Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, VA (2025)

09/09/2025

Ronald Lee Rhodes, 71, of Bedford, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at his residence. He was born on Saturday, May 8, 1954 to the late Leonard Calvin Rhodes & Ethel Lorraine McDaniels Rhodes. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Lynn Cundiff Rhodes; brother, Jimmy Rhodes and a sister, Sue.
Ronald loved hunting, fishing and just being outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving are his children, Michael Cundiff (Hope Suthers), Sherrie Spradlin (Mike), Laurie Fowler, Cathey Rhodes (Jeffrey Roach) & Calvin Rhodes; grandchildren, Lisa Cundiff, Tiffany Cundiff, Michael Cundiff, Jr., Brandon Mauk, Kayla Beard, Cierra Spradlin, Katlin Fowler, Alyssia Fowler, Joyclin Fowler, Alyana Hedricks, Bradley Hedricks, Brianna Rhodes, David Brooks, Jr., Zachary Rhodes, Tessia Rhodes, Danny Rhodes & Mason Rhodes; Sixteen great-grandchildren; brother, Malcolm Rhodes (Chris); sister-in-law, Sandra Rhodes; several nieces, nephews & other family members.
Services will be private.
Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

09/08/2025

Betty Lou Young Martin, 78 of Altavista, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025 at her residence. She was born on May 22, 1947 in Virginia, a daughter of the late Arthur Sherman Young and Mazie Inez Tobler Young. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Travis Wayne Martin, three brothers, three sisters, a granddaughter, Tabitha Leigh Martin, and a grandson, Mickey Cameron, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Teena Martin Pickeral (Chris), Connie Roche (Charlie), and Michelle Cameron (Mickey); stepsons, Brett Martin (Ellen) and Travis Wade Martin (E.J.); eleven grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Peggie Gaddy, Nancy Hudspeth, and Reba Watson; and three brothers, Vernon Young (Helen), Marvin Young, and Sherman Young.

While living in North Carolina, she was employed by the Plantation Supper Club. Upon relocating to Virginia, she was employed by Magnetek (formerly Universal Electric). After giving her heart to the Lord, she began actively serving in His church, participating in various music programs and teaching positions. However, her true passion was caring for children, which resulted in her serving in the church nursery and eventual employment at Mother’s Day Out at First Baptist Church, Altavista. She was especially proud to provide care for the Higginbotham and Rosser families and to see them grow and thrive into adulthood, creating their own beautiful families. She also sang with her husband, daughter, Teena, and other members in the gospel group, “Daystar.” She has now been reunited with her husband, and they are both singing and playing music around God’s throne, never to be separated again.

She genuinely loved all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Among them, she shared especially close bonds with Kylee (Angel Baby), Natalie (Nad), and Wyatt (Wy Wy), whose love and presence brought her deep comfort and joy – especially while watching her Hallmark movies or The Waltons.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christian Life Church or a charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Huddleston Church of God of Prophecy, 1022 Winona Lane, Lynch Station, Virginia, and a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Wayne Murphy and Rev. Michael Turner officiating. Interment will follow in Huddleston Church of God of Prophecy Cemetery.

The family will also receive friends at all other times at the residence of Chris & Teena Pickeral, 1603 Avondale Drive, Altavista, Virginia, 24517

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

09/04/2025

Paul Burton Woodring, 83 of Bedford, Virginia passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He has now been reunited with the love of his life, his beloved wife, Brenda, in the presence of the Lord.

He was born on June 4, 1942 in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Gilbert Woodring and Catherine Agnes (Carrie) Johnston Woodring. He was a proud graduate of Bald Eagle High School in 1960 where he enjoyed playing the trumpet in the high school marching band. His passion for both academics and athletics led him to Pennsylvania State University where he persued an engineering degree and was a member of the baseball team. He was later hired by Penn State to serve as a Project Engineer in their University's Transportation Department.

Paul's career journey brought him to Bedford, Virginia where he served as the Associate Director of the Elks National Home. His commitment to serve others continued as he became the Director of Carriage Hill Retirement Community. He ended his professional career back in the engineering field with Sterling Blower located in Forest, Virginia.

Beyond his professional life, Paul was a man of diverse interests. He was a devoted Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football fan and for many years, held season tickets to every Penn State home games with his wife, Brenda, cheering on his favorite team. He was a competitive golfer and was well known for his country-western dancing skills. While in Pennsylvania he was a member of the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks' for over twenty-one years. He was especially proud of his work with the Elks' national Charity, the Hoops Shoot, where he served as the assistant to the national director.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of thirty six years, Brenda Musgrove Woodring, his first wife, Janice Brinkman Woodring, and a brother, William G. L. Woodring, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Timothy Paul Woodring (Elizabeth ), Warren Steven Overstreet (Emily) and Leslie O. Bowyer (Allan). He also leaves behinds his adoring grandchildren: Christopher Overstreet(Ashley), Laurian Green (Nick), Tyler Overstreet (Rebekah), Grafton Padgett (special friend, Jessica), Catheryn Wolf (Will), Mallory Simko (Emery), Elisabeth Martin (Josh). Paul was also blessed with great grandchildren: Grace and Josiah Overstreet, Walker, Wren, and Watson Wolf, Charlotte Martin , Faolan Simko, and Aaron Green.

