Wilbur Lewis Morris, 90, of Stanardsville, VA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at his residence under the loving care of his family and close friends. He was born June 8, 1935 in Charlottesville, VA. He was the son of the late Walter and Etha Morris, both of Stanardsville, VA. Wilbur was a Christian and lifelong member of Evergreen Church of the Brethren where he passionately served as a Deacon as well as a trustee. Wilbur and his wife, Nancy, served as missionaries for the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministry, where they traveled to various locations both in the United States as well as abroad. Wilbur was a community leader who passionately believed in giving back to his community. He served as a member of the Stanardsville Volunteer Fire Department, was a founding member of the Greene County Rescue Squad and served on the Stanardsville Town Council. He served on the Jaycees and was also a long-time charter member of Greene Hills Club. He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy Ellen Morris. He is survived by daughters; Delores Morris of Albemarle County, Sheryl Morris of Stanardsville; son, Kenneth Morris of Stanardsville ; brother-in law, William Creech (Carolyn) of Bath, NC; sister-in-law Lynda Townsend of Scottsville, VA; grandchildren; Jason Shiflett (Carlee), Joshua Shiflett (Angela), Rebecca Morris (Tim), Jacob Morris (Chelsea), Alora Brooks and Raven Harrison (Khristopher); great grandchildren, Jackson Shiflett, Emma Shiflett, Zachary Shiflett, Owen Shiflett, Jayden Harrison, Weslie Harrison, Ingrid Fremd and August Fremd. Wilbur is also survived by a host of many cousins, nieces and nephews and special friends; Lawrence Jenkins of Gainesville, VA, Donald Smith of Charlotte, N.C., Bernardine Morris of Clayton, N.C, Jimmy and Betty Morris of Dyke, VA and Bill and Jane Tomaine of Stanardsville, VA. The family would like to thank Medical Services of America Hospice for the care and support given for the last twelve months. His care team, Dr. Bostic, Caryn Marshall and Riley Powell took excellent care of dad. We would also like to thank his care attendant Angela Conley for all her tender and loving care. Funeral service will be held Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 1:00 at Evergreen Church of the Brethren with interment in the church cemetery. A family style meal will then be held at the Dyke Fire Department. Pastor Brian Robinson will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Evergreen Church of the Brethren, 645 Evergreen Church Road, Dyke, VA 22935.

Edward Eugene Snead, 69, passed away at his home in Madison on June 19, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1955, in Charlottesville, VA, to the late Clarence Fredrick Snead Sr and Florine Williams Snead. He is survived by his daughter Vanessa Ward and her husband Ryshaune of Orange; his sons Christopher Snead and his wife Angela of Ruckersville, and Travis Snead of Charlottesville; his brother, Clarence “Freddie” Snead of Madison; his sisters, Crystal Crockett and her husband George of Orange, Joyce Rawls of Lakeland, FL, Patricia “Anne” Coakley of Miami, FL, Jeanette Snead of Gordonsville, and Linda Snead of Stafford; and his grandchildren Christopher “Alex” Snead, Christopher “Aaron” Snead, Chance Ward, Caiden Ward, Case Ward, Anniyah Snead, and Aliyah Snead.

Valerie Jane Ragland departed this life on June 5, 2025. She was the 7th of 9 children born to Elnora Louise Bates Ragland and Carl Theodore Ragland, Sr. of Gordonsville, VA. Valerie was born on September 2, 1958, and graduated from Louisa County High School in 1976. Preceding her in death is her mom and dad, baby sister Cynthia Ann Ragland Fountain, and an infant child born at UVA Hospital in 1954. Shortly after graduating, Valerie went to work for UVA Hospital in medical records where she was employed for 30 years and retired at the tender age of 50. She was a wonderful cook, avid gardener, and a mother figure to her nephews and great nephews and nieces, babysitting and being there for whatever they needed. Our sister Val made those homemade yeast rolls just like our mom. She leaves to cherish her memory 3 sisters – Lindell Chavis and Stella West (Wallace) of Charlottesville, VA and Patricia Patterson (Dwight) of Murfreesboro, TN and 3 brothers Carl Ragland, Jr. of Navarre, FL., Larry Ragland (Jayne) of Kents Store, VA, and Benjamin Ragland, Sr. (Tammie) of Louisa, VA. One aunt, Flora Washington, and a host of uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2025, at Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Earl E. Watson Jr., 86, of Orange, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at his home. Born on October 26, 1938, he was the son of the late Earl Elmer Watson Sr. and Dolly Rouderbush Watson Stanley. Earl was a devoted member of Zion Baptist Church. He was a proud softball coach for Orange County leagues and the Zion Baptist girls softball team, leading both to championships. He loved all his players and encouraged them in their sport. Earl worked at Tyco (formerly Rochester Ropes) for over thirty years, where he met his close friends, Billy Sisk, Kyle Printz, and Michael Perryman. He is also remembered by his school friend, Cecil Middleton. Earl is survived by his wife, Cheryl Miller Watson; his daughter, Debi Bayles and her husband Shawn; his grandchildren, Jayme Preddy and her friend Nathan Knight, and Loryn Bayles; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb and Nathan Wood. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's hospital.

