Monaghan Funeral Home and Cremation Services

05/25/2026

Loss can’t be summed up in words, but it certainly makes us grateful for what we’ve had.

05/21/2026

MATTHEWS, SHERYL “Sherry” Sadowski- 67, of Mechanicsville, VA went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 17, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sylvia Sadowski; her son, Daniel Jennings; and many other family members. She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, Bill Matthews; her daughter, Rachel Mitchell; two grandchildren, Kamryn and Ryan Mitchell; and numerous other family and friends. Sherry loved dogs. She volunteered with AARF, fostering dogs and spending time with them. She was a woman of strong faith and devoted her heart to her Lord and Savior. All services will be private.

05/20/2026

Caudell, Michael “Mike” John, 72, passed away on May 17, 2026. Born on January 22, 1954 in Tennessee, he moved to live in Virginia where he would work for over 40 plus years as a Painter and Contractor. Even after a soft ‘retirement’ he would still attend to worksites with his son, Jason. Often seen with a natural smile on his face, he was a fisherman who would love to catch fish, give them to his family to eat, while taking none for himself. He was a UVA fan and loved to eat at the local Mechanicsville restaurant Franco’s. He was a proud father and grandfather, a man loved by his family who will tell his stories to all who listen.

He was preceded in death by his father Daniel Garland Caudell; oldest brother Daniel Lee Caudell, and his sister Dora Ruth.

He is survived by his son Jason (Rosa); daughter Amanda Carter; brother Kevin (Dana); his beloved grand children Tatiana, Taevion, Keeron, and Arya.

Mike will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. The family encourages telling his stories to show love for Mike and share his memories with all.

A celebration of life will be held by his children at a later date.

05/19/2026

ATTENTION: Robert "Rock" Howard's graveside has been rescheduled for 9:00 AM, Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Independence Christian Church Cemetery, 14023 Independence Rd, Ashland, VA 23005.

Robert “Rock” Cornwell Howard, 102, of Highland Springs, VA, passed away on May 5, 2026. Born on March 13, 1924, in Dinwiddie, Robert was raised on his family’s homestead farm, where he developed the strong values and work ethic that guided him throughout his life.
Robert was the son of Paul and Solomie Howard and brother to his siblings, Minna Howard Fisher, Paula H. Bentley, and V. Roper Howard. He was especially grateful for the love and companionship of his sister, Minna, who survives him.
He shared many devoted years of marriage with his beloved late wife, Louise. He carried in his heart the devastating loss of his daughter and best friend, Trudie Howard Knight, whom he missed deeply following her passing three and a half years ago.
Rock proudly served as a Virginia State Trooper, dedicating 33 years of service to his community before retiring from the force. He was respected for his integrity, strength, and commitment to helping others. He is survived by his son, Gresham Howard; his grandchildren, Angela New (Mark Poe) and Billy Shaw (Melissa); his great-grandchildren, Robbie (Aries), Mason, and Hadley; and his great-great-grandson, Cardiff. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory and the stories of a life well lived.
Robert will be remembered for his quiet strength, dedication to family, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind through generations who loved him dearly.
A viewing will be held at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 on Tuesday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM at Independence Christian Church Cemetery, 14023 Independence Rd, Ashland, VA 23005.

05/18/2026

In the funeral profession, a celebrant is a non-clergy professional that conducts formal memorials or celebration of life services. They are dedicated to conduct meaningful services that honor and remember a life lived. They can do so without linking to religious affiliation or beliefs, or include the deceased beliefs as requested. The message of their service includes unique sharing of how the deceased lived their life, their personality and values, and even memories from family and friends. Not only do they perform the funeral service, they actually plan and oversee all funeral proceedings. A funeral celebrant is there to help you decide on any and all details as you are arranging the funeral.

05/12/2026

We want to make the community aware that there will be a large state police presence today at, and around the funeral home today. There will also be bagpipes and a bugle as we honor the life of Trooper Robert "Rock" Howard today. Please do not be alarmed.

05/12/2026

ATTENTION: The graveside has been postponed for Robert Howard. When a later date is decided, we will update with a new date and time.

