Rappahannock News

William "Bill" Sisk of Whitehall, Montana, passed away on Saturday, August, 6, 2022 in Culpeper, Virginia. He was surrounded by family during the last days and hours of his life. Bill was described as a complex man by his cousin, Dyanne. To family and childhood friends, he was Billy. After he met and married beautiful Jayne, he became Bill. To Larry and Leigh, he was Dad and was much loved by them. To his grandchildren, he was Grandpa, to his sister, Dottie, he was baby brother, and to his buddies, like David, Keith and Dean, he was a lifelong friend and hunting buddy who he could drink a beer with swap stories with. A master electrician who could light up your world or leave you in...

Ronald Lee Robey, "Ronnie", 77, of Amissville, VA passed away at Fairfax INOVA Hospital on Thursday, August 4, 2022. He was born on July 14, 1945 to the late Earl Courtney Robey and Helen Tappy Robey. In addition to his parents, Ronald is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Carolyn Robey. Ronald was a Veteran of the United States Army. He retired from Bingham and Taylor in Culpeper as a machine operator. Ronald enjoyed retirement, reading, watching baseball and most of all, his family. Ronald was better known to his family and friends as "Ronnie" and to his children and grandchildren he was "Pop" or "Granddaddy". Ronald is survived by his children, Ronny Lee Robey (Stephanie) of...

Louis Folk Fletcher, Jr., 67, of Scottsville, VA died at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville on July 25, 2022. He was born in Virginia on December 19, 1954 to the late Louis F. Fletcher, Sr., and Eleanor Hudson Fletcher. A native of Warrenton, Louis was a graduate of Fauquier County High School. He was a well known contractor of over 35 years with his employer S.L. Williamson and Company of Charlottesville and relationships gained from that tenure. He enjoyed travel, car shows, cooking, truck pulls, loved being on the water, boating, and possessed a keen sense of humor. Louis is survived by his sons Chris and Brant Fletcher; sisters Elizabeth Clegg and Carolyn Payne; in addition to his...

Brenda Elizabeth Atkins Sacco, 63 of Luray, VA passed away Monday, July 25, 2022 at Fauquier Hospital. She was born September 30, 1958 in Warren County, VA to the late Lyle Wilson Atkins and Barbara Christina Atkins. Brenda worked for Aileen Company in Flint Hill, VA for 17 years and then at Walmart for another 17 years. To know Brenda was to love her. She could make everyone laugh and smile. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Gore (Eddie), two brothers, Melvin Atkins (Juanita) and Calvin Atkins (Nancy). Additional survivors include her nieces and nephews, Keith Gore (Susanne), Heather Keyser (Doug), Tammy Shenk (Dennis), Ray Atkins (Courtney), Mandy Roberts (Will), Robin Benson, Angela...

Elma B. Thornhill Morrison age 96, of Winchester, Virginia, passed away on July 15, 2022, at her home. She had been surrounded by family on her 96th birthday and peacefully passed the morning after. She was cared for by her daughter Jean C. Anderson for the last 3 years. Mrs. Morrison was born July 14, 1926, in Boston, Rappahannock County, Virginia the daughter of the late Cary Grayson Thornhill and Dicy Elma (Weaver) Thornhill. She graduated from Sperryville High School with honors and was salutatorian of her class, and immediately began work at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., later entering the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corps at Winchester Memorial Hospital in Winchester, VA for...

Bernice Lee Woodward Elswick, 83, of Culpeper, VA, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022. Bernice was born on June 1, 1939 to the late Woodrow and Esther Burke. Bernice loved everyone, and considered everyone a friend. She was a member of Flint Hill Pentecostal Church. She retired from Aileen Knitwear after 30 plus years. She loved cooking and baking cakes, but most importantly she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, John A. Lee Sr.; second husband, Lewis "Mack" Woodward; third husband, Donald Elswick; step father, Willie Potter; brothers, William Burke, Garnett Burke; and step children, Clint Woodward, Janet Leake, and...

Clarissa Lyon Leggett of McLean and Washington, Virginia passed away peacefully on July 3, 2022 at the home of her son Eugene Sheldon Leggett III and her daughter in law, The Honorable Kathleen M. Uston. She was 93 years old. Her loving children and grandchildren had been by her side during the week. Clarissa was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 12, 1928 to Elizabeth Weld and Edwin Clark Bennett. She grew up in Middleboro, Massachusetts on Moreland Acres in Plymouth County and in Maine where she spent many summers sailing. From her grandfather, Clifford Read Weld and her grandmother, Clarissa Lyon Weld, she developed a keen interest in gardening and American antique furniture. ...

