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Gerald Wilson Cauley (1953 – 2023)

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Gerald Wilson Cauley, 70, a resident of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023, following a nine-month battle with cancer. He was born on January 3rd, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Robert Nelson Cauley and Marjorie Pelter Cauley.

Gerald Wilson Cauley

The son of a career military man, Gerry spent much of his childhood living in foreign countries such as Germany and Turkey, in addition to US military bases. Upon his father’s retirement, the family made their home in Leominster, Massachusetts.

Gerry was a proud graduate of Leominster High School in 1971 and then went on to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1975. He continued his education at Loyola University in Maryland, earning an MBA in 1986. Gerry had a decorated 47-year career as an Engineer and Executive in the Electric Power Industry. His work and passion focused on solving reliability, cyber, and physical security challenges for the power grid and our nation’s energy supply. Over the span of his career, Gerry lived in Columbia, MD, San Jose, CA, Tampa, FL; and Atlanta, GA. He retired happily in May 2022 and would joke that he looked forward to a “20-year glide path” to live out his golden years.

Gerry was predeceased by his father, Robert Cauley, and his sister, Diane Cauley Crowley. He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Cauley, wife Kara Cauley, son Bryan Cauley and wife, Crista, granddaughters Laila and Antonia, and five siblings, including four brothers, Donald Cauley, Robert Cauley, Jr., William Cauley, and Thomas Cauley, and one sister Patricia Dee, and their spouses. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In 1975, Gerry married Connie (Spencer) Cauley and moved to Bowie, MD, where they celebrated the birth of their beloved son Bryan. Gerry loved spending time with Bryan, daughter-in-law Crista, and granddaughters Laila and Antonia. Gerry loved playing golf and watching football and college basketball with his son. He treasured his visits to Connecticut to spend time with Bryan and his family. He would always make pancakes with the girls, and they even recently taught him to “gritty.” He was known for giving the best hugs.

In the summer of 2022, Gerry married Kara, and the two of them enjoyed their time together living in the country in Washington, Virginia. They quickly found they shared many interests and planned a future together. Despite his cancer diagnosis a few months later, their relationship remained steadfast. Kara’s care and devotion during the remaining months of his life were appreciated by Gerry’s family and friends.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life at a later date to honor Gerry.

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Obituaries

Cheryl Saddler Rakes (1956 – 2023)

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Cheryl Saddler Rakes, 67, of Strasburg, Virginia, sailed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

Cheryl Saddler Rakes

Waiting for her were her parents, Raymond and Carolyn Saddler, and brother, Raymond Saddler Jr.

Those left to cherish her memory are Garry Rakes, her loving and devoted husband of over four decades; two daughters and sons-in-law, Brittany and Kerry Grigsby and Mackenzie and Hunter Wood; two sons, Judd Poe and David Denton (Kristen); siblings, Deb Gray (Dan), Cathy Dunn (Kenny), and Jeff Saddler (Kelly); and an abundance of grandchildren.

Cheryl worked hard and became a nurse in 1979. She obtained her RN and BSN and was a respected and admired Nursing Director and Educator by the time she retired in 2018.

Cheryl liked Motown, Thanksgiving, and the beach.  Above all else, she loved her family.

As the tide recedes, shells are left behind in the sand, and though you have sailed away, you will remain in our hearts.

The family will honor her wishes and hold a remembrance service at a later date.

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Obituaries

Yvonne “Vonnie” Hedges Evans (1930 – 2023)

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Yvonne “Vonnie” Hedges Evans, 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Yvonne “Vonnie” Hedges Evans

Vonnie was born on May 9, 1930, the daughter of Lula V. Murphy Hedges and S. Hunter Hedges in Hedgesville, West Virginia. In addition to her parents, Vonnie was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John W. (Jack) Evans III; a grandson, John W. (Johnny) Evans V; brothers and sisters, Earl, Hugh, Marvin, Ralph, Beulah, and Leona; and a niece and several nephews.

Vonnie was, first and foremost, a loving wife, mother, and homemaker who was devoted to her family. She loved and excelled at sewing, decorating, and gardening and created a warm and welcoming home for her family.

Left to cherish Vonnie’s memory are her loving son and daughter, John W. Evans IV (Donna Knox) and Patricia “Pat” Evans Sellers (Alben); grandchildren, AJ Sellers (Hunter), Wesley Sellers, Katie Sellers, Ian Evans and Mia Evans; great-grandchildren, Paxton Sellers and Libbie Sellers; and special friends Michelle Williams and Jean Huskin.

Vonnie’s life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, at Maddox Funeral Home at 105 West Main Street in Front Royal, Virginia. A Graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Prospect Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, The Salvation Army, or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to thank Wesley Williams, RN of Freda Gordon Hospice, for the skillful and compassionate care he gave to Vonnie.

