Dorothy Miller Bales Strauss Thompson

Dorothy Miller Bales Strauss Thompson, of Pearisburg, VA, and formerly of Salem, VA, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Heritage Hall Rich Creek in Rich Creek, VA. She was 102 years old.

Dorothy was born on June 19, 1923, in Giles County, VA, to the late Edgar Loomis Bales, Sr. and