Gardner Funeral Home

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Gardner Funeral Home Gardner Funeral Home is a locally owned business that has been open since 1979. Our motto here at Gardner Funeral Home is our family serving your family!

Betty Ann Lester, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, went to be w...
10/22/2026

Betty Ann Lester, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday October 20, 2026. She was born on March 11, 1941, to Mae and Roy Underwood of Christiansburg, Virginia. Throughout her life, Betty was known for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering kindness. She had a special way of making those around her feel loved, and her life left a lasting impression on everyone blessed enough to know her.
Betty shared 66 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Ronnie Lester, building a life rooted in love, family, and faith. Her family was her greatest earthly joy, and she poured her heart into caring for those she loved. Some of the most cherished memories were made camping together, sharing laughter, and enjoying one another’s company. She could frequently be found tending to her flower beds or canning from her garden.
Her home was a place of fellowship and good food, and her kitchen was often where the people she loved gathered most. Every Sunday, she welcomed her family, church members, and visiting speakers into her home for a meal.
Betty dearly loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Fellowship Baptist Church. She often served quietly behind the scenes, preparing meals and caring for others without seeking recognition. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her through every season. Even as dementia gradually made it more difficult for her to attend church services and continue the cooking she so dearly loved, the legacy of her faith, kindness, and servant's heart remained evident in the lives she had touched.
A special thank-you to Stacy Lynn for the caretaking she provided when Betty’s health significantly declined. Her presence and help were a tremendous blessing to Betty and Ronnie.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, May and Roy Underwood; her brothers, Melvin and James Underwood; her daughter, Teresa; her son, Wayne; and her granddaughter, Brook.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Ronnie Lester; her daughters, Debbie Quesenberry and Cindy Ford (Troy); daughter-in-law, Missy Lester; her grandchildren, Stacy Lynn, Heather Lynn, Adam Quesenberry (Heather), Brittany Lester, Amber Lester, Kelsey Lester, Courtney Carter (Colson), Priscilla Stevers (DJ), and Kimberly Martin (Gabe); and her great-grandchildren, Brandon Stanley, Isaiah Moore, Angelica Moore, Teresa Smith, Nicholas Kinney, Annabella Ayres, Vinny Martin, and Elijah Stevers and numerous nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her love, the memories they shared, and the example she set through a lifetime of faithfulness and kindness.
Though her family grieves the loss of her presence, they find comfort in knowing that Betty is now at peace, free from pain and suffering, and resting in the presence of the Lord she so faithfully loved. Her earthly journey has ended, but the love she gave, the kindness she showed, and the faith she lived by will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be Monday October 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Fellowship Baptist Church, 3795 Surface Rd. Riner, VA with Pastor Jeff Rose officiating. Interment will follow in Duncan Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday October 25, at Fellowship Baptist Church from 5 until 7 PM.

Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1876

Amelia Dawn Henson was born on August 22, 2026, via C-section. Though she lived just 21 precious days before God called ...
10/20/2026

Amelia Dawn Henson was born on August 22, 2026, via C-section. Though she lived just 21 precious days before God called her home on September 12, 2026, her impact will last a lifetime. While we may ask why, the truth is that only He knows.
Amelia was everything her mother ever wanted and brought immense joy to everyone who met her. Though the world can be deeply unfair, we find comfort in knowing that Amelia knew nothing but love for every single second she was on this earth, shielded forever from the hardships of this world.
It is said that people die twice: once when they physically leave this world, and again when their story stops being told. Amelia’s story will live on forever.
She is survived by her loving mother, Rachel Henson; her “Nini,” Cary M. Henson; her great-grandfather, Les Marsh (Anita); and special friends, Jolynn McClain and Tony Stallard. She is also survived by a circle of cherished family members, including Lori Marsh, Nikki Bowden, and Julian Marsh. She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother, Judith Marsh, who we know is now holding her tightly in her arms.
Amelia brought a bright light into a dark world, and she is missed beyond measure by everyone who was blessed to love her.

Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1875

Eloise Eanes, 79, of Check, went home to be with her loved ones on October 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her pa...
10/19/2026

Eloise Eanes, 79, of Check, went home to be with her loved ones on October 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Franklin Brown and Charity Taylor Brown; son, Sammy Miller, sisters, Joyce Stroud, Mary Dula; nephew, Charles Frank Crites.
Eloise is survived by her husband, Carl Eanes; children, Randy Miller (Elieen), Ted Miller, Stacy Pimm, Melisa Chappell (Joe); grandchildren, Megan Sumner (Shawn), Thomas Eanes (Alexis), Branden Purl, Jayson Purl (Jordan Hubble), David LeClair, Cooper Purl, Carrington Lilly, Jaylen Chappell; great-grandchildren, Makenzie Sumner, Conner Sumner; nieces; Annette Taylor, Angel Heath, Beverly Crites, Beverly Sandlin, Debbie Brown; numerous other friends and family members that she cherished dearly.
Per Eloise's request there will be a private family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choosing in her honor.
Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1874

