Obituary of Virginia Bowyer Kraige

Virginia B. Kraige, the youngest of six children of Ollie S. and Mary Ellen Goggin Bowyer of Bedford County, died on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at age 98 at her home in the Showalter Center of Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg. She was predeceased by her husband, Luther R. Kraige. She was a lifelong resident of the Roanoke area, where she was a retired employee of Miller & Rhoads Department Store and a member of Enon Baptist Church. She is remembered for her strength and independence and especially for hosting family holiday celebrations over a period of more than six decades. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Steve Sanders; and son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Dale Kraige, all of Blacksburg. Surviving are four grandchildren, Catherine Brasse (Tom) of Charlotte, N.C., John Sanders (Gina) of Knoxville, Tenn., Stephanie Kokan (Tim) of Madison, Ala., and David Kraige (Ashley) of State College, Pa. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nancy Carter of Daleville; and several nieces; and nephews. The family wishes to recognize the exceptional level of health care provided by the staff members of the Showalter Center of Warm Hearth and Good Samaritan Hospice. It is suggested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to either the Employee Appreciation Fund of Warm Hearth Foundation, 2603 Warm Hearth Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or Good Samaritan Hospice, 1160 Moose Drive NW, Christiansburg, VA 24073. The Funeral Service, conducted by Pastor Glenn Giles, will be at noon on Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and at a reception to follow. Burial will be private.