Anne Agee Via

Anne Agee Via, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on August 5, 2009, after a long illness. She was born on May 20, 1920, in Roanoke, to the late Rebecca and Edward Agee. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Albert C. Via. A beloved mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother, she was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, and in her eighties was a volunteer reading aide at Huff Lane Intermediate School. She will be remembered for her love and concern for others. She is survived by five children, John E. Via, of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Nancy (Jim) Wilson, of Troutville, Martha (Francis B. Jr.) Simkins, of Virginia Beach, Mary (James H.) Benson, of Gainesville, Ga., and David R. (Liz) Via, of Tappahannock; eight grandchildren, Dan Via, of Brooklyn, N.Y., Catherine Benson, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Francis B. Simkins III, of Virginia Beach, John D. (Kate) Via, of Burke, Christopher R. (Traci) Via, of Sabillasville, Md., David H. Simkins, of Virginia Beach, Josh (Krista) Wilson, of Roanoke, and James H. Benson II, of Orlando, Fla.; 13 greatgrandchildren; and a devoted friend, Emma Gauldin. Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, August 8, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel with burial at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family is grateful to the nurses of Gentle Shepherd Hospice and the staff of the Roanoke United Methodist Home for the excellent care Mrs. Via received in her final months. The family will be receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.