Marie Elsie Knighting passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in her home after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. Marie was born on August 11th, 1941 in Madison, VA. Marie is the second to youngest of the nine children of Wilson and Dollie Knighting. She is proceeded in death by her parents Wilson and Dollie Knighting, aunt Lily Knighting, siblings Elizabeth Baker, Eleanor Aylor, Shirley Knighting, L.J. Knighting, Homer Knighting, John Knighting, and Kendall Knighting. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Knighting Haney and her family, Susan and Frank Feliciano, David Haney, and special fur baby Thea. Sister-in-law Nancy Hawkins Knighting and her family, Stephanie Berrey Dudley and her children Jeff Dudley and Cate Dudley Usher, Linda Knighting, Lenora and Barry Racer and their children Gavin, special friend Kayli, and baby Jack. Marie also has numerous nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Marie was a devout Christian and loved her family and friends. Everyone knew her as a kind and generous person, and she was well respected. She was a member of Mt. Olivet Church and attended Thoroughfare Church regularly. She also worked at State Farm Insurance for 31 years. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Piedmont, and special friend and nurse Lee McDaniel, for taking such good care of Marie towards the end of her battle with cancer. Also thank you to everyone that checked on Marie and visited her regularly during her illness. Donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont by phone at 434-972-3568, or by mail. Hospice of the Piedmont | 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300 | Charlottesville, VA 22911 A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Preddy Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Preddy Funeral Home in Madison.

Robert Temple Wright, Sr, 88, of Orange, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Dogwood Village of Orange. He was born on May 8, 1937, in Richmond, VA, and was the son of the late Joseph William Wright, Sr., and Hallie Boston Wright. Mr. Wright was a retired Trailways bus driver, owner of Pack N Mail in Charlottesville, VA, and a United States Air Force veteran. He is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine Herring Wright of Orange; daughter, Cheryl W. Phillips and husband Mark of Richmond VA; son, Robert T. Wright, Jr. and wife Valerie of Orange; brother, Joseph W. Wright, II and wife Jane of Hendersonville, NC; grandchildren, Auna Sobek, Barrett Wright, Chris Davis, Brenna Kuepfer, Caleb Wright, Matthew Davis, Seth Wright, Ethan Wright, Rachael Heatwole, Elizabeth Bouch, Jachin Wright and 19 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 2 PM at Preddy Funeral Chapel in Orange. Interment will follow at Unionville Christian Church Cemetery.

January 10, 1945 - April 30, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Michael "Mike" Carroll Knight, who left this world on April 30, 2025, in Charlottesville, Virginia after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. Mike's journey began in Montross, Virginia, as the son of Fletcher and Mary Knight. A true Virginia gentleman, he embodied the values of service, integrity, and dedication throughout his remarkable life. His adventure truly began at Virginia Tech, where he proudly joined the Corps of Cadets and played baseball while pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Architecture. It was during a fateful summer break that Mike met Molly Birge, the woman who would become his wife and partner for over five decades until her passing in 2021. Their marriage on July 23, 1966, marked the beginning of a beautiful life journey that would take them across continents and through countless adventures together. After completing his Master's degree in Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech in 1970, Mike embarked on what would become a distinguished 21½-year military career, attending Officer Candidate School at Fort Dix, NJ. His service took him to South Korea, Germany, and to numerous posts throughout the United States. His expertise and leadership were recognized at the highest levels, leading to prestigious assignments at the Pentagon and White House during President George H.W. Bush's administration. He also shared his knowledge as an instructor at VMI, teaching Concrete Materials while serving as battalion XO for the ROTC division. Following his military retirement, Mike continued to serve his country in civilian roles, managing facilities for the U.S. Army's National Ground Intelligence Center and Defense Intelligence Agency in Charlottesville. Mike's dedication and excellence earned him numerous accolades, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, and the Presidential Service Badge, which he wore with particular pride. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was a 3rd degree Mason, an active member of several American Legion posts, and served his church community as a junior warden at the Church of Our Saviour. Mike pursued his many passions with joy and vigor—hunting, fishing, golfing, woodworking, painting, dancing, playing guitar, gardening, and traveling the world. Those who knew Mike will remember his infectious smile, his knack for turning strangers into friends, and his boundless enthusiasm for life's adventures both big and small. He approached each day with a sense of wonder and gratitude that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. In his final years, Mike was blessed to find companionship with Mary Ann Mundt of Louisa, VA, who brought adventure and joy to his life. Mike leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory: his daughter Kathleen Barrett; sons Michael Knight II and Robert Knight; sisters Suzanne Tolson, Hope Bunch, and Peggy Beasley; and twelve beloved grandchildren: Scott, Jackson, Stuart, Andrew, Corinna, Faith, Molly, Bryn, Johnathan, Sophia, Luke, and Traver. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Molly, his parents, and his sister Jacqueline. A celebration of life is planned for late summer of 2025 . Both Mike and Molly will find their final resting place together at Arlington National Cemetery in the summer of 2026—a fitting tribute to their lives of service and devotion. Those wishing to honor Mike's memory may consider making a donation to the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Scholarship Fund or the Sarcoma Foundation of America. As we bid farewell to this remarkable man, we take comfort in knowing that the impact of his life will continue through all those he inspired, mentored, and loved. Mike would want each of you to remember that "It's not about the years in your life, but the life in your years."