Andrew M O’Connor, 68, of Floyd, passed away on October 16,2026. He was born on October 17, 1957, to the late John O’Con...
10/17/2026

Andrew M O’Connor, 68, of Floyd, passed away on October 16,2026. He was born on October 17, 1957, to the late John O’Connor Sr. and Lorice O’Connor.
Andrew worked for the Virginia State Police for 30 years and drove a truck for several companies all over the US for many years where he claimed, “I’ve seen the whole country through the windshield of a truck”. Andrew had a love for large animals, both dogs and cats, and in his downtime you would at most times see him on the road riding his Harley.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Wood O’Connor; stepchildren, Hunter Blake (Sarah), Heather Wolsieffer (Caleb); grandkids, Colton and Waylon Blake, Hadley Wolsieffer; brother, John O’Connor Jr. (Karen); sister, Laurel Keyes (Bill).
There will be a Visitation at Gardner Funeral Home on Thursday October 22, 2026, from 11AM-1PM with a Graveside service to follow at 2PM at Jacksonville Cemetery with Baily Gardner officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Floyd County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1873

Judy M Vest, 78, of Check, went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel...
10/16/2026

Judy M Vest, 78, of Check, went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Pearl Mallory; siblings, Sammy Mallory, Sandy Maxey.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ray Vest; Children, Tony Vest (Rose), Timmy Vest (Julie), Tammy Robinette (Eddie); grandchildren, Heather Vest, Aaron Vest, Ambra Cahill (Drew), Jordon Vest, Briana Vest, Chase Thomas (Breanna), Jennifer Letcher (James), Josh Vest, Anthony Ling, Victor Ling (Heather), Whitney Robinette, Derek Robinette (Brittany); 17 great-grandchildren, and brother, Danny Mallory.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday October 20, 2026, at 2pm, at Gardner Funeral Home, with Pastor Allen Agee officiating. Interment will follow in Wilson Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday October 19, 2026, from 5pm-7pm at Gardner Funeral Home. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to Floyd County Volunteer Fire Department Station 3 at 1710 Kings Store Rd NE in Check, Virginia.
Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1872

Ronnie C. Bishop, 84, of Floyd, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday October 14, 2026, at his home. A native of Floyd h...
10/15/2026

Ronnie C. Bishop, 84, of Floyd, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday October 14, 2026, at his home. A native of Floyd he was born to George Cleve and Ruby Bishop on October 5, 1942. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a lover of Jesus, all animals, rescuing many, and his gardening. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister: Ruby Nell Moles; sister-in-law: Barbara Bishop; brother-in-law: Ronnie Lester. Survived by his wife of 32 years: Stephania “Mary Lou” Munson; three daughters & special sons-in-law: Ann Durham (Dean), Maia Holl, Sidney Marchon (Eric): one son: Kevin Bishop (Deann); grandchildren: Destiny Weddle (Dylan), Alyssa Marchon (Reese), Devin Durham, Gavin Marchon (Thistle), Lacey Patrick (Bryce), Thomas Marchon, Grace Gallimore (Hunter), Jared Houseman and Jaden Houseman; one great grandchild: Daleah Weddle: sisters & brother: Joann Hatcher (Donnie), Joyce Lester and Allen Bishop; mother of his children: Carol Bishop; special friends: Howard and Hilda Dickerson; special neighbors: Shayne, Ashleigh, James & Harlow Poff. Several Nieces and Nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday at 11AM at Gardner Funeral Home with Dean Durham officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 AM until service time. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Floyd County Humane Society 2136 Franklin Pike Rd. Floyd, VA 24091 or Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren 1867 Laurel Branch Rd., Floyd, VA 24091. The family would like to extend a special thank you to ACG Hospice and especially: Stacy, Colby, Keethryn, Morgane, Morgan, and Pastor Timothy Martin. Ronnie’s fondest wish would be that all his family, friends and neighbors find the Lord Jesus.

James C. Gardner, 86, of Galax, passed away at his home on Saturday October 10, 2026. He worked in the apparel industry ...
10/11/2026

James C. Gardner, 86, of Galax, passed away at his home on Saturday October 10, 2026. He worked in the apparel industry for over 50 years retiring as plant manager. After his retirement he worked for Horizon Equipment. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Galax. He was preceded in death by his parents Leo & Golda Agee Gardner; his brothers: David Gardner, Randolph Gardner; sister-in-law Nelva Gardner; nephew: Tommy Gardner. Survived by his wife of 17 years: Patty Gardner; two sons: Wayne Gardner (Wanda), Kenny Gardner (Teresa); one daughter: Becky Hylton (Greg); 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; two brothers: Calvin Gardner, Bobby Gardner, Sr. (Mary); 2 nephews and 1 niece. Funeral services will be Wednesday October 14, 2026, at 11 AM at Bible Baptist Church 1120 Greenville Rd. Galax. The family will receive friends from 10 AM until service time at the church. There will be a visitation at Gardner Funeral Home on Tuesday October 13, 2026, from 6 until 8 PM. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Bible Baptist Church and ACG Hospice 101 W Main St, Ste. A, Radford, VA 24141. The family would like to extend a special thank you to caregivers: Ali, Carrie and ACG Hospice also all the neighbors.

