Obituaries
Aubrey Lee “Buddy” Ruffner (1950 – 2022)
Aubery Lee “Buddy” Ruffner, 72, of Haymarket, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, July 9th, 2022, after a brave battle with cancer. Buddy was born on March 17th, 1950, in Front Royal, Virginia, to the late Aubrey and Veronica Ruffner. He is preceded in death by his sister Lori Householder.
Aubery Lee “Buddy” Ruffner
A 1968 graduate of Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Buddy was active in the marching band and played electric guitar. He won a high school “battle of the bands” contest using his precious Gibson ES-335. He attended Bridgewater College, during which time he met the love of his life, Vanna Rehmeyer on a blind date. He was devoted to his college friends, with whom he remained close for over 50 years, enjoying annual fishing trips to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. After receiving a BS in Economics, he sold that precious Gibson guitar to buy Vanna an engagement ring before entering the United States Army Reserves. A trade he considered more than fair.
Buddy started his career as a branch manager for First Virginia Bank, during which time he survived two bank robberies, including one where he was taken, hostage. He discovered that his love of people and conversation was a perfect match for the world of sales, where he spent the remainder of his career until retiring as a Sales Executive from Hewlett-Packard.
Buddy loved being outdoors and volunteered his time generously with his sons’ Boy Scouts troops. He was a passionate gardener and also an accomplished cook. His lucky wife was never in the kitchen. Holiday dinners with all the trimmings were a highlight every year and will be sorely missed. In retirement, he fell in love with traveling, his wife’s passion. Highlights of his travels included walking the Great Wall of China, climbing to the top of the Vatican, and exploring the Alhambra in Spain. Buddy picked up golf later in life, but it became his favorite passion. He loved sharing this passion for golfing with his sons, and his trips to The Masters with them were some of his favorite experiences. The culmination of a lifelong dream, he was able to play at the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews, on a trip to Scotland in 2017 with Vanna.
Buddy was a car enthusiast and worked in his father’s garage as a teenager. He was most proud of his 1969 Chevy Corvette Stingray and told its story to friends and family many times. When it came time for a child, he parted with his dear Stingray, always making sacrifices for his wife and family.
A devoted and involved father and grandfather, Buddy treasured spending time with his children and grandchildren. Buddy loved to take each grandchild on their own trips where they could learn about his favorite subject, History, visiting historic homes and battle sites around Virginia. He never failed to be delighted and amused by their antics and worked tirelessly at the goal of spending quality time with his family. A caring friend who truly brightened the lives of others, he will be missed but not forgotten by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Vanna Ruffner; his two sons, Sean Andrew Ruffner (Van): Scott Michael Ruffner (Jackie); his brother, Alan Moses Ruffner (Barbara); his grandchildren, Emory, Corinne, and Lennon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Buddy’s dedicated medical team for their tireless efforts and superior care and his beloved friends for their unwavering support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Leukemia for children at https://www.stjude.org/donate or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076
Obituaries
Brenda Sue Steele (1966 – 2024)
Brenda Sue Steele aged 57, passed away on April 30th, 2024, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. She departed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Brenda Sue Steele
Born on June 22, 1966, Brenda was born to Bobby Clegg Sr. and Joyce Clegg in Front Royal, Virginia. Brenda touched the lives of those around her with her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. Despite facing the challenges of her illness, she remained a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Brenda embodied kindness and compassion in everything she did. She was a local realtor for nearly 20 years and her husband Donald’s right hand in their local construction business. Her selflessness and generosity knew no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of family and friends alike. Her legacy of infinite love will be cherished forever by all who had the privilege of sharing time in her journey.
Brenda is survived by the love of her life of 38 years, Donald “Hopper” Steele, her daughter who was her pride and joy, Brooklyn Steele (Nathan), and the absolute shining light of her life, her grandson Camden St. Clair. She is also survived by her loving parents, Bob and Joyce Clegg, and her best friends and siblings, Barbara Penkunas (Jeff) and Bobby Lee Clegg Jr. Brenda is also survived by many beloved family and friends, including a special niece whom she loved and raised as her own, Rylee Barnett. Brenda’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her strength and positive outlook on life will continue to inspire generations to come.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 7th, at the Front Royal Baptist Temple, 25 W 18th Street. The family will receive visitors from 2 pm to 3 pm, with the service immediately following at 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Blue Ridge Hospice in Brenda’s honor for the love and outstanding care they gave her.
Obituaries
Deborah Lynn “Debbie” Coronel (1954 – 2024)
Deborah Lynn “Debbie” Coronel, 70, of Maurertown, Virginia, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 W Main St. Front Royal, Virginia, with Pastor Danny Hensley officiating. A visitation will take place the evening before the service from 6-8 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home. The burial will follow all services at Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Debbie was born on February 15, 1954, in Front Royal, Virginia, to the late Warren H. Thompson and Charlotte M. Miller. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Gary Thompson, and her granddaughter, Megan Knicely.