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Vivian Maxine Cameron (1935 – 2023)

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Vivian Maxine Cameron, 88, affectionately called “Nanny” by her family, of Front Royal, VA, and formerly of College Park, MD, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the Envoy of Winchester Nursing Home.

Vivian Maxine Cameron

Vivian was born on September 9, 1935, in San Diego, CA. She was a survivor of the bombing at Pearl Harbor in 1941. She was a full-time homemaker married to the late Maynard L. Cameron and is survived by her six children: Lawrence L. Cameron (Della) of Front Royal, Carol I. Cameron of Edinburg, Susan M. Foster (Bobby) of Bentonville, Diane L. Jeter of Sandston, VA, Clark P. Cameron and John P. Cameron, both of Front Royal; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Unger Norris, Sharon Unger Kirkpatrick, and Karen Unger Pysh, and their families. Preceding her in death was her sister, Claudia Unger Dennis.

Arrangements are being handled by Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, VA 22630. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Vivian will be laid to rest at Bentonville Baptist Church. A meal following the graveside service will be at Rivermont Baptist Church, 575 Catlett Mountain Road, Front Royal, VA. Sign the guestbook at www.maddoxfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Envoy of Winchester and Winchester Memorial Hospital Critical Care Unit for their outstanding and thoughtful care over the last few months.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Warren County, 1245 Progress Drive, Front Royal, Virginia 22630.

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Ray Ruhling (1946 – 2023)

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Ray was born August 27, 1946, in Tacoma Park, Maryland, the son of the late Otto Ruhling and Gertraud L. Daugherty.

He graduated from American University, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Linda Griffith Ruhling; two sons, Erik Ruhling and wife Sarah Coburn of Tennessee and Joshua Ruhling and wife Summer of Woodstock, Virginia; one sister, Anita Sapp and husband David of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brother, Robert Ruhling and wife Holly of Scientists Cliff, Maryland; and five grandchildren, Winter, Silas, Anneliese, Astrid and Alice.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.

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Joseph “Joe” Russell Nestlerode, Sr. (1950 – 2023)

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Joseph “Joe” Russell Nestlerode, Sr., age 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 18, 2023, in Round Rock, Texas.

Joseph “Joe” Russell Nestlerode, Sr.

Joe was born the eldest of two children to the late Raymond Edward Nestlerode, Sr. and Lillian Irene Luchetta Nestlerode on January 1st, 1950.   He was a Civil Engineer specializing in bridge and highway construction for Nestlerode Contracting Company and later for Wagman Construction.

Surviving are his three sons, Joseph R. Nestlerode, Jr., Jason (Jamie) Nestlerode, and Casey (Angela) Nestlerode, and his seven grandchildren, Kyle Nestlerode, Collin Nestlerode, Reagan Nestlerode, Riley Nestlerode, Emma Nestlerode, Luke Nestlerode, and Wyatt Nestlerode.

Joe was raised in Lock Haven, PA, where he graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1967.

He also graduated from Norwich University in Northfield, VT, in 1971 with a degree in Civil Engineering.   After graduation, Joe returned to Lock Haven and married his ex-wife, Victoria Chalmers Davis, in 1971.  They divorced in 2001.

Joe dedicated his professional life to his passion: bridge and highway construction.   He spent the majority of his career as Vice-President and Lead Engineer for Nestlerode Contracting Company, where he worked on projects across the state of Pennsylvania.  Though he had many impressive accomplishments, some notable ones include the Jay St. Bridge in Lock Haven and the Jarrett Ave. Bridge in Castanea, the Rte 120 Bridge in Hyner, the Market St. Bridge in Lewistown, and the Rte 147 Bridge in Sunbury.   Joe, his brother, and his father partnered together to build Sunset Rinks in Shamokin Dam, PA.   The trio owned the rink from 1980 to 1995.

Joe moved on to much larger projects when he joined Wagman Construction as Project Superintendent later in his career.   Some notable projects while with Wagman include the Shenandoah Ave. Bridge in Front Royal, VA, the Harvey Taylor Bridge in Harrisburg, PA, the Masontown Bridge in Nemacolin, PA, and the Interstate 695 Bridge in Baltimore, MD.   Joe was also a proud member of the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) and the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC).

