Obituary of Rita Crigger Copenhaver

Rita Crigger Copenhaver, age 83, of Wythe County, was welcomed to her Heavenly home by our Christ and Savior on July 5, 2023. Rita was born on January 23, 1940, in Speedwell, VA and spent most of her life as a resident of Wythe County. We have no doubt she was escorted to Heaven by the loved ones that have gone before her; her parents, Eugene Kyle and Fannie Edmonds Crigger; two sisters, Blanche McCallister and Thelma “Sis” Ward; brothers, Doug Crigger; Fred Crigger; Coy “Cotton” Crigger; and Elmer Crigger. Several beloved sisters and brothers-in-law as well as numerous special nieces and nephews also preceded her in death. Without a doubt, we know that the most joyful reunion she had upon her departure from this earthly world was with her daughter, Barbara Jean Hodge, and with the love of her life, Gene Carlson Walters. We know she was smiling from ear to ear when she was reunited with these two. Rita is survived by her oldest son, Neal Carlson Walters of Hillsville, VA and her youngest son and daughter-in-law; Jason Kyle and Mona Copenhaver of Max Meadows, Va. Also surviving are Rita’s grandchildren, Kala and Chad Ayers of Austinville, VA; Karla Hodge Childress of Max Meadows, VA; and Emily, Blake, and Ella Copenhaver of Max Meadows, Va. Rita found enormous joy in her great grandchildren; Parker Reed Kitts, Adilyn Christine Griffin, and Jemma Grace Childress. Rita is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Carrington Place Wytheville and Medi Hospice staff. Please join us in celebration of Rita’s earthly life. The funeral service will be held at Grubb’s Funeral Home in Wytheville, VA on Friday, July 7, 2023. The family will welcome visitors from 1 pm- 2 pm. A service will follow, led by Mr. Michael Hoback, at 2 pm. Graveside services will follow the service and will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Wytheville, Va. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.