A graveside service will be held for Paul and Brenda together, as they requested, at Greenwood Cemetery at 1 PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025 with Pastor Michael Khol of Bedford Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers if your heart is so lead, please consider a donation to the Bedford Baptist Church children’s programs, 1516 Oakwood Street, Bedford, VA 24523 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Following the service the family will receive guests at the home of Leslie and Allan at 1320 Boone Drive to share Paul’s favorite part of the meal - dessert.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

09/02/2025

Christine Zaleski DeVuyst, 75, of Goode, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born on Friday, September 30, 1949 to the late Edward Zaleski & Anne Bednarz Zaelski.
Christine was an amateur radio operator. She enjoyed gardening, making needlepoint ornaments for the family for Christmas every year and riding English style horseback.
She is survived by her husband, Harold DeVuyst and two dogs, Samantha & Raven.
Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

09/01/2025

Jennifer Lynn Guffey, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, entered eternal rest on August 30,2025 at the 75. Born on June 7, 1950, in Norfolk, Va., Jennifer was the cherished daughter of the late Opal and Hiram Guffey. She is now reunited with them in heaven, free from pain and surrounded by everlasting peace.

Jennifer will be deeply missed by two brothers, Tommy & Jo; as well as by her many nieces and nephews, who adored their “Jenny Lynn”. She was a woman with a gentle heart and a joyful spirit, whose presence brought comfort and laughter to all who knew her.

Though her time on earth has ended, Jennifer’s love, kindness, and strength will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Bethesda Methodist Church, 14340 Wyatt’s Way, Huddleston Va., with Pastor Jack Davis officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donation be mad to Bethesda Methodist Church, 14340 Wyatts Way, Huddleston, VA 24104.

The family asks for continued prayers during this difficult time as they celebrate the beautiful life of Jennifer Lynn Guffey.

Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/30/2025

Herbert Marshall Plymale, 85, of Moneta, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital. He was born on Monday, September 25, 1939 to the late William Plymale & Virginia Johnson Plymale. Herbert is also preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Marilyn Smith Plymale; six brothers and one sister.
Herbert was a member of Calvary Chapel Smith Mountain Lake formerly known as Staunton Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Army, cattle farmer, beekeeper and he enjoyed traveling.
Surviving are his son, Marshall Plymale & wife, Tonya; step-son, Billy Jones & wife, Becky; step-daughter, Toni Jones & Deanie Wood; granddaughter, Leigha Greer & husband, Tommy; step-grandson, Bill Jones, III; great-grandson, Kayden Greer; sisters, Brenda Witt, Joyce Beckner & husband, Billy, Elizabeth Welch; numerous nieces & nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Calvary Chapel Smith Mountain Lake with Pastor Buzz Offenbacker officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/29/2025

James Ray Turner Jr., 77, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away in the early morning hours of August 29, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Costaline Ayers Turner and James Ray Turner Sr., as well as his son-in-law, Steven Bratton.

James is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mary Payne Turner, and their three children: Traci Turner Bratton, James Ray “Jimbob” Turner III (Tomi Leah), and Thomas “Tommy” Turner (Wendy). He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Robert (Nichole), Codey, James Alex (Jasmine), Aaron (Warren), Kaitlynn, Jackson, and Olivia, and a beloved great-grandfather to five: Sebastian, Sterling, Thomas, Adalae, and Ellie.

He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Goode, and his brother, Billy Wayne Turner (Rita), along with many extended family members and friends who will remember him fondly.

James was a lifelong resident and farmer in Bedford County,part of the third generation of the Turner family to live and work on the Turner Dairy Farm. He worked side by side with his father and brother for decades, planting every acre of corn ever grown on the family land. In his early years, he also worked as an AI technician for Select Sires.

A dedicated steward of the land and community, James spent countless hours milking cows, tending crops, and supporting agricultural growth in the region. He served on the Board of Directors for the Bedford County Farm Bureau and the Southern States Co-op, where his leadership left a lasting impact.