Robert “Rock” Cornwell Howard, 102, of Highland Springs, VA, passed away on May 5, 2026. Born on March 13, 1924, in Dinwiddie, Robert was raised on his family’s homestead farm, where he developed the strong values and work ethic that guided him throughout his life.
Robert was the son of Paul and Solomie Howard and brother to his siblings, Minna Howard Fisher, Paula H. Bentley, and V. Roper Howard. He was especially grateful for the love and companionship of his sister, Minna, who survives him.
He shared many devoted years of marriage with his beloved late wife, Louise. He carried in his heart the devastating loss of his daughter and best friend, Trudie Howard Knight, whom he missed deeply following her passing three and a half years ago.
Rock proudly served as a Virginia State Trooper, dedicating 33 years of service to his community before retiring from the force. He was respected for his integrity, strength, and commitment to helping others. He is survived by his son, Gresham Howard; his grandchildren, Angela New (Mark Poe) and Billy Shaw (Melissa); his great-grandchildren, Robbie (Aries), Mason, and Hadley; and his great-great-grandson, Cardiff. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory and the stories of a life well lived.
Robert will be remembered for his quiet strength, dedication to family, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind through generations who loved him dearly.
A viewing will be held at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 on Tuesday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM at Independence Christian Church Cemetery, 14023 Independence Rd, Ashland, VA 23005.

05/11/2026

JONES, MATTHEW – 41 of Richmond, VA, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dorothy and David Jones, Sr.; his maternal grandparents, William and Lillian Newton; his uncle, Keith Jones; and his aunt, Judy Forliones. He is survived by his devoted parents, Debbie and David Jones, Jr.; his brother, Brian Jones (Lindsay); his nieces, Trinity, Abriana, and Lily; his aunt, Lori Smith (Buddy); multiple cousins; his lifelong best friend, Juanita Brooks; and many other relatives and friends. Matthew enjoyed music, video, and computer games. He was a loving son, brother, and uncle, and will be greatly missed. "Matt is Matt". A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Fairmount Christian Church, 6502 Creighton Rd. Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

05/11/2026

Leigh, Norma (Bobenia), 91, of Old Church, Hanover County, passed away peacefully at home with her two children by her side on May 9, 2026. Born on March 18, 1935, and raised in Highland Springs, she lived in Hanover County most of her life. She was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Harvey E Leigh; her daughter, Debra Miller; her brother, Thomas Bobenia; her sisters, Margaret Johnson (Clyde), and Blanche Brown; and her niece, Ginger Mack (Alias). Norma is survived by her son, Jaye Miller; her daughter, Sandra Miguelez (Mike); two granddaughters, Lindsay Guanti (Matt) and Kelly Howard (Trevor), two great-granddaughters; her sister, Mary Layne (H.W); her niece, Cindy Wright (Tommy); and her nephews, John Bobenia and Eddie Sparling. Norma was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and sister who cherished spending time with her entire family. She loved her backyard birds, flowers, plants, gardening, and warm days outside. She also loved painting, crafting, cooking, and sharing recipes with family and friends. The family will receive friends from 12 – 2 pm, on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Parkway, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park. Lunch will be provided during the visitation. Pastor Kyle Smith from Harvest Christian Fellowship Church will officiate the services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.

05/10/2026

Share and tag a friend who was there for you when all you could do was breathe to say thank you!

05/09/2026

Robert “Rock” Cornwell Howard, 102, of Highland Springs, VA, passed away on May 5, 2026. Born on March 13, 1924, in Dinwiddie, Robert was raised on his family’s homestead farm, where he developed the strong values and work ethic that guided him throughout his life.
Robert was the son of Paul and Solomie Howard and brother to his siblings, Minna Howard Fisher, Paula H. Bentley, and V. Roper Howard. He was especially grateful for the love and companionship of his sister, Minna, who survives him.
He shared many devoted years of marriage with his beloved late wife, Louise. He carried in his heart the devastating loss of his daughter and best friend, Trudie Howard Knight, whom he missed deeply following her passing three and a half years ago.
Rock proudly served as a Virginia State Trooper, dedicating 33 years of service to his community before retiring from the force. He was respected for his integrity, strength, and commitment to helping others. He is survived by his son, Gresham Howard; his grandchildren, Angela New (Mark Poe) and Billy Shaw (Melissa); his great-grandchildren, Robbie (Aries), Mason, and Hadley; and his great-great-grandson, Cardiff. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory and the stories of a life well lived.
Robert will be remembered for his quiet strength, dedication to family, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind through generations who loved him dearly.
A viewing will be held at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 on Tuesday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM at Independence Christian Church Cemetery, 14023 Independence Rd, Ashland, VA 23005.