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Chelsea Dove Obituary

Chelsea Lee Dove, 18, of Buchanan, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, September 26, 2008. She was a student at NC State and a graduate of Dove Academy. She was an extremely hard worker and fierce patriot who loved being a country girl. She is survived in her immediate family by her parents, Gehrig and Ronda Dove; her sister, Lori Chovanec and husband, Chris; her brother, SPC Ryan Dove and wife, Jane; and nephews, Gavyn Chovanec and Michael Hendrixson. She is also survived by her maternal grandparents, David and Kinuko Nofsinger; and paternal grandparents, S. V. and Janet Dove. She is also survived by a multitude of extended family members and her Faith Alliance Church family. As a devout Christian, her life was characterized by a love of the gospel and a heart for missions. A funeral service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at the Faith Alliance Church with Pastor David Fraser officiating. Burial will follow in the Rockbridge Memorial Gardens, Lexington. The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 30, 2008 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.
Published by Roanoke Times from Sep. 28 to Sep. 29, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Chelsea Dove

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Brianna McDaniel

July 24, 2017

I can't believe it's been almost 9 years since Chelsea left this world to be with our heavenly father. Even though I only knew her a few short months, we instantly became the best of friends and she became like a sister to me. I loved her as if she was my family, and I will never forget her beautiful smile and personality. I still think about her from time to time, and it always puts smile on my face because I think of all the wonderful memories I have with her. She was so loving and caring. She was one of the most beautiful people in this world, inside and out, and she has been sorely missed in my life. She made a long lasting impact on my life, and I'll always have a piece of my heart missing by her absence. I will forever love you Chelsea, and will always keep your memory close to my heart. ❤

Amanda Barton

September 26, 2009

It's hard to believe you have been gone for a year Chelsea. We love and miss you so much.
Uncle Gehrig, Aunt Rhonda, Lori, and Ryan, special prayers are being said for you all today!

Kelli Linick, MD

January 15, 2009

Dear Mr and Mrs. Dove:

I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Chelsea was a beautiful girl and a blessing to your family. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since this happened.

Reuben Miles

November 24, 2008

She will be greatly miss! Words cannot explain how much she meant to me!! A day will never go by without her being in my thoughts!

Teresa Lee

October 13, 2008

Iam so sorry to hear about Chelsea. May God bless you. She was an amazing person and I will never forget her. My prayers go with you and your family.

Dr. Bill Hunt

October 2, 2008

Dear Dove Family and Friends,
I was blessed to know Chelsea only briefly and was shocked to learn this extremely sad news. Chelsea always had a smiling face and was eager to learn in my E101 class. I will miss seeing her in my front row.
I am sure Chelsea is in a better place with the Lord, but that doesn't take all the pain away for us mortals. May God bless all of you and keep you through this very sorrowful time.
Sincerely,
Bill Hunt, Chelsea's E101 Teacher (NCSU)

Michele Rice Carpenter

October 2, 2008

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know she was, and still is, an excellent person.

Brightest of Blessings.

Emily Huddleston

October 1, 2008

Dear Dove family,
I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Chelsea was far too young. She was an amazing girl and will be greatly missed.
You'll be in our prayers.

Pat Davidson

October 1, 2008

Dear Gehrig, Ronda, Lori and Ryan,
I cannot imagine the pain and loss you are all feeling right now. May you find comfort in the love and support of many friends who love you all (and cherished Chelsea)...How blessed I am to be among your "family of choice"...I will continue to undergird you with prayers. Much love from the Stork...

Joyce Godfryt

October 1, 2008

My heart is grieved very much for the loss of this precious, sweet girl. I just had one of my neighbors ask me what I meant about sweet - caring - is a better word. Chelsea is with her Maker and Lord. She is in Glory. My tears are for the ones she has left behind. May our Lord Jesus Christ hold and comfort you through this very tough time. Psalm 20:1-2

Brad Maines

October 1, 2008

Gehrig and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through the worst pain that a parent can face. Be comforted knowing that Chelsea is now with her Lord, where He wants her to be.

Breanne Long

September 30, 2008

Dear Dove Family,
I only knew Chelsea a short time here at school, she was always there to study with in the math class we had together. She will be sorely missed. She was a gentle spirit with a humble heart. The Lord took her because she came to earth knowing the lessons that it takes others a lifetime to learn. May God bless you and keep you.

Jenna Tucker

September 30, 2008

Dear Dove Family,
My name is Jenna Tucker. I just recently got to know Chelsea. I attend NC State and attended the WISE camp before school started with Chelsea. Chelsea was also in my English class. She was a very bubbly and enthusiastic individual. She seemed to be a person with character. I also found out that Chelsea was very involved with her church at home, it showed in her character. I sincerely will miss her, but I know that she knew the Lord and that she is in a better place now. Thank you for letting me know Chelsea. I will be praying for the Dove family in your time of sorrow, but remember 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Amy Anguiano

September 30, 2008

Dear Dove Family,
I am thinking of you in this time of sorrow. I will never forget Chelsea. Her beautiful smile, her bubbling personality, and her joy for life were infectious. I only knew her a short time, but I will always remember her. She was a bright spot in my day.