During his stay in Nemacolin working on the Masontown Bridge, Joe met his companion Kelly Smith.   The pair returned to Lock Haven, PA, then relocated to Front Royal, VA, to be closer to family and finally to Round Rock, TX, for Kelly’s career.   Kelly continues to live in Round Rock, were she works for Emerson Automation Solutions.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman and loved to spend his free time outdoors.   He had a second home in Potter County, PA, where he loved to fish, hunt, and snowmobile with family and friends.   He spent many weekends boating, waterskiing, and camping on the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven.   He coached Little Little Baseball and attended countless sporting events to support his kids.  Joe was also a member of Clinton Country Club where he enjoyed golfing whenever he could find the time.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Immaculate Conception Church at 310 West Water St, Lock Haven, PA 1774

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Fred Carl Rettberg (1965 – 2023)

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Fred Carl Rettberg, 58, of Bentonville, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 18, 2023, at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Fred Carl Rettberg

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Maddox Funeral Home, with Elder Gary Utz and the Rev. Chad Hrbek officiating. Interment will follow in Ivy Hill Cemetery in Upperville, Virginia.

Fred was born January 3, 1965, in Washington, D.C., the son of the late Fred Carl Rettberg II and Lucille Virginia Leonard Rettberg Curl.

Fred graduated from Warren County High School, Class of 1983, and attended Radford University. He has owned and operated Curl Plastering for many years. Fred was known to all as a hardworking, honorable, and generous man who always put his family above all else. He was a loving husband, supportive father, and kind friend to all. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and numerous friends.

Surviving is his loving wife, Donna Atwood Rettberg, who has been with him for 43 years; his children, Rachel Rettberg Alban (Carlos) of Arlington, Ryan Kurtis Rettberg (Meredith) of Hanover, and Amanda Rettberg Lonergan (Jack) of Falls Church; two sisters, Susan Rettberg Bowman (Greg) of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina and Kay Rettberg Trent of Winchester; and one granddaughter, Madelyn Marie Alban.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Edward (Bubby) Curl, and sister, Virginia Berthold.

Pallbearers will be Blaire Bowman, Tony Rettberg, Kirk Trent, Shawn Carrico, Art Saffelle, Tony Crim, David Downs, and Hugh Henry

Honorary Pallbearers will be Donald Atwood, Al Atwood, Eddie Morrison, Greg Bowman, Chad Wines, Chris Wines, and Chris Hendrix.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Front Royal United Methodist Church or to Happy Creek Primitive Baptist Church.

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Upcoming Events

Sep
27
Wed
10:30 am College Day @ Corron Community Development Center
College Day @ Corron Community Development Center
Sep 27 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
College Day @ Corron Community Development Center
Join us for College Day at the Middletown Campus, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Sept. 27, in the Corron Community Development Center. Meet with reps from more than 40 public and private universities, including Bluefield[...]
6:30 pm Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Sep 27 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Bingo to support the American Cancer Society mission, organized by Relay For Life of Front Royal. Every Wednesday evening Early Bird Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Regular Bingo from 7-9:30 p.m. Food and refreshments available More[...]
Sep
30
Sat
10:00 am Fall Wild Edible Plants: Earth C... @ Sky Meadows State Park
Fall Wild Edible Plants: Earth C... @ Sky Meadows State Park
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fall Wild Edible Plants: Earth Connections Series @ Sky Meadows State Park
Carriage Barn in the Historic Area. Join professional outdoor instructor Tim MacWelch to learn about the remarkable seasonal wild edible and medicinal plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This full-day hike will cover native and[...]
Oct
4
Wed
6:30 pm Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Oct 4 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Bingo to support the American Cancer Society mission, organized by Relay For Life of Front Royal. Every Wednesday evening Early Bird Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Regular Bingo from 7-9:30 p.m. Food and refreshments available More[...]
Oct
7
Sat
11:00 am The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Oct 7 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area. The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills. Members of The Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac have set up shop in the forge, located behind[...]
1:00 pm Front Royal Bluegrass Music Jam @ The Body Shop
Front Royal Bluegrass Music Jam @ The Body Shop
Oct 7 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Front Royal Bluegrass Music Jam @ The Body Shop
New Bluegrass and traditional music jam the first Saturday of each month starting Feb. 4th, from 1pm till 4pm. All levels of playing invited to attend.
Oct
8
Sun
11:00 am The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Oct 8 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area. The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills. Members of The Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac have set up shop in the forge, located behind[...]
Oct
11
Wed
6:30 pm Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Oct 11 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Front Royal Wednesday Night Bingo @ Front Royal Volunteer Fire Deptartment
Bingo to support the American Cancer Society mission, organized by Relay For Life of Front Royal. Every Wednesday evening Early Bird Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Regular Bingo from 7-9:30 p.m. Food and refreshments available More[...]
Oct
14
Sat
11:00 am The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Oct 14 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Farmer’s Forge @ Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area. The forge is fired up and the blacksmiths are hard at work showing off their skills. Members of The Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac have set up shop in the forge, located behind[...]
6:00 pm Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park
Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park
Oct 14 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Astronomy for Everyone @ Sky Meadows State Park
Historic Area. Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA’s Jet Propulsion[...]
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