01/24/2026
Lena Faye Nichols Hoback, 89, of Hollins, Virginia peacefully entered into the loving arms of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, entering her eternal Heavenly home on the morning of January 21, 2026 as the risen sun shone brightly through her bedroom window while surrounded by her family. Lena was the fourth child of twelve of the late Richard Ira Nichols and Ollie Mae Wimmer Nichols of Copper Hill, Virginia.
She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 67 years – her childhood and high school Sweetheart – Norman Lee “Buck” Hoback, brothers and sisters-in-law: Wesley and Marian Nichols, Marshall Nichols and Betty Lee Conner, Carl Nichols, Johnny Nichols, Raymond and Louise Nichols, and infant brother Tommy Nichols, sisters and brothers-in-law: Ina Nichols Morgan, D.W. and Pearlie Ann Nichols Sowers, Betty Jane Nichols Martin, and Barry Smith, nieces and nephews: James “Jimmy” Martin, Wayne Smith, David Guilliams, Charity Wilson, Rodney Peters, Terry Peters, Liz Hodges, Cindy Waldron, and great-niece and nephew: Kelsea Jade Nichols and Chad Waldron, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: George and Wanda Hoback Bowles, and Shirley and Maxine Hoback Peters, and wonderful in-laws Clifford and Virginia Hoback and Gretchen Hoback, as well as numerous special great-aunts and uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter and son-in-law (whom she loved as a true son), Jennifer Hoback Marian and Jeff Marian, her precious grand-daughter, Malena Marian, who was the light of her world and brought her lots of laughs and contagious joy to each and every day, brother and sisters-in-law: Fred and Patricia Nichols, Jane Earnestine Nichols, and Arnetta Nichols, sister, Sue Smith, and brother-in-law, Earnest Martin, faithful in-laws, Paul and Magdalene Marian, and very special neighbors they loved as grand-daughters, Hilary Frazier Dietels and Leslie Frazier, who brought lots of joy to their home, numerous well-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as many dear friends and neighbors.
Lena was a long-time member of Shenandoah Baptist Church and more recently, Botetourt Community Church where she and Buck worshipped with Jennifer, Jeff, and Malena. She loved the Lord and desired for all, especially her family, to come to a personal relationship with Jesus and receive His free gift of salvation and eternal life. Lena was born on a farm where, even as a young child, she preferred to lovingly care for her younger siblings, get them off to school, help with housework, cooking, planting the garden, and tirelessly canning and preserving all different sorts of fruits, vegetables, and meats to sustain the family throughout the year. She was a member of the 4-H Club and she graduated in the Class of ’55 from Check High School where she enjoyed playing basketball and serving as co-Captain, served her class as Treasurer, received various honors in school, and continued to help plan many class reunions. Lena worked at Roanoke Mills for 15 years and retired from Atlantic Mutual Companies after a few years to become the best full-time Mother when Jennifer was born after 18 years of marriage, then returned to work in later years as a Customer Service Representative with Sears Tele-catalog. When Jennifer entered school at Roanoke Valley Christian School, Lena began volunteering as a Room Mother and later served as Grade Coordinator for all grades and led a wonderful group of volunteers in service to teachers, staff, and children of RVCS where many students claimed her as their second Mom and often referred to her as “Mama Lena”. She never missed any of Jennifer’s many basketball games or school events, faithfully took her to basketball practices and piano lessons, and helped her with homework often studying late into the night. Lena was a self-taught and talented guitar player and singer. Lena was a true Proverbs 31 woman, who cared for everyone in need, she and Buck opened their hearts and home to many throughout the years, including caring for her Mother for more than 7 years, showing the love of Jesus that emanated from their hearts of gold. She kept the “home fires burning” and independently tended to many day-to-day responsibilities of the home while Buck worked for 60 years as an over the road tractor trailer driver. Lena was blessed with a green thumb and found great pleasure in growing all sorts of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees. As a teenager, she and Buck would court at The Pine Tavern where she could often be found sitting on the hood of his car playing her guitar and singing, drawing in a crowd of locals. Lena passed this love of music on to Jennifer, whom she taught to play the guitar by ear. When she enrolled Jennifer in piano lessons, Lena took lessons herself, and most recently took up banjo lessons. She leaves many fond memories of playing music and singing with her daughter, Malena, and other family members while Buck always thoroughly enjoyed listening attentively and clapping for more.
Jennifer, Jeff, and Malena were so pleased that Lena was well content to spend the last two years since Pops’ homegoing, living with them in their home where she was loved and cared for deeply. Her earthly presence is greatly missed, but we are comforted by the assurance of salvation that we will all again be together in our eternal Heavenly home in God’s perfect timing. They are so grateful for each day they got to spend with her.
The family wishes to express their great appreciation to Good Samaritan Home Health and Hospice caregivers as well as her long-time family physicians, Dr. Nancy Misicko and Dr. Gregory Stidham at Carilion Daleville, and Dr. Raymond Harron, her talented neurosurgeon who gave her 16 additional years of better mobility. Each and every person was a delight to have in our home, and we truly thank you for the love and care you provided for Lena especially on those recent middle of the night calls where you always responded quickly and with great compassion. Much love and appreciation to all of the family, friends, and neighbors for their support and love shown during this difficult time, and the many who have visited. A special thank you to those serving as pallbearers: Devin Smith, Derek Smith, Randall Whitlock, Russell Whitlock, Doug Sowers, Ricky Poff, Joe Hartberger, and Brian Frazier. The family greatly appreciates Gardner Funeral Home, their direction, patience, respectfulness, and consideration.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 1pm, at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Bailey officiating. Interment will follow in Stonewall Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time from 12pm to 1pm.
Flowers are appreciated, or donations to Roanoke Valley Christian School in her memory where she dedicated much of her life. 6520 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019.
Online condolences may be made at https://gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com/obituary/?id=1807
