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Whetonia Canipe Obituary

Whetonia Boone Canipe, 67, of Salem, Va., passed away on Monday, January 26, 2009. Tonie enjoyed pondering over her many fond memories including those of her mother and the many chicken fights; playing cards with her many in-laws while Ricky slept (hopefully); her sister, Vada, as she dropped her son, Rick, off for the summer; her sister, Wanda, as she changed her nephews' diapers; making a dress for her daughter's wedding; visiting and traveling with Shirley and Vicki; teaching her grandson, Daniel, how to manage money; and most of all her fond memories of Tonie the Pig. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruth Boone; daughter, Michele (Shelley) Canipe; and sister, Nevada. Her surviving family includes her son, Ricky Canipe and wife, Johnna; grandchildren, Alicia, Daniel, Brenan, and Ainsley; sister, Wanda; sisters-in-law, Claudia Sperry, Dorothy Stafford, Peggy Pitman, Mona Stanley, and Sue Hobson; brother-in-law, Larry Canipe; and special friends, Shirley Dean, Vicki Lee, and many others. The family will privately gather together to scatter Tonie's remains at It Don't Matter Family Cemetery in Hickory, N.C., by the Sperry's. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106-A, Roanoke, Va. 24018. Online condolences may be made to the family at johnmoakey.com. The Canipe family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., 540-389-5441.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Whetonia Canipe

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Sloane Ficalora

February 4, 2025

I was thinking of your family yesterday and learned of your mom´s passing. She was always so sweet and kind to me, both times we were neighbors. Extremely belatedly, I´m very sorry for your loss.

Sloane Thrasher Ficalora (Tami Thrasher, North Ridge & Leesville Forest)

John Parker

February 2, 2009

It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Toni. My wife and I visited her often at Toni's RV. She always was happy and made us laugh even we had rv problems. I just liked to talk to Toni and Betty. Toni you were an inspiration to all of us.

Love
John & Judy Parker

George & Teresa Lam

January 30, 2009

They say only time heals, but for those who knew Tonie, there will always be a place in your heart filled with all the memories and cherished moments you shared. A heart left broken, but not empty.

I myself, though never meeting Tonie in person, came to know her and count her as a friend, she was a wonderful person.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6 (New King James Version)

Betty White

January 30, 2009

I greatly miss Tonie. She has been my best friend for many years. We were friends first and have worked side by side for many years at Tonie's Rv's. I cannot say enough how much I love her she has always been here for me and I for her. She always gave me the encouragement and support through work and everytthing else. She has been my rock. We have had much laughter and good times amongst hardwork at the shop. We have met many friends over the years that are dear to us. I take comfort in knowing she is with the Lord now and that one day I will see her again. She will always be in my heart.

Wanda Crickenberger

January 29, 2009

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." From a Headstone in Ireland

Ricky, Tommy and I BOTH want you to know that you and your family are VERY MUCH in our thoughts and prayers.

We enjoyed having your Mom as our next-door neighbor for many years. We moved to the neighborhood about the same time. We have such fond memories of you and Shelly growing up with Jack and Melissa. Your Mom was ALWAYS there for us. She is going to be greatly missed by all.

We so enjoyed your visit Sunday afternoon. Please, please know that we are here for you.

Hugs from
Wanda and Tommy

Leonard and Jean Huffman

January 29, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Leonard and Jean Huffman (Overnite Transportation).

Bobby & Laura Jo Hopson

January 29, 2009

I will have so many memories of Tonie and the time we shared together. I will never forget those times we spent with Tonie while fishing in Raleigh. One of the best was the night that we rode with Tonie while she was working as a PI. She was all dressed up in disguise as an old woman and she spent the night in the bushes in front of some mans house taking pics of him having an affair. I don't think I have ever laughed so much. We really enjoyed those Christmas parties in the garage across from her old shop. She really enjoyed being around her friends and seeing everyone having a good time. Tonie had to be one of the most outgoing people I know, always making you feel comfortable and welcome, even when you showed up enexpectedly just to keep her from going out of her way. Tonie will truely be missed and the memories will always be cherished.

Ricky, we will be praying for comfort for you and your family in the days ahead. We love you.

Amy, Steven, Jordan & Jada Boone

January 28, 2009

We are so sorry to hear about Tony, she will be missed by us all. To Ricky and all the rest of the Canipe family you are in our thought's and prayer's alway's!!!! We love you all very, very much and if ever we can do anything for you all just let us know.

Angie Stevens

January 28, 2009

Toni was a wonderful Aunt. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Love,
Angie, Chris, Bradley, Chase & Nicolas

Ame Murray

January 28, 2009

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I met Toni through Betty White and loved her outgoing personality. She is a person that will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Wanda Slate

January 28, 2009

I have came very close to Toni in the few years we had together. She was a great person had a heart of gold. She love her grandson Dan. And done a very good job with him. I am sure God has a special place for her. I will never forget her. We need more people in this world like her.

David Cornett

January 28, 2009

I'm sorry I knew Tonie only a short time. She was always very helpful and went out of her way to please her customers. I know she had many friends and they all will miss her very much.

Wayne and Kathy McGhee

January 28, 2009

We first met Tonie when she had her RV rental lot behind Snyders' in Salem. We followed her to her shop on Delaware St. She was a smart business woman, always thinking of ways to help her customers and her many friends. Most of all, she was friendly, always had a happy greeting and hug for you, and looked out for everyone's best interests. She will be greatly missed.
May you rest in peace, Tonie, we will miss you so much! God Bless you and your family.

Bernard (WEST) West

January 28, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Overnite 1967-1990

Kathy Bennington

January 27, 2009

I have known Toni since I was a child. She was a funny and giving individual. She made my bridal bouquet and veil.....I will cherish them always, they were made with love. I know she is in Heaven laughing and having a good time. She is now at peace. I will miss you.

Annette and Mike Ward

January 27, 2009

We have know Toni for a long time,she was the sweetest person. My husband and I meet her throught her friends at Richards Auto Shop in Salem.She was always there for anyone that needed her, she would give her shirt off her back if you needed one.We will miss her very,very much. Our thoughts and prays are with the family and also will Betty White. She worked with Toni for over ten years. We will always thank of her every day. And she will be there for us when the good Lord calls us up to the great heavens. We will love and miss her.Love and thoughs will be with her.

Dot & Bill Hartley

January 27, 2009

We never knew anyone that seem to care so much about "EVERYONE".
We will miss you terribly but know one day we will be united again in Christ out Lord with a life that will never die.
We love you.

Kris & Robert RAS

January 27, 2009

We will remember all the times you made us laugh.
Be at peace.

Amanda Patton

January 27, 2009

Heaven has a new angel by the name of Toni...my thoughts are prayers are with your family. I still have all the little gifts Toni gave me while I worked at the receptionist at BRCC. I will cherish them...

melissa rutledge

January 27, 2009

Dear Canipe Family,

You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We have always enjoyed living next to your mom and her mother and having her grandson there has meant so much. Toni will be missed and we will always hold her close.

God bless you all,
Roger and Melissa Rutledge

Sandra Beckner

January 27, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

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