John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory

04/02/2026

It’s opening night, and we’re “proudly supporting our hometown Salem RidgeYaks”!

04/02/2026

Jessie Thomas Dalton

Jessie Thomas Dalton, 44, of Roanoke County and Salem, Va., passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Jessie was born on Wednesday, December 2, 1981, in Roanoke, Va., to the late Peggy Dalton and Danny Short. In addition to his parents, Jessie was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jessie and Virginia Dalton.

Left to cherish Jessie's memory are his daughter, Kerstin Dalton; son, Noah Dalton; brother, Daniel Dalton; uncles, James Dalton and Virgil Decker; aunt, Christine Decker; cousins, Scott St. Pierre and David Dalton; and friend, Jessica Long.

Per the family's wishes, there are no services scheduled at this time.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Dalton family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Jessie Thomas Dalton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/02/2026

Melissa Wimmer

Melissa Roberts Wimmer, 68, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on March 31, 2026. She was born on July 10, 1957, in Christiansburg, Virginia, to the late H. Elbyrne Roberts and Ruth B. Roberts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Jonathan Roberts and Yogi Roberts; and her sisters, Zsa Zsa Roberts and Deborah Davis (Beverly).

Melissa is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Michael H. Wimmer; her son, Mark Wimmer; her daughter-in-law, Ashley Wimmer; and her cherished granddaughter, Brexley Wimmer. She is also survived by her special sisters-in-law, Julie Roberts and Judy Roberts; her special niece, Katie True; and many other loving nieces and nephews.

A proud Salemite for most of her life, Melissa held dear memories of time spent with her family at Lakeside Amusement Park, owned by her father. She dedicated many years working in retail at Fink’s Jewelers, where she formed lasting relationships.

Melissa had a love for shopping and was known for her impeccable style, always presenting herself with grace and elegance. She was selfless, always putting those she loved above herself. She treasured her role as “Lulu” and “GiGi” to Delaney Crotts and Brexley Wimmer.

She also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dachshunds.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor and remember Melissa. Additional details will be shared with family and friends as they become available.

While flowers are welcome, please consider making donations to Good Samaritan Hospice at https://goodsam.care/ways-to-give.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Melissa Wimmer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

https://www.johnmoakey.com/obituaries/johanna-espelage

View Johanna Elizabeth Espelage's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

Mary Jane Raborn

Mary Jane Raborn, 74 of Salem, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at her home.

Survivors and arrangements will be announced soon by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home.

View Mary Jane Raborn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

Nancy Weld Wise

Nancy Weld Wise passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at her residence at Salem Terrace.

Nancy was born on Wednesday, March 14, 1934, the oldest of five children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Stafford L. “Bud” Weld and Nancy B. Weld, three of her four siblings, Mary Weld Schipper, Rena Weld Wheeler, and Stafford L. “Bill” Weld Jr. She is also predeceased by her loving and devoted husband, Matthew Wise, former professor of English Literature at Roanoke College. Nancy grew up in Roanoke and graduated from Jefferson High School. Nancy enrolled in Converse College for Women and graduated with honors. Nancy is survived by her brother, John B. Weld, and his wife, Cathy.

Nancy lived her adult life in Salem. She loved sports as a spectator and an athlete playing tennis in her 80’s. She and her great friends enjoyed Salem Red Sox games, sharing novels, swimming, and gardening. Nancy’s good friends and neighbors tirelessly helped care for her and her devoted cat, “Mookie,” in her later years.

Nancy was a devoted aunt, welcoming her nephews, nieces, and their children into her life and celebrations at “The Beach”. Love of family and home was central to Nancy’s life, always, and she shared her love of both generously with all she knew.

John and his family wish special thanks to Friendship Salem Terrace in Salem, VA, where Nancy lived for the last four years. The community of skillful, compassionate caregivers, nurses, housekeeping and kitchen staff, and management made Nancy’s last home a welcoming and safe place.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Sherwood Burial Park located in Salem. VA.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Nancy Bailey Wise's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/31/2026

Ronald Marvin Robertson

Ronald Marvin "Ronnie" Robertson, 73, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary, and is survived by his wife, Vickie Robertson. They were married for 48 years. Ronnie is also survived by his son, Jason Robertson (Amanda), his granddaughter, Jayden Robertson, his sister, Elaine Caldwell, and step-siblings, Linda Lloyd, Butch Chesser, and Mark Chesser.

Ronald retired from Classic Plumbing after 20 plus years of service. His favorite hobbies were fishing, being outside, and going to NASCAR races with his son and granddaughter. During his younger years he loved riding motorcycles and going to the lake every weekend with his family.

