Obituaries

Midlothian – Wayne Edward Dietz, 70, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at his residence.

He was born on March 14, 1951 in Frankfurt, Germany, a son of the late Norbert and Jeanie Dietz of Cincinnati, OH.

Wayne was a loving husband for 34 years, a father of 3, a grandfather of 5; he was beloved by his family and his community. He always had a ready smile for everyone. Wayne graduated from St. Rita School for the Deaf in Cincinnati, Ohio and obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. For 15 years, he taught math at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Staunton and Hampton. Wayne then worked for USPS in Staunton as a mailman for 22 years. He carried many humorous stories from his time with USPS like his tale of an aggressive dog biting him on the rear. In Wayne’s spare time he participated in several organizations at the Shenandoah Valley Club of the Deaf, which he helped found, as an officer and member. In retirement, Wayne could often be found spending his time fishing and exploring new lakes on his Bass-Tracker boat. He also enjoyed his favorite foods like Chinese, Goetta (a Cincinnati breakfast staple!), and Oreo cookies. When he was not fishing, dining, or spending time with his family, he could be found entertaining himself with his iPad!

In addition to his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his brother, Norb Dietz.

Surviving, in addition to his beloved wife, Bobbie, are three children: Jason (Terri), Gaston (Morgan), and Gabrielle (Nick); five grandchildren: Rory, Jalina, Shaun, Waverlyn, and Amelia “Milly”; and a sister: Joyce Dietz.

Bliley’s Funeral Home of Richmond is handling his arrangements. Memorial Service will be held in Staunton, VA at a later date.

Donations may be sent to The Access Foundation with memo specifically for Shenandoah Valley Club of the Deaf (SVCD) at PO Box 3053, Staunton VA 24402.

Posted online on January 21, 2022

Published in The News Leader

Dolores Montana Aldridge Houchins, 90, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2021.

Montana was born on December 30, 1930, to Maynard and Dora Aldridge in Roanoke, VA.

Montana is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Charles Jackson Houchins, Jr., her brother William Charles Aldridge, Sr. and her sister Patricia Ann Wirt, all of Roanoke, VA.

Surviving are her daughter, Mickey Ruth Bryarly of Ormond Beach, FL, sister, Janet Romana Taylor of Roanoke, VA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Montana was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to all who knew her and a faithful Christian.

She graduated from The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton where she became head cheerleader, the first homecoming queen in the school’s history, a star basketball player, and valedictorian of her graduating class.

Montana, also known as Virginia Deaf Mother of the Year, was involved in volunteer work on behalf of the deaf community and in improving relations between the deaf and the hearing. As a member of the Roanoke Valley Club for the Deaf, she served on various committees, organizing social events and raising money for the annual basketball and softball tournaments.

Montana had a sweet spot for chocolate and ice cream but found her sweetest spot spending time with her husband and family. She was exceedingly generous with her time and resources and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, Staunton, VA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Valley Funeral Home, 1609 Peters Creek Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.

Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren. Funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Tim Martin. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.valleyfuneralservice.com.

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https://www.valleyfuneralserviceva.com/obituary/dolores-houchins