Surviving Debbie is her loving husband of 30 years, Gaudencio Coronel; her children, Deanna M Creekmore (John) and Warren Beaty (Donna); her step-son, Manuel Coronel (Alicia); her siblings, Eugene H. Thompson (Isabel) and Shirley Stonebreaker; her grandchildren, Christopher Knicely, Andrew Paniagua (Bethel), Selena Paniagua, Cheyenne Howdyshell, Sylvia Paniagua (Lamar Cheek), Manuel Coronel, Lupe Coronel, Daniela Coronel, Sevastian Coronel, and Juan Coronel; her great-grandchildren, Kyrie Paniagua, Jackson Wyant, Addelynn Howdyshell, Ava Paniagua, Zakai Cheek, Waverly Woodell, Kolter Kisamore, Zamyah Cheek, and Gracie Woodell; and her nephew Ian Thompson.
Debbie was a Front Royal Seventh Day Adventist Church member and loved bible study with her daughter, Deanna. She also enjoyed computer games and Sudokus.
Pallbearers will be Ian Thompson, Andrew Paniagua, Lamar Cheek, Dijohn Jackson, Manuel Coronel, and Angus Shipe.
Obituaries
Linda Grey “Nana” Spangler (1956 – 2024)
Linda Grey “Nana” Spangler, 67, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center.
Linda Grey “Nana” Spangler
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024, at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 W Main St. Front Royal, Virginia 22630, with Joan Knox officiating. The family invites guests to visit one hour before the service. Linda’s ashes will be privately scattered at a later date.
Linda was born on October 16, 1956, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to her late father, Carl Mack Smith Jr. She was also preceded in death by her grandmother, Nina Grey Smith, who raised Linda.
Surviving Linda are her loving husband of 24 years, Patrick “Pat” Spangler; her children, Amanda Nyholt Linder (Josh), Matthew McCartney, Douglas Spangler (Debra), and Daniel Spangler; her siblings, Carl Mack “Buddy” Smith III, and Carla Rusk; and her grandchildren, Savannah McCartney, Sawyer McCartney, Aedan Spangler, Daniel Spangler, Jameson Spangler, Ryan Spangler, and River Spangler.
Linda loved photography, guitar, and Tennessee football. She was a Junior Olympic Swimmer.
Honorary Pallbearers will be her boys, Matthew McCartney, Douglas Spangler, and Daniel Spangler, and her grandchildren, Savannah, Sawyer, Aedan, Daniel, Jameson, Ryan, and River.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Obituaries
Carl “David” Barbe (1952 – 2024)
Carl “David” Barbe, 72, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
David was born to the late Carl Walton and Iona Dorothy Mills Barbe on March 22, 1952, in Front Royal, Virginia. He was also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Charles E. Martin and Gene Wines, and a sister-in-law, Jacki S. Barbe.
Surviving David are his children, Shannon Walton Barbe (Hannah), Michael Shane Barbe (Angie), and Jessica Marie Barbe (Richard); his siblings, JudyAnn Marcy (William), Betty J. Martin, Dianna L. Wines, and Paul Edward Barbe; his grandchildren, Ean Phillip Shell, Chloe Maslin Shell, Charlie Barbe, Maddie Barbe, Alister Barbe, and one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.
David liked to visit Charlestown, West Virginia, and occasionally play the slots. He also loved his paranormal television shows.
Obituaries
Anthony Michael Henry (2002 – 2024)
Anthony Michael Henry, 22, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away suddenly in Front Royal on Monday, April 22, 2024.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Anthony was born January 4, 2002, in Front Royal, Virginia, the son of Sara E. Kitts of Front Royal and Jason Henry. He previously worked for Taco Bell in Front Royal.
Surviving with his parents is his maternal grandmother, Margia Kitts of Front Royal; paternal grandparents, John and Susan Henry of Virginia; son, Kamari Kyng Henry, at home; one brother, Isaiah Henry of Virginia; and a sister, Jossalin Lowery of Front Royal.
Anthony was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Michael Kitts.
Obituaries
Hargis “Junior” Webb Jr. (1944 – 2024)
Hargis “Junior” Webb Jr., 79, of Strasburg, Virginia, passed away at Winchester Medical Center on Monday, April 22, 2024.
Hargis “Junior” Webb Jr.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, with Sammy Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Panorama Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Webb was born on May 3, 1944, in Pound, Virginia, to the late Hargis Sr. and Linda Mullins Webb. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Vernard “Ray” Webb; sister, Ruby Jean Webb Jones; and sister-in-law, Eloise “Donie” Webb.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Beatrice “Bea” Webb; two sons, Ronnie Webb (Loretta) and Mike Webb (Brenda); four brothers, Bill Webb, Ed Webb (Lesha), James Webb (Dale) and Bob Webb (Chris); sister, Jackie Garmer (Shawn); six grandchildren, Ashley Hamrick (Mike), Amy Webb, Michael Webb (Ashley), Ronnie Webb Jr., Mason Davis and Tori Shamblin; two great-grandchildren, Brentley Hamrick and Keelan Webb; sister-in-law, Ada Webb; brother-in-law, Charles Jones and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
