Mae Wright

Donna Mae Fitzgerald Wright, age 74 of Salem, VA, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Born on Thursday, April 19, 1951, to Boyd and Willie Fitzgerald in New York, Donna lived a life full of energy, purpose, and love for the people around her. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, known for her kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart.

She was a 1969 graduate of Northside High School and a 1974 graduate of Radford College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. A dedicated educator, Donna’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to children of all levels and backgrounds. Her classroom was a place of belonging where every student felt valued. After retiring from Salem City schools after 30+ years, her influence was validated as she would often be stopped around town by former students who shared how much she meant to them.

Beyond the classroom, Donna was a faithful and active member of Saint Philip's Lutheran Church, where she served in many capacities, particularly using her green thumb by assembling the flowers for various occasions. Donna grew up in an airline family, which sparked a love for travel early in her childhood. She gained a “worldly” perspective as a young girl that carried with her into adulthood, where she continued her global adventures with many close friends. Perhaps nothing was as important to Donna as being a grandmother, or as she was lovingly known as “Nana”. Nana lived to “spoil” her grandchildren, rarely missing a chance to see their sports and activities.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Robert Wright; her sons, Jeb Wright (Amanda) of Salem, VA, and Zachary Wright (Bryan) of Cape Elizabeth, ME; and her four cherished grandchildren; Malki, Levi, Delaney, and Sadie. She is also survived by her brother Jeffrey Fitzgerald (Betty), of Florissant, MO, and numerous loving friends who were like family to Donna. She was preceded in death by her father, stepmother, and mother; Boyd Fitzgerald (Barbara) and Willie Fitzgerald.

Impacting so many through her caring spirit and loving heart, Donna will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.

A memorial service to celebrate Donna’s life and legacy will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 2:30 pm at St. Philip Lutheran Church in Roanoke, VA. Please join us for food and fellowship. In loving memory of Donna, please consider donating time or funds to organizations or people in need. Donna faithfully served Meals on Wheels, Melrose Towers, and Rescue Mission. The family would like to thank the amazing staff of Good Samaritan Hospice House for their loving and compassionate care of Donna in her final days.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

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03/25/2026

Robert Lee "Bob" Palmer Jr.

Robert Lee Palmer, Jr., lovingly known as "Bob," age 78, of Eagle Rock, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2026.

Bob proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army from 1967 to 1970. After his time in service, he devoted his life to his work as a Class A contractor, building homes and commercial spaces that stood as lasting testaments to his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic.

More than his accomplishments, Bob will be remembered for the way he lived his life-with a generous heart, a deep desire to serve others, and a dry, quick-witted sense of humor that those who knew him came to appreciate and love. He was known for his kindness, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, and he found great purpose in helping those around him. His understated humor often caught you off guard, delivered with perfect timing and a quiet smile.

Bob's life was grounded in his faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. His beliefs guided his actions, shaped his character, and were evident in the love and compassion he showed to family, friends, and neighbors. He lived his faith daily, offering quiet strength, encouragement, and care to those blessed to know him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Barbara Palmer ("Nanna Puddin") daughters, Cathy Mutchler and husband, Scott and Audra Windel and husband, Ronnie; granddaughters, Miya Clower and husband, Garrett and Makena Mutchler; sisters, Judith Naff and Juanita Leonard. He also leaves behind two very special friends, Larry Ross and Ricky Ruble.

Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his integrity, his servant's heart, his quiet humor and the lasting impact he made on so many lives. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend that anyone could ask for.

Visitation will be held Monday March 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 6:00 p.m., in the funeral home chapel with Bishop Wes Galford officiating.

While flowers are welcome, memorial donations may also be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization with which Bob was deeply committed.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

- Psalm 23

His legacy of faith, kindness, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

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03/23/2026

Helen Vest

Marjorie Helen Vest, 94, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Please check back for the full obituary.

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03/22/2026

https://www.johnmoakey.com/obituaries/james-bush

View James Randolph Bush's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/22/2026

James Randolph Bush

James Randolph Bush, 84, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2026. He was born on February 10th, 1942, to the late Luther and Nannie Bush. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Rosemary Bush; three sons, Randolph Bush (Dr. MaLora Bush), William Bush, (Leigh Ann Bush), and Cary Bush; Eight grandchildren, Brian Bush (Sarah Bush), Bridgette Bush (Wayne Seipel), Ivy Kellinger (Andrew Kellinger), Grayson Bush, Bailey Bush, A.J. Kingery, John Kingery, and Toni Lee Thoreck (Griffin Thoreck); Five great-grandchildren, Jordin and Lauren Seipel, Sunny Oliver-Bush, Mabel and Dutcher Kellinger; his sister, Brenda Willis (Bahre Willis); Brother-in-law; Charles Biller (Wendy Whitfield), and numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was proceeded in death by his two brothers Gerald and Luther Bush.

James, a Navy Veteran, was a lifelong resident of Roanoke who was known for his love of plants, especially cactus. A Master Gardner, James volunteered his time at the Virginia Western Arboretum and led many nature walks spreading his knowledge of plants. He also served as a tree steward for the City of Roanoke.

The Celebration of Life will be held at the Westside Church of Christ, 1705 Starview Dr, Salem, Va., on May 16th, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Bush family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View James Randolph Bush's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.