Obituaries
Marylou M. Hodges (1927 – 2023)
Marylou M. Hodges died at her home in Albuquerque on Saturday afternoon, March 18, 2023. She was 95.
Marylou M. Hodges
Marylou was born in Limeton, Virginia, on October 13, 1927. She was the only daughter of Violet Ora Manuel Mauck and Lester Franklin Mauck.
After attending grades one through seven in Limeton’s one-room schoolhouse, Marylou entered Warren County High School. There she sang in the Glee Club, belonged to the Hi-Y Club, served as Vice President of her junior class, served as Secretary of her senior class, and helped her class raise over $18,000 for a War Loan Drive. High school was a defining period in her life, and she stayed in close touch with numerous classmates and helped organize many class reunions.
After graduating from WCHS in 1945, Marylou obtained a position at Front Royal’s American Viscose Corporation plant. There she joined her father, who worked as a welder, and her brother, Lester Mauck Jr., who held the title, “Sheet Metal Man, Second Class.” Marylou worked as secretary to Plant Industrial Engineer Doug Smith.
The “Viscose,” as it was known, opened in 1940 in Front Royal and manufactured rayon fiber for fabric, rayon cord for automobile tires, and briefly, fiber for the aerospace industry. The company became the largest supplier of rayon in the United States. The Front Royal plant closed in 1989 after being cited for more than 2,000 environmental violations and was demolished in 1997.
While working at the Viscose, Marylou went on a double-blind date and met Front Royal’s new optometrist, Robert B. “Bob” Hodges. Marylou’s date was not with Bob but with his friend Richard DeVos, who went on to found Amway, a multi-billion-dollar marketing company that sells home-care products. Said Marylou, looking back on the date, “I liked Bob better.” She and Bob married in 1952, built a home in Belmont Subdivision, and enjoyed contributing to and participating in Front Royal life for decades to come.
At some point, Marylou left the Viscose and had the couple’s only child, Susan Laurel, in 1956. A few years later, she began volunteering with the Women’s Auxiliary of Warren Memorial Hospital, taking baby pictures with a Polaroid camera and selling them to parents for a modest fee.
Before long, she was serving on the Auxiliary Board, where she held positions as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. But most exciting for Marylou was her involvement in the Red Stocking Follies. This annual, professionally produced variety show was a collaboration between the Hospital Auxiliary and the Front Royal Lions Club. It raised thousands of dollars for hospital equipment and sight conservation projects undertaken by the Lions. Many Front Royal residents still remember the Follies’ Rockette-style kick-line, the corny jokes, and the great skits that made the shows a hit.
In the 2010s, Marylou was feted for serving 50 years in what is now The Auxiliary of Warren Memorial Hospital. She had other interests as well. She worked in the church office at Marlow Heights Baptist Church and volunteered for CCAP. She also bowled every Wednesday with the Women’s Coffee League and, with Bob, belonged to two bridge clubs and the Shenandoah Dance Club. Later, the two were members of the Front Royal Presbyterian Church. Marylou liked nothing better than chatting with old friends and making new ones because people gave her her greatest joy.
Marylou is survived by a daughter, Susan Hodges, and her wife, Kirsten Haake, both of Rio Rancho, NM. Marylou is also survived by a first cousin, Fay Voigt of Harrisonburg, VA, and numerous nieces and nephews on the Hodges side, who remained close to her even in her last years. Preceding her in death were her husband, Bob, and two brothers, Lester, and Jasper Mauck.
A service will be held on Thursday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Front Royal Presbyterian Church. A brief, family-only interment will follow at Panorama Memorial Gardens. Afterward, a luncheon will follow at the home of Lori and Gray Blanton, 234 Walnut Drive, Front Royal.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Auxiliary of Warren Memorial Hospital, 1000 Shenandoah Avenue, Front Royal.
Obituaries
Shelby Jean Daniel (1939 – 2023)
Shelby Jean Daniel, 84, died on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. She was born in Chester Gap, VA, to Andrew Ramsey Williams and Sarah Elizabeth Showers Williams.
Shelby Jean Daniel
Shelby graduated from Warren County High School in 1957. After her marriage to Billy Daniel, she began her life as a Navy wife living in Illinois, Maine, and Connecticut. They moved to Charlottesville, VA, where her husband attended the University of Virginia. She was employed as a medical secretary at Martha Jefferson Hospital.
They moved to Newport News in 1969. Shelby and her family joined Second Presbyterian Church, now Denbigh Presbyterian, in 1970, where she was an Elder and Chairman of the Flower Committee, creating beautifully artistic arrangements for the worship service for 30 years. Shelby was awarded the Presbyterian Honorary Life Membership Award for serving the life of the church and the Presbyterian Women’s Organization. Shelby was a beautiful artist creating many China painting articles, painting portraits, flowers, and a mural on her home wall.
After her husband died, she began traveling with her sister. They spent winters in Florida and traveled Europe, including Scotland, Ireland, England, Paris, and Hawaii. Shelby was a kind and loving soul, giving of herself to so many. She always tried to see the good in people.
