Nellie Umbarger

Nellie C. Umbarger Nellie Coffey Umbarger, 91, of Ceres died Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. Funeral service was held Monday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church with Pastors Leroy Long and Jim Linkous officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. She was a woman of great faith and displayed the faith of a mustard seed throughout her life. She was a prayer warrior and diligently prayed for each member of her family daily. She embodied Christ likeness and had a servant's heart. No matter what was asked of her, she rose to the occasion and completed tasks with a willing and joyous heart. She leaves a legacy of her faith and the example of how to pray, show Christ-like love and live in true peace to all who knew her. Her strong love of her children and grandchildren hold many memories as she taught them to cook, make apple butter, bread, canning, gathering eggs and crocheting. She was never too busy to stop and listen to a story, answer a question or play a game. She loved being with her family and friends and was affectionately known as "Cookie" to many. Although her passing will leave a void in her family, we rejoice in knowing that she is in Heaven with her Lord. She has run the race, finished the course and has heard the words, "Welcome home, my good and faithful servant," from her Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Martha Goode Coffey; husband, Elmer; son, John; daughter-in-law, Mary Lou; granddaughter, Diane; and grandson, Terry. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and James Blankenship of Dublin; four sons and daughters-in-law, Donald Umbarger of Waynesboro, Lewis and Phyllis Umbarger of Ceres, Ray Umbarger of Ceres, and Allen and Judy Umbarger of Churchville; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Alice Umbarger of Salem; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one stepgrandchild; and four stepgreat-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ceres Fire Department, c/o Larry Tibbs, 5808 West Blue Grass Trail, Ceres, VA 24318; or the Bland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 585, Bland, VA 24318. Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville was in charge of the arrangements.