Thaniel Marcus Dodson, 83, of Sperryville, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022. He was born on Oct. 22, 1938, in Sperryville and was a son of the late Walter Marcus Dodson and Beulah Clark Dodson. Thaniel worked as a sales agent for Noland, retiring with more than 40 years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the Luray Moose Lodge 1413 and the VFW Comer-Jones Post 621 in Luray. On Oct. 1, 1960, he married Betty Jean Dovel Dodson, who survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Terry W. Dodson of Sperryville, and Kevin S. Dodson of Troy; a sister, Edna Sisk of Sperryville; six grandchildren, Scott Dodson, Kara Dodson Albers,...

Doris Virginia Vest, 85, of Jupiter, Florida, and Flint Hill, Virginia passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022 at Hidden Springs Senior Living. Services will be private. Doris was born on May 18, 1937 in Madison County, Virginia to the late James and Ethel Nicholson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Norman Grady Vest; her infant son, James Grady Vest; her son, Grady "Allen" Vest; and a grandson, Kirkland Allen Reece Vest. Surviving Doris are her loving daughters, Donna "Renee" Calisto (David) and Christal D. Werner (Mark); her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Reece Vest; her grandchildren, Joshua Werner (Renee), Jared Werner, Nikki Calisto and Victoria Cooper (Richard); and...

Doris Virginia Vest, 85, of Jupiter, Florida, and Flint Hill, Virginia passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022 at Hidden Springs Senior Living. Services will be private. Doris was born on May 18, 1937 in Madison County, Virginia to the late James and Ethel Nicholson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Norman Grady Vest; her infant son, James Grady Vest; her son, Grady "Allen" Vest; and a grandson, Kirkland Allen Reece Vest. Surviving Doris are her loving daughters, Donna "Renee" Calisto (David) and Christal D. Werner (Mark); her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Reece Vest; her grandchildren, Joshua Werner (Renee), Jared Werner, Nikki Calisto and Victoria Cooper (Richard); and her 6...

Thelma Mae Martin, nee Carter, 86, of Amissville, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on May 28, 2022, in Culpeper, Virginia. She was born June 20, 1935, in Culpeper, Virginia. She is survived by her daughter Linda James, her son Greg (Debby) Martin, and her son-in-law Kinsey Wharton; grandchildren Cindy (Kenny) Giles, Mike (Kerry) Wharton, Kevin Martin, and Beth Martin; great grandchildren Ben Giles, Mena Giles, Allison Wharton, Silas Wharton, and Henry Wharton; her sister Francis Berry; nieces; nephews and cousins. Thelma is preceded in death by her husband Silas M. Martin; daughter Debbie Wharton; parents Ross and Dora (Corbin) Carter; brother and sister-in-law Ross and Ellen Carter;...

Randolph Franklin Settle, 84 of Viewtown, VA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 17, 2022 at Culpeper Hospital. He was born January 1, 1938 in Viewtown, VA a son of the late James Edward Settle and Grace Mae Blackwell Settle. He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles, Kenneth, Ted Jack Settle and one sister Ruth Settle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie Powers Settle. Randy attended Oak Shade United Methodist Church. He was a heavy equipment operator at Arlington County for years. Around 1978 he went into business for himself continuing to do what he loved. Later during his retirement years, he took great enjoyment...

Natalie Emery of Woodville Virginia passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side on May 10, 2022. She was born to the late Frederick Wayne Fesenmyer and Elizabeth Emery Fesenmyer of Bradford PA on August 15, 1937. A Vassar College graduate she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After college, Natalie relocated to Middleburg, Virginia pursuing her love of Equine Sports including being an avid member of several area Fox Hunts and advancing to become a top-level Dressage Competitor. Later she developed a passion for high performance car racing and became a professional sport car driving instructor for Bill Scott Racing in Winchester, Virginia. Natalie was a beloved and active...

Natalie Emery of Woodville, Virginia passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side on May 10, 2022. She was born to the late Frederick Wayne Fesenmyer and Elizabeth Emery Fesenmyer of Bradford PA on August 15, 1937. A Vassar College graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After college, Natalie relocated to Middleburg, Virginia pursuing her love of Equine Sports including being an avid member of several area Fox Hunts and advancing to become a top-level Dressage Competitor. Later she developed a passion for high performance car racing and became a professional sport car driving instructor for Bill Scott Racing in Winchester, Virginia. Natalie was a beloved and active...