Shelby was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Billy Davis Daniel; her daughter, Cynthia Elizabeth Daniel, and her brother, George Noah Williams.
She is survived by her daughter, Angela Dawn Daniel; her sister, Judy Harris; her brother, Andrew Williams and 4 nieces and 3 nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Denbigh Presbyterian Church by Rev. Deborah Dail. Burial will be private at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Denbigh Presbyterian Church or your favorite wildlife rescue. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.
Obituaries
Clarence Douglas “C.D.” Strother Jr. (1946 – 2023)
Clarence Douglas “C.D.” Strother Jr., 77, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at 2785 Harmony Hollow Road, Front Royal.
Mr. Strother was born in Front Royal on January 5, 1946, to the late Clarence Sr. and Lucy Elkins Strother. He was a graduate of John S. Mosby Academy in 1964, then went on to play football for Virginia Tech, where he attended classes until he was drafted. He served in the Vietnam War as an Army Medic from 1966 to 1968. Upon returning home, he worked many carpentry jobs and as a foreman in the District of Columbia.
Survivors include his adopted family, Elizabeth Vaughan, Gary Duane “Dewey” Vaughan, James A.S. Vaughan, Reno Vaughan, and numerous cousins.
Obituaries
Myrtle Lackey Ramsey (1925 – 2023)
Myrtle Lackey Ramsey, 97, of Warrenton, Virginia, passed away at Fauquier Health and Rehabilitation on Monday, June 5, 2023.
Mrs. Ramsey was born on December 18, 1925, in Patrick County, Virginia to the late George and Susan Jamison Lackey. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James William Ramsey. She was a volunteer for Warren Memorial Hospital in Front Royal, Virginia, for many years after retiring from the Federal Government after a long career as an administrative assistant.
Survivors include her two sons, Phillip M. Ramsey of Warrenton and David J. Ramsey of Patrick Springs, Virginia; four grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Obituaries
Sally Ann Schottroffe (1943 – 2023)
Sally Ann Schottroffe, 79, of Middletown, Virginia, passed away at Lynn Care Center on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Mrs. Schottroffe was born on August 8, 1943, in Washington, DC, to the late Earl and Mildred Donaldson Fox. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Vernon Schottroffe, and sister, Gloria Haines.
Survivors include her two sons, Alan Schottroffe and Michael Schottroffe (Leslie), both of Stephens City, Virginia; daughter, Deanna Schottroffe of Stephens City; brother, Earl Fox Jr. of Fairfax, Virginia; two sisters, Doris Hamilton and Melissa Crone, both of Delaware; three grandchildren, Anne Marie Schottroffe, Michael R. Schottroffe and Rachel Fry (Shawn); six great-grandchildren and her best friend, Meg Maddox.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.
Obituaries
Phyllis Ann (Venable) Presley (1931 – 2023)
Phyllis Ann (Venable) Presley, 92, of Browntown, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Front Royal, Virginia.
Mrs. Presley was born in Front Royal on January 23, 1931, to the late Frank Pope Venable and Edith Haley (Venable) Nicewarner. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Howard L. Presley; son, Howard “Elliott” Presley; brother, Frank Venable and two sisters, Dorothy Martin, and Edith Mae Shurling.
Phyllis is survived by a sister, Carolyn Settle of Elkton, Virginia; daughter, Karen McKenzie of Rocky River, Ohio; three sons, Phillip Presley (Tina), Clifford Presley (Mary) and Kenneth Presley (Becky) all of Front Royal; ten grandchildren, Brian MacKenzie Jr., Leigh Ann Keaton, David MacKenzie, Erin Friedermann, Heather Sandhu, Michael Presley, Robert Presley, Tyler Presley, Ethan Presley and Matthew Presley; along with fourteen great-grandchildren and seven nieces and six nephews.
Phyllis worked early on as a babysitter and at the five & dime. Then, after graduating from Warren County High School, she worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., where she met her future husband Howard, who was in the Army. After being married, they relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, to raise their family, then retired to Front Royal/Browntown, where she loved the beautiful mountains and wildlife.
Calling hours are available on Sunday, June 11, 2023, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Prospect Hill Cemetery, 200 West Prospect Street, Front Royal, with Sammy Campbell officiating.
Obituaries
Betty C. Foster (1938 – 2023)
Betty C. Foster, 84, of Flint Hill, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Woods Cove Assisted Living in Front Royal, Virginia.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, with Sammy Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Flint Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Foster was born in Front Royal on September 24, 1938, to the late Lewis and Sophie Mason Corbin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William “Ed” Foster Jr.; daughter, Carol Ann Foster-May and sister, Carol Jane Corbin. She enjoyed baking and making cakes. She was a member of Flint Hill United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her three sons, William “Ed’ Foster III of Culpeper, Virginia, Richard Lee Foster of Orlando, Florida, and Lewis Mason Foster of Huntly, Virginia; sister, Shirley Corbin Mowery of Strasburg, Virginia; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.