Debi Sprague

September 30, 2008

There are not words. I miss you Chels. I love you my Dove Family and am with you in spirit.

Dianna Custer

September 30, 2008

Dear Dove Family.

Words cannot express how sorry we
are for your loss. Kristen and I will
remember our good times in Singing
School and Honor Society. God Bless
you and may you find peace in His Love.
Yours-in-Christ
Kristen and Dianna Custer

Carma Duffy

September 30, 2008

Dear Dove Family,
I pray that the Lord will lift you up and strenghten you during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Love your Sister in Christ,

( Hair Gallery)

Ricky McNeil

September 30, 2008

Chelsea will be missed greatly by all of her friends at NC State and in the PSU department. My thoughts and condolences are with your family.

Brian Parris

September 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I knew Chelsea through Pulp and Paper at NCSU. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Renee Myers

September 29, 2008

Gehrig, Ronda & family,
Words cannot express the sorrow my family feels. We only knew Chelsea for a short time but she was such a tribute to the kindness and Godliness of your family.Chelsea will always be fondly remembered. May the peace of the Lord comfort and keep you during this time and always.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers,
Renee and Chris Myers
Cody Webb

Pam Stone

September 29, 2008

Ronda and Gehrig,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. Please take comfort in knowing that Chelsea is in heaven sitting with the Father.

Pam (Robertson) Stone

Olen Mabry

September 29, 2008

Gehrig,
I don't have words to express the sorrow I feel for your loss. I can only promise you that my family and I will be praying for you and your family. May God give you comfort and peace through Christ.

The Mabry family

Diane Sparozich

September 29, 2008

Dove Family,

Our condolences to you and your family.

The Sparozich Family

Elonda Clark

September 29, 2008

Ronda, Gehrig, Lori and Ryan,
I was devastated to hear about Chelsea. I still remember the day when you brought her home...time goes by so fast. I realize her absence will leave a huge void in your life...just fill it with all the wonderful memories! I know that she was truly blessed to be raised in such a loving and faithful family.
With all my prayers,
Elonda (Hugh and Ryan too)

Sharon Lindo

September 29, 2008

I know that it is only Christ that can see your family through this very difficult time. I am praying for you. I trust that the Lord will wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you, as He alone can do.

Danielle Dearing

September 29, 2008

I am very sorry. Chelsea was a sweet girl, she was always interacted with someone. Whenever I went to church or youth group she would make me feel so welcome. Everyone is going to miss her smiling face.

With love,
Danielle Dearing

Rhonda Gilliam Early (EHC 89) and Mark Early (EHC 86)

September 29, 2008

Ronda and Family,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in family and friends and healing from God's love and love for one another.

Jasper Jackson

September 29, 2008

Dear Dove Family,
My heart will always hold a special place for Chelsea. She was such a great friend and had the purest heart of anyone I knew, she will be sorely missed. I will never forget her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

Chrys Collins/Awalt

September 29, 2008

Our family was saddened to learn of your sorrow. We are praying for your family.

Amy (Slough) Coada

September 29, 2008

Ronda & Gehrig, I am so saddend to hear of your loss of such a beautiful young lady. I know you will find comfort in knowing that she is in a much better place than we are. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and my prayers are with you thru this difficult time. Our daughters were so close in age, I can't even imagine how you are feeling. Trust in the Lord and you will find the comfort you need.

Yvonne McClure

September 29, 2008

Dear Family'
I am a Christian and also lost a daughter 6 months ago. Want you to know i will be praying for you. Knowing your heartbreak. May God richly bless you all.
Christian Love Yvonne McClure

Tom and Libby Owens

September 29, 2008

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)

Your "mountains" have surely been shaken these last few days, but hold on to God's promise of love and peace and compassion. We are praying for you. (Ryan Owens' mom and Dad)

Joel Pawlak

September 29, 2008

May the entire family get through this time with peace and grace. I only had the chance to know Chelsea for a brief time, but she touched me as a kind and loving daughter and sister. May God bless her and her family.

Lynne Critzer

September 29, 2008

Ronda -
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Although we never had the opportunity to meet Chelsea, we can tell that she was a beautiful young woman with such a warm, friendly smile from her picture. We will keep you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Lynne (Jacobson) and Patrick Critzer (EHC '87)

Jim VanDruff

September 29, 2008

Rhonda & Gehrig It's times like these when being away is much harder. My memories of Chelsea will live on but i wish i could be there to share your sorrow. She was such a fantastic girl who loved the Lord and truly loved the people around her. Every Sunday i could count on a hug from her, and i knew it was not hollow but came from her heart. She will be sorely missed. Love you guys and pray for you daily! JV

Susan Russell

September 29, 2008

Dove Family,
I am so saddened by your loss. I will remember Chelsea's joy and good nature. I am thankful I was able to know and care for her even for a short while.