The family will welcome friends for visitation on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Reynolds officiating. Interment immediately following in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Ronald Marvin Robertson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Johanna Elizabeth Espelage

Johanna Elizabeth Espelage found heaven on March 28, 2026. Born on December 18, 1935, in Falkenberg, Germany, Johanna spent her childhood living on a farm alongside her parents and seven siblings. At the age of 22, she left Germany to begin her new life in America. Soon after arriving, she met the love of her life, her husband of 62 years, Paul Espelage. While their time together on earth has ended, their eternity together has just begun.

Johanna was deeply devoted to her family. She raised her two children with love, creating lasting memories through family vacations, unwavering support, and the quiet wisdom she shared so generously. Her care extended beyond her family to her friends and her beloved pets, all of whom she nurtured with the same compassion.

Johanna could be found each day walking the different trails at Green Hill Park. The paths she traveled reflected the perseverance and strength that defined her life. After living in Cincinnati, Ohio; Ames, Iowa; and Schenectady, New York, Johanna, and her family eventually made their home in Salem, Virginia. She earned her associate's degree in business and worked in finance, serving as a credit union manager at Stuart McGuire and CHRV Federal Credit Union.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Anthonius von Höfen and Johanna Buschermohle; her husband, Paul Espelage; and her sisters, Gertrud von Lewen and Maria Thole; and her brothers, Bernhard von Höfen, Leo von Höfen, and Otto von Höfen; as well as many beloved dogs and cats.

She is survived by her son, Tony Espelage (Dawn); her daughter, Janette Espelage (Teresa Beckner); her granddaughter, Tela Espelage; her sisters, Veronica Baranowski and Hannelore Pieper; and her cherished furry companion, Pepper.

Johanna was deeply involved in her church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where she lovingly prepared meals to help feed those experiencing homelessness. She enjoyed attending concerts with friends at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and cherished playing bridge, as well as being a member of the Newcomers Club. Johanna's generosity touched many, as she supported numerous charities dedicated to fighting childhood cancer, heart disease, rescuing animals, and caring for children in need.

Even in her final days, Johanna never stopped walking. We will continue to carry the beautiful blessing of her love and hope that our own footsteps will mirror hers.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice House or Madonna House.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of Johanna's life.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Espelage family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Johanna Elizabeth Espelage's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

https://www.johnmoakey.com/obituaries/glenn-huff

View Glenn Thomas Huff's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Glenn Thomas Huff

The family of Glenn Thomas (Tom) Huff announces that he went to be with the Lord early in the morning of March 30, 2026, at the age of 93. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many.

He was born on March 3, 1933, to the late Claude E. Huff and Annie Wells Huff of Lafayette, Virginia. His years in the Navy as a Seabee took him to many places around the world, including Africa, Bermuda, and Morocco. After attending diesel school, he was employed as an engineer by N&W, working from the steam era through the transition to diesel until his retirement in 1991 from Norfolk Southern. He married the love of his life in 1954, and together they had two adoring daughters, Susan and Teresa. Throughout the years, they shared many adventures.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thalia M. Huff; sisters, Betty Huff McNeely and JoAnn Hartwell; infant brother, Eugene; sons-in-law, Daniel McLaren and Kevin Sheppard; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his daughters, Susan McLaren and Teresa Sheppard; granddaughters, Whitney McIlhany, Ashley Luck (Jeremy), Emily Bryant (Travis), Kimberly Conner (Steve Hilla), and Kayla Battle (Adam); great-grandchildren, Lachlan, Iain, Natalie, Caleb (Halee), Ethan, Layla, Kyleigh, Kellen, and Luca; and a close friend and neighbor, Tony Lephew.

The family will welcome friends for a period of visitation on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from noon until 2 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, in Salem. Funeral services will begin directly following, starting at 2 p.m. with Pastor John Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Huff family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.

View Glenn Thomas Huff's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/29/2026

Betty Lou Goad

Betty Lou Beckner Goad, 87, of Salem, Virginia, got her promotion to Glory on Saturday, March 28, 2026.



She was born in Catawba, Virginia, and remained a faithful child of God her entire life. She loved Jesus wholeheartedly and her family unconditionally. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and recently became a great-great-grandmother. Listening to the Gaithers was one of her favorite pastimes, and she loved serving while never asking for anything in return.



Preceding her in death was her husband, William Walton Goad; son, Thomas Glenn Goad; daughter, Teresa Diane Martin; and several siblings.



Her surviving family includes children, William Eddie Goad (Nancy), Mark Anthony Goad, Darryl Martin Goad, David Marvin Goad (Karen), and Steven Wayne Goad; brother, Paul Beckner (Pat); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family members.



Special appreciation is extended to her granddaughter, Hollie Henegar, for the loving support she provided during the last 6 years of Betty's life.



Arrangements for Betty will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Salem Church of God located at 600 Craig Avenue in Salem, Virginia, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. Pastor Todd Stiffler will officiate.



Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.

View Betty Goad's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/29/2026