Opal Rhodes Ritchie, 94, of Fredericksburg passed away peacefully on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Westmoreland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Facility in Colonial Beach. Opal graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory in business. She  worked at Madison College; the Pratt Clinic, as a private secretary to John Lee Pratt of Chatham Manor and eventually for the National Park Service from which she retired as an administrative officer.  Opal was active in the Women’s Club of...

Joreen Hammons, 92, passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at her daughter’s home following an illness. She was born on October 30, 1928 in Clintwood, VA to the late Rufus McCoy and Carrie Fleming McCoy. Ms. Hammons loved to dance and cook for her family. She always tried to do the right thing. She sometimes failed as humans do, but most importantly she taught her family about God’s loving kindness and grace. Survivors include one daughter, Linda Vranken of Spotsylvania; five...

James Lee Strother, 75, of Fredericksburg passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 due to complications that came after a surgery. He was born on June 9, 1945 to the late Eugene C. Strother, Sr. and Addie B. Strother. God sent James a special mentor as a young boy, Jim Monteith, a farmer and businessman who taught him a lot and helped him become the man that he was. James was a hard-working entrepreneur and owned several businesses over the years. He and his partner, Curtis Nicholson, ran...

Our family is saddened to share the passing of our loved one Betty “Jean” Villhauer-Craig, 85, of Fredericksburg on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Mary Washington Hospital. She is survived by her daughters, Laurie Reiss (Stefan), Susan Villhauer and adopted daughter, Alyssa Lalka; stepchildren Dennis Craig (Margaret), Peter Craig (Terry), Timothy Craig (Beth), Christopher Craig, Charles Craig (Vicki) and Joyce Chewning; one brother Kurt Prince; 18 grandchildren; 20...

After leading a full and active life of 95 years “Buck” Dickinson passed away peacefully at Mary Washington Hospital on Friday April 30, 2021 after suffering a stroke. Buck was born at the family homeplace in Spotsylvania County on January 1, 1926 and resided in Spotsylvania County all his life. One of the last of the greatest generation he was drafted into the Army’s 99th Infantry Division in World War II and served his country from 1944 until 1946 in Germany, France, and...

Carl Stansbury Pates, Jr., 76, of Spotsylvania County went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 30, 2021. Carl leaves behind a loving and devoted family, including three sons, Carl “Trey” Pates, III (JoEll), Michael Pates (Lynn), and Jeff Pates (Lisa); eight grandchildren Trent Pates (Alissa), Brendt, Jordan, Riley, Michael, Jarred, Jeffrey, and Sarah; three great-grandchildren Carter, Luke, and Lincoln; and three siblings Pat Ramachandran, Richard Pates, and Carolyn...

Jerry Lee Rosser, 88, of Fredericksburg passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at his home. He was born on November 29, 1932 to the late Mary M. Denney and Theodore E. Rosser in Hopewell, VA. Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. He enjoyed playing many sports, especially golf with his family and friends. He was proud to have been the MVP of the 1966 Berry Brothers State Champs softball team. Before he retired, Jerry was manager of Fisher Auto Parts. Survivors...

Ray B. Cook Jr., 76 of Stafford passed away on Tuesday, April 27 at his home. Ray Cook was born on March 19, 1945, in Alexandria VA. After high school, Ray joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. He married his wife Diana in 1967. He continued to dedicate his life to his country by working for the FBI and serving in the Army National Guard. He retired from the FBI after 25 years then continued to support the FBI as a contractor for sixteen years. He retired from the Army National...

Vivian Fritter of Falmouth passed away April 27, 2021 at Mary Washington Hospital. She is survived by her sister, Debbie Robinson (Tom) of Falmouth; nephews Brian Robinson and Chris Robinson of Falmouth, Robbie Robinson of Texas, and Hunter Franklin of Stafford. She is also survived by her great-niece and nephew, Sarah Robinson and Matthew Robinson of Falmouth; and great-nephews Gabriel Robinson of Texas and Timmy Robinson of South Korea. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin...

Malcolm Drew George, 60, of Fredericksburg peacefully went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 26, 2021.  Malcolm had many medical setbacks and always remained positive and optimistic that he would one day win the fight… Malcolm fought until his last breath. Malcolm was born on October 27, 1960 in Alexandria, but lived in Woodbridge for over 55 years until relocating to Port Royal. He graduated from Woodbridge Senior High School Class of 1979. Malcolm worked at...