Brenda Nolen AtkinsAugust 30, 1947 – October 6, 2026Brenda Nolen Atkins was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, gr...
10/08/2026

Brenda Nolen Atkins
August 30, 1947 – October 6, 2026
Brenda Nolen Atkins was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose gentle spirit and loving heart touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Brenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse Atkins, her parents, Morris and Lena Nolen and her best friend and sister-in-law Wanda Nolen. While their absence left an enduring space in her heart, Brenda carried their love and the memories they shared throughout her life. Brenda was known for her easygoing and carefree nature. She had a generous heart, a warm smile, and a remarkable ability to make people feel comfortable and loved. She never needed much to be happy—time with the people she loved, a beautiful day at the beach, and the simple joys of life were treasures to her. Family was at the center of Brenda’s world.
She is survived by her sons, Scotty Atkins (Sylvia) and Jamie Atkins (Wendy), who were a source of great love and pride throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Shawn Atkins (Vanessa), Haley Lucas (David), Brady Atkins (Olivia), and Evan Atkins, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her siblings, Betty Cox (Lakewood), Robbie Nolen, and Mike Nolen, sister-in-law Susie Atkins along with many nieces and nephews. Her family was not simply a part of her life—they were the heart of it. And never to be forgotten were Brenda’s beloved animal companions—her special dog, Sunshine, and her two cats, who brought her countless moments of companionship, comfort, and joy.
Brenda had a tender heart and a deep compassion for all animals, always showing them the same love and kindness she carried in her heart for those around her. Those who knew Brenda will remember her not only for the roles she filled, but for the person she was. She was kind without pretense, generous without expectation, and loving in ways both big and small. She had a carefree spirit that brought lightness to those around her and a warmth that made people feel at home. Brenda loved the beach, but perhaps what she loved most was sharing time with her family. The memories made during those moments—laughter, conversations, quiet times together, and the simple happiness of being surrounded by those she loved—will remain treasured by all who knew her. Her life was a gift to her family and friends, and her memory will live on in the hearts of the many people who loved her. Though she will be profoundly missed, the love she gave so freely will continue through the family she cherished and the countless memories she leaves behind.
Funeral Services will be Saturday October 10, 2026, at 12 Noon at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Allan Vass officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10 AM until service time.
Brenda’s greatest legacy is love—and she leaves an abundance of it behind.
Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1869

Robin D. Rutrough passed on October 1, 2026, at her home with her husband by her side. Robin was born February 7, 1962, ...
10/03/2026

Robin D. Rutrough passed on October 1, 2026, at her home with her husband by her side. Robin was born February 7, 1962, in Pulaski to Charles and Betty Dalton. Robin Graduated from Pulaski High School and New River Community College with a Nursing Degree. She served in the nursing field for 34 years working in hospitals, private practice and then in nursing homes. Robin was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Danny Dalton; sister: Debra Woodson. Robin is survived by her husband: Joe Rutrough; son: Bryan Morris (Amber); four grandchildren: Kaylynn, Cameron, Will, and Carson. Funeral services will be Tuesday October 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Roy Turpin officiating. Interment will follow in Willis Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12 Noon until service time. In lieu of flowers the request donations be made to the Floyd County Humaine Society PO Box 862 Floyd, VA 24091, in memory of her beloved Boxers. A special thank you to ACG Hospice for all the help.

Lorraine Doak Lafond, 99 years passed away peacefully on September 26 after a brief illness. She was born in Bristol Ten...
09/28/2026

Lorraine Doak Lafond, 99 years passed away peacefully on September 26 after a brief illness. She was born in Bristol Tennessee where she spent her early childhood. Afterwards, Lorraine moved to the Washington DC area where she remained until retiring in Floyd Va. During her years living in Washington DC, she worked at the George Washington University computer department and as a systems analyst for the Department of Defense. In her retirement she enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling and her passion for reading. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Lucien J LaFond. Lorraine is survived by her son, Ronald J Lafond (Ann); three grandchildren and their spouses, Amy (Steven), Matthew (Jill), Ruth Ann (Francesco). There will be a private family graveside service held at Lee Cemetery Tuggles Gap at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Jesse Peterman Library in Floyd Va, or Good Samaritan Hospice, Roanoke Va. Online condolences may may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1867

Address

202 E. Oxford Street
Floyd, VA
24091

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 12pm

Telephone

+15407452007

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