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Patricia Ann Simon (Monaghan) (1944 – 2023)

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Our beautiful mother, Patricia Ann Simon (Monaghan), passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on September 10, 2023. She was 79.  Patricia was born on July 20, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Edward Francis Monaghan and Genevieve Helena Monaghan (Rocap). She was raised in Miami, Florida.

She was the kindest, most caring person we have ever known and was the most wonderful mom we could have ever hoped for. Ann to her immediate family and Pat to her friends, kindness and caring for others were hallmarks of her life and spirit. She experienced the tragedy of losing her father close to Christmas at the age of nearly 4, and her family was left devastated. With her mother forced to work three jobs to make ends meet, our mom was raised in large part by her grandmother, Maud Rocap, a woman of boundless energy, kindness, and goodness. In the years after her father’s death and her mother’s remarriage, our mom, unfortunately, experienced a turbulent and painful home life at times, but her grandmother steadfastly served as a guiding light of love and support. Despite the hardships, she was blessed with a close-knit extended Irish-American family that was part of her life. Our mom’s character was forged in these years of difficult times, and she turned her experiences of grief, loss, and personal pain into a mission to help others in need.

In high school, she volunteered on weekends at her local VA hospital in Miami, Florida, to help care for sick and injured military veterans, including many wounded earlier during the Korean War. She wanted to become a nurse from an early age, and her volunteer work was later recognized by a veteran’s group, the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW chapter in Miami awarded her a full scholarship to nursing school for her efforts on behalf of veterans. She graduated from nursing school in 1965 and became a psychiatric nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

While at Jackson Memorial, she attracted the attention of a young psychiatric resident physician, Dr. Robert Simon, and they were later married. They had three sons. She devoted herself to being the best wife, mother, and homemaker she could be, and she also found time to be a Cub Scout Den Mother and a volunteer at the Children’s Inn of the National Institutes of Health (a non-profit offering free lodging and support for pediatric patients and their families undergoing treatment at NIH). She also drove us kids to countless hours of sports practices and activities. She was a great cook and baker loved to travel, and always had a good Irish twinkle in her eye, ready to laugh and smile.  She was a Floridian at heart who loved the state, as well as the Bahamas, where her sister Kathy resides. She also loved Wyoming and the American West. Her presence would light up a room, and she would always try to make people feel good about themselves. She genuinely enjoyed talking to people simply to connect, and she enjoyed many friendships over the years. She always remembered where she came from and was grateful for the many blessings in her life. The family was everything to her.

Patricia is survived by her three sons, Robert of Oakland, California; Patrick (Susan) of Brandon, Florida; Brett (Karie) of Front Royal, Virginia; her five grandsons, Justin, Nicholas, Jasper, Alastair, and Bruno; her dear sister, Kathy Russell, of Nassau, Bahamas; her nieces Deborah (Jason) of Nassau, Bahamas and Donna (Duncan) of Georgia; and cousins Frank and Lucy of Florida and New York. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Robert I. Simon.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, Maryland, for a short viewing, with the funeral immediately following at 11:30 a.m. A lunch will be offered after the funeral service at the church. The interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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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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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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