Vicky Agnor

September 29, 2008

Gehrig and Ronda - Our family will always cherish the times with yours. We are so sorry for your loss and cry in pain with you. Please keep your memories close and God by your side. He will comfort you as always.
Billy, Vicky and JoBeth Agnor (Glasgow, VA)

Shirley Sumpter

September 29, 2008

Gehrig, Ronda and family. I was so shocked to hear about this. What a beautiful child she was. I know you have so many fond memories of her. I remember her at Aunt Kitty's funeral speaking so fondly of her. I am so sorry. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time.

Becky Hannah

September 29, 2008

Dear Ronda, Gehrig and family, Chelsea has been taken into the safekeeping of eternal love. Thank you for sharing on TV your faith. By Chelsea's goodness, she leaves an imprint on everyone's heart. Each of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Becky Petty Hannah

Jane Garrett

September 29, 2008

Dear Doves,

Annie William and I wish to express to you all of our heart felt prayers at this time. It seems like yesterday that Chelsea, Lori,Ryan and Annie were swimming in the back yard and running back and forth between your house and ours!! With all our love Jane Garrett

Barbara SUMMERLIN

September 28, 2008

Rhonda,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Will be thinking of you and your family. We only got to know each other for such a short time at Fleet,but you always talked so lovingly about your daughter.

Marcie Carte

September 28, 2008

Ronda & Gehrig,
I am so saddend by the loss of such a beautiful child of God. I have wonderful memories of Chelsea growing up and she will be in my heart forever. Much love to you in Heaven sweet girl.

Robyn Riley

September 28, 2008

To the beautiful Dove Family - The Sumpter Family lifts you up in prayer during this most difficult time in your lives. Our love and prayers are with you in the days/weeks/months ahead.
Bob & Freda Sumpter
Tim & Robyn Riley

Kathy and Karl Moore

September 28, 2008

Ronda, Gehrig, Lori, Ryan, and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this very difficult time. Hold your memories close to your heart.
Kathy and Karl Moore

Penny Fauber

September 28, 2008

Ronda, Gehrig and Family,
I was shocked and saddened to see the death announcement of Chelsea in the paper today. It has been a long time since I have seen or talked to your family but I have fond memories of the "childhood" days of Chelsea and Seth. Please accept our very deepest sympathy. Penny Fauber and Seth Moore

Your hunting buddies at Triple J Lodge

September 28, 2008

Chelsea, we'll miss you!

Karen McClintock

September 28, 2008

Dearest Beloved,
My heart is broken and hurts olny as a mother and father's heart can when a child is taken before the parents.I truly know your pain in the full sense of it...but even when life is so unbearable that the pain is so much ...God is GOOD even when life is very,very hard.God's knows.
Please know you are all in my prayers,as that is a privliage and honor to do so.
Please take the best care you can.We love you!
In Christ,
The Mcclintock Family

Crutchfield-Sokolowski Family

September 28, 2008

Such a tragic loss of a beautiful young lady with an amazing future ahead of her. Our hearts break for the entire family. We watched Chelsea grow from a loving young child to a young women who lead by example. She will be greatly missed. God Bless you all during this incredibly difficult time.

Randy Marchand

September 28, 2008

Dove Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you constantly. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. May god be with you and ease your sadness.

The Marchand Family

Amanda Barton

September 28, 2008

Chelsea,
You are so loved and will be missed more than you could ever had imagined. God needed you more than we did, though we wish it didn't have to be so soon. You finished your work here on earth. Walk with Jesus on those streets of gold and enjoy your heavenly reward. You touched so many lives in such a short time. I will carry your memory with me always. Keep smiling your beautiful smile.

Until we meet again,
Amanda, Adam, Blake, and Ava Barton

Penny,Robert,Crystal and Niclole Sparrow/Martin

September 28, 2008

Dove Family,
We were devestated to hear about Chelsea. The pain of loosing a child has to be the worst pain ever felt. Her smile and sweetness will be missed in this world.
Please know that our entire family is sending love and prayers to you all. Family for a short time is still family. With Love: The Sparrow - Martin Family

Catherine Radford

September 28, 2008

My thoughts and prays are with you and your family. May god be with you.
God Bless
Cathy Radford

Heather Morrow

September 28, 2008

Dearest Rhonda And Family, My Heart Aches With You In This Time You Are Much In My Thoughts And Prayers. I Didnt Know Chelsea All That Well But Every Time I Did See Her Or Speak With Her, She Always Had A Smile And She Was Always Serving Or Doing Something To Help Others. May God Give You Peace And Comfort With Each Day. In His Love And Mine, Heather Morrow (BSF & Rafiki) Lamentations 3:22 &23

Kaitlyn Fisher

September 28, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. Chelsea will be greatly missed by many. I can always remember her loving smile and kind words of encouragement whenever things weren't going very well. She was one of the few people that I could actually turn to when I needed someone to talk to. I will forever cherish the amazing memories that I have of her. She had such a huge impact in all of the lives of those who knew her.

You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Sincerely,
Kaitlyn Fisher

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