Esther Jean Hale Baublitz

Esther Jean Hale Baublitz, 69, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2008. She was the daughter of the late Raymond Howard Hale Sr. and Delta Mae McVey Hale Yarbrough. She was retired from Goodwill Industries as a collection agent and she loved to play BINGO. She is survived by her husband, William Joseph Michael Baublitz; three children, Debra Heflin and husband, Billy, of Bedford, David Chittum and wife, Debbie, of Vinton, and Ronnie Chittum, of Roanoke; stepdaughter, Donna Divers, of Roanoke; nine grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter; brothers, Wayne Hale, John Hale and wife, Dinky, and Mike Hale and wife, Anita; sisters, Susie Overfelt and husband, Wayne, Nina Jo Fields, and Peanut Jewell and husband, Wilbur; stepmother, Joyce Hale; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond H. Hale Jr.; and sisters, Carolyn Moore and Vickie Long. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008, from the graveside in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Mark Washington officiating. The family will be receiving friends on Saturday, October 4, 2008, and on Sunday, October 5, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's North Chapel. Arrangements by Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.