Rebecca (“Becky”) Moubray Shifflett took her final breath on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after battling lung and brain cancer for over ten years. Becky was born on March 10, 1962 in Charlottesville, Virginia. She lived on the Henry Farm in Uno, VA for her entire childhood and attended Madison County public schools. It was on the farm where Becky grew to love the outdoors, animals and nature. She lived a quiet life, enjoying every moment being outdoors. She loved travelling, especially taking trips to the mountains. She loved farming, gardening and nature in general. She enjoyed listening to country and gospel music, watching the Discovery Channel, and a good bowl of weed now and then. She relocated from Madison to Rebel Valley Farm in Stanardsville where she lived for the next twenty or so years. By profession, she was a very skilled painter, but at heart, she was a farmer. She believed in Jesus Christ. Becky was predeceased by her father, Kays Moubray, Jr., her mother, Thelma Catherine Moubray, a sister, Janet Jenkins, brothers-in-law Lawrence Wood and Richard Johnson, and her companion, Emmett McMullen. She is survived by her son, Jamie Shifflett, of Stanardsville, VA, her daughter, Casey Nicely (Kevin), of Salt Lake City, UT, her grandchildren, Tyler Shifflett, Brittany Shifflett, Kimberly Shifflett, and Matthew Shifflett, all of Stanardsville, and her grandson, Kyle Shifflett of Salt Lake City, UT, her sisters, JoAnn Riggs (Larry) of Romney, WV, and Linda Johnson of Barboursville, VA, her brother, David Moubray (Wendy) of Rochelle, VA, nieces Laurie Apel of Brightwood, VA, Vicki Brent of Vine Grove, KY, nephew Junior Wood of Chatham, VA, Caitlyn Rhodes of Culpeper, VA, Michaela Johnson of Waynesboro, VA, Devon Geer of Blue Ridge Shores, Virginia, her ex-husband and friend, Michael Shifflett of Stanardsville, VA, an uncle, Leroy Woodward and aunts, Carolyn Woodward and Lucille Woodward, along with numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She also leaves behind to mourn her absence her beloved dog, Cooper, and her beloved cat, Fuzz. A special thank you to Drs. Mark Pritchard, David Slottje, Jr., and John Sealander for the care, comfort and friendship they provided to Becky over the years, and a greater thank you to God for giving us time with Becky over the course of her life. She was most thankful to God for giving her each and every day of her life. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Preddy’s Funeral Home in Madison, Virginia. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Preddy’s Funeral Home in Madison with Bob Slaven officiating. Interment will be in the Rose Park UMC Cemetery in Wolftown, Virginia.

Tommie Lee Critchfield, 71, of Vienna, Va., passed away on Friday, June, 13, 2025, at her residence in Vienna. She was born on May 4, 1954, in Charlottesville, Va, and was the daughter of the late Thomas Earl and Getrude Young Lee. She was also preceded in death by Gertrude Aylor Lee. She is survived by her husband, Michael Douglas Critchfield, of Vienna, a daughter, Jamie Lee Critchfield, of Vienna, a son, Stacy Michael Critchfield, and girl friend, Sarah Daiger, of Vienna, and her sisters, Susan Ratcliffe and husband Glenn, of Unionville, and Selena Rave and husband Louis, of Locust Grove. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM from Antioch Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Terry Green will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, prior to the service.