James was also a member of Pecks Baptist Church. He was known for his warm, outgoing nature, he never met a stranger-always ready to strike up a conversation or share a laugh. He was known for his good-natured teasing and friendly conversations with everyone he encountered. His presence, generosity, and legacy will be deeply missed by his loved ones and by many throughout Bedford County.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Pecks Baptist Church at 2:00 pm with Rev. Wayne Murphy, Pastor Brandon Palmer and Sam Williams officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Ephesus Church Cemetery at Otter Hill.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/29/2025

On August 28th Ralph Wayne Toms, 80 of Goode, VA made the sudden transition to his heavenly home, where he met his baby daughter, Angel for the first time. He was also reunited with his wife, Nancy Martin Toms; his parents Allie Richard Toms & Eva May Arrington Toms, as well as his brother, Walter Vincent Toms. He was born on Friday, April 13, 1945 in Bedford and was a retired truck driver with Casanova Trucking.

Part of his legacy includes a highly intelligent, self-taught, strong-willed, never-give up attitude. He loved farming, welding, gardening, his sawmill and the list goes on. His favorite pastime was telling stories, all of which were "BASED" on a true event.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Toms Johnson (Tommy), Althea Toms Blankenship (Tim); his son, Richard "Butter Bean" Toms (Rebecca); five grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren and his special dog, "Dixie".

Over the last year many people came to his aide including, but not limited to Barbara Detamore, Barry Arrington, Centra Home Health and Centra Hospice and of course, his kids.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: Bedford Centra Hospice, 1624 Whitfield Drive # C, Bedford, VA 24523 or
Bedford Humane Society, 829 Ole Turnpike Road, Bedford, VA 24523.

A graveside service will be held on, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery at 11:00 am with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/28/2025

Donald Hampton Johnson, 90 of Thaxton, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025 at his residence. He was born on Sunday, September 9, 1934 in Bedford County, a son of the late Jesse Johnson and Dora McManaway Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Daisy Bowden Johnson, a brother, Wayne Johnson, sister, Linda Burger.

He was a retired owner & operator of Don's Body Repair for 23 years where he repaired many vehicles over the years.

He is survived by his sons, Donald Ray Johnson (Kelly Teaford & her daughter, Heather Hodges (Harley), Daniel Johnson, David Johnson; daughters, Donna Kay Moody, Deanna Saul, Dianne Paxton as well as numerous grandchildren & great grandchildren; brother, Edward Johnson (Judy), Randal Johnson (Ruth).

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Montvale Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 144 Montvale, VA 24122 or Montvale Rescue Squad, PO Box 65 Montvale, VA 24122.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 30, 2025, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford. No services will be held.

08/23/2025

Michael Wayne Tuck, 61 of Bedford, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2025 at his residence. He was born on Sunday, April 12, 1964, a son of Linda Fielder Tuck of Bedford who survives and the late Richard Wayne Tuck. He was also preceded in death by his longtime companion, Terri Tuck.

He was owner/operator of Tuck Logging & Lumber and loved working on his farm. He enjoyed hunting birds, deer & turkey and fishing, especially on the Chesapeake Bay. He also enjoyed snow skiing and was a member of Morgans Baptist Church.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Brandon Tuck; brother, Richie Lee Tuck & wife, Cammie; sister, Penny Tuck Berger & husband, William; nephews, Travis & Austin Berger, Ryan & Landon Tuck; niece, Tamra Cabaniss; cousins, Kevin & Dale Tuck; aunts, Dorothy Payne (Wallace) & Laverne Tuck.

The family will receive friends beginning at 1 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford and a memorial service will follow at 2 PM in the chapel with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/21/2025

Loretta Jane Heck Markham, 80 of Goode, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Friday, October 6, 1944 in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Arnie Woodson Heck and Erma Virginia Ruff Heck. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Owen Markham, her sister, Julie Manley & her brothers, Paul & Andrew Heck.

She was retired from Bedford County Public Schools where she touched the lives of many. She was a devoted member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving others and worshipping her Lord Jesus. She also enjoyed being with her grandsons and spoiling them endlessly. She dearly loved her family and they rest in peace knowing she is reunited with her husband and living a glorious life in heaven with her Savior.

She is survived by her daughter, Alisa Bryant (Tim); her grandsons, Jacob D. Bryant, Joseph R. Bryant as well as her sister, Rachel Bryant (Tommy).

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Timber Ridge Baptist Church, 3234 Timber Ridge Road, Bedford, VA 24523 or Good Samaritan Hospice, 4751 Cove Road, NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10 am on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church and a funeral service will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Phil Kelley officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

08/21/2025

Edith Rae "Edie" Kyle Trail, 78 of Bedford, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at her residence. She was born on Wednesday, March 26, 1947, a daughter of the late Raol Jackson Kyle and Edith Hogan Kyle. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Edward Trail, Jr.

Edie Rae enjoyed her horses and elkhounds.

She is survived by her son, Edward "Eddie" Trail III (Brittany Howell); daughter, Kathy Trail Hatcher (Kevin); her grandsons, Kyle Hogan, Alex Trail; her step-grandsons, Tyler Hatcher (Hannah) Dylan Hatcher (Katie); a great grandson, Ash Hogan as well as several cousins & friends.

No services are planned and arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.

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