Michael Charles Burnett, 86, of Amissville, Virginia passed away peacefully at home April 20th, 2022 surrounded by his family after a long valiant fight with Alzheimer's Disease and cancer. Michael "Mike" "Mickey" was born on October 21, 1935 to Michael Joseph and Helen Rose Burnett in Binghamton, NY. The youngest of 6 children, he is predeceased by his parents and brothers James Burnett (Margaret), Robert Burnett (Fran), Joseph Burnett (Pauline) and Sisters Margaret Manley and Mary Ford. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Mary, his four children; Mark (Amy) Burnett of Washington, VA, Cindy (Tim) Nolan of Richmond, VA; Matthew Burnett of Richmond, VA and Joe (Wendy) Burnett...

Nathan Raymond Burke, 50, of Washington, VA, died Sunday, April 3, 2022 at his home, after a long battle with diabetes. He was born December 8, 1971 in Winchester, VA to Abe and Becky Burke. Nathan was a member of the Chester Gap Baptist Church. He was a longtime choir member and youth ministries participant. In addition to his parents, Nathan is survived by six aunts, Sheila Henry, Mabel Burke, Corrine Eastham, Janet Smith, Eleanor James (Donald), and Raye Rector; one uncle, Eddie Burke; and a host of cousins. He is also survived by his faithful K-9 companion, Champ. He is preceded in death by one brother, Neil J. Burke. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April...

Kirkland Allen-Reece Vest, 25, of Huntly, Virginia passed away on April 1, 2022 in Mount Jackson, Virginia. A celebration of life will be held at 1 P.M. on Friday, April 8, 2022 at the Front Royal Moose Lodge, 1340 John Marshall Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630 with Pastor Dan Rogers officiating. All are welcome to join the family for a time of food and fellowship following the service. Kirkland was born on November 10, 1996 in Warrenton, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his father, Grady Allen Vest; his paternal grandfather, Norman Grady Vest; and his maternal grandparents, Dale Reece and Phyllis Reece. Surviving Kirkland is his loving mother, Kimberly Reece Vest; his Paternal grandmother,...

James B. "Jim" Bywaters Jr., 57, of Flint Hill, Virginia was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 30, 2022 at Fauquier Hospital in the arms of his loving parents, James Buddy Bywaters Sr. and Elizabeth Ann Smoot Bywaters. A graveside service will be held at 2 P.M. on Monday, April 4, 2022 at Washington Masonic Cemetery with Sammy Campbell officiating in Washington, Virginia 22747. He was born May 28, 1964 and graduated from Rappahannock County High School in 1982. Even though he was confined to a wheel chair most of his adult life due to a devastating diving accident in 1984. He never lost his sense of humor and love of everything and everyone. He inspired everyone who met him...

George Everett Kidwell, Jr. of Amissville, Virginia, passed away at Inova Fairfax Hospital on March 28, 2022, at the age of 74. He was born on September 18, 1947 to the late George Everett Kidwell, Sr. and Edna Elizabeth Swink Kidwell. Mr. Kidwell was a 1967 graduate of Rappahannock County High School. He was employed with Fairfax County Virginia as a Building Inspector and retired after 28 years of service. He then worked part-time for Rappahannock County as an Inspector for 17 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed relic hunting, fishing, and farming. He was a member of Amissville United Methodist Church. Mr. Kidwell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha Walter Kidwell; two...

Steven Roger Fisher, age 73, passed away peacefully in Smithfield, North Carolina on March 22, 2022, after spending time with loved ones. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 23, 1948 to the late John Morris Fisher and Thelma Lucille Ison Fisher. Steve graduated from Wheaton Central High School, Wheaton, Illinois in 1966. While there, he earned multiple letters in multiple sports and became an Illinois State Champion in Track and Field. As a distinguished 1971 graduate of Miami University of Ohio, Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in political science. While at Miami University, he was a Track Team star. He also trained for the US Olympic Team in the Decathlon...

Frank J. Schmid entered the kingdom of God on March 21,2022. He was born in Milwaukee, WI February 8,1931 to the late Josef and Marie Heitzer Schmid. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 50+ years, Elfie, 2 daughters Margie (Jon) of Florida, and Elisabeth, of Puerto Rico, niece Martina, whom he raised, 2 grandchildren, Nicole and Brant, and 2 beloved great- grand children, Kaylee and Kamdyn, (Little Johnny) the love of his life, all of West Virginia, and several nieces and nephews in Germany. After proudly serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, he worked for the US Government as a Civil Engineer and Facilities Manager. Upon retiring he enjoyed his golden years with his...