Viva Bowles *

July 7, – October 14,

Viva Pauline Bowles of Bent Mountain, VA, at the age of 102, after a long and faithful life, went to her Heavenly home on Monday, October 14, 2024.

She was a member of Mount Union Church of the Brethren, Bent Mountain, VA, for her entire lifespan and she served her Lord as a Sunday School Teacher, Choir Director, Ladies Aid Group making quilts, planting and placing flowers on the altar, and various committees. She went to Bent Mountain School, elementary through 12th grade, and graduated. She went to Madison College for Women which is now Madison University, obtaining her teaching degree. She taught for 10 years beginning in Franklin County, VA, and ending in Roanoke County, VA.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Leo Merrit Bowles; her parents, Cleophas and Junie Stump; her brothers/sisters-in-, Carl Stump (Gladys), Alvin Stump (Ruth), and Stump; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charlie Lee Bowles Sr. and Tillie Bowles; her sister-in-law, Mary Altice; and brother-in-law, Charlie Bowles Jr. (Judy).

Viva is survived by her daughters, Margaret Shepherd (Les) of Vinton, VA, and Leola Gail Hoback of Bent Mountain VA; grandchildren, Tara Bowdel (Nathan), Whitney Hoback (Nick), Kelly Malloch (Zach), and Brian Hoback; and great-grandchildren, Malloch, Hayleigh Samuels, Scarlett Malloch, Deacon Malloch, and Lincoln Bowdel. She is also survived by her brother, Guy Stump (Darlene); her sisters, Martha Brizendine and Joice Holt (Sammy); sister-in-law, Rachel Stump; plus, several nieces and nephews.

Many thanks and gratitude to the management and staff at Nursing Home, Salem, VA, for the care and compassion for our mother for the last two years.

She will be cremated, and a memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Mount Union Church of the Brethren, Bent Mountain, VA. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Vivia’s eldest granddaughter, the Rev. Tara Shepherd-Bowdel, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mount Union Church of the Brethren Building Fund, P.O. Box 192, Bent Mountain, VA 24059. Condolences be shared with her family at www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey’s Funeral Service – South Chapel; Roanoke, VA (540) 989-3131

Published by Roanoke Times on Oct. 17, 2024.