Obituary of Joanne Arlis Huff Hefner

Joanne Arlis Hefner, 86, of Roanoke, died Monday, January 29, 2018 in her home surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Dean Hefner, parents, Dwight and Lorraine Huff, son, Russell Hefner, brother, Merle Huff, and grandson, Roger Brown.

She is survived by her loving children, Karen Fontana and husband, Nick of Maryland; sons, Terry and Paul Hefner both of Roanoke; Daughter, Julie Ferrell and husband Edwin of Vernon Hill, Virginia; sister, Linda Morris and husband J.T. of Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren, Billy Smelser and wife Lauren, Jeanna Ostendorf, Bobby Smelser and wife Erica, and Mickey Smelser and wife Taylor all of Roanoke; Brooke Conway of Virginia Beach, Jessica Reamer of Puyallup Washington along with eight great-grandchildren, and one on the way; nieces, nephews, cousins, and her special "little" Great Dane, Pepe. Also surviving are her special nurse, Cary Roebuck of Good Samaritan Hospice and special friends, Paul and Betty Kidd of Salem and Chips and Flo Doyle of Roanoke. 

Joanne retired from the Virginia Employment Commission after more than twenty-five years of service. She enjoyed her work there and the many friends she acquired over the years. 

In lieu of flowers, please kindly make any contributions to beloved church, Hollins Road Baptist Church 3502 Old Mountain Road Roanoke, Va. 24019 or to Good Samaritan Hospice 2408 Electric Road Roanoke, Va. 24018. 

Funeral Services will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel 5160 Peters Creek Road by Rev. Mark Washington. Interment will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Simpson Funeral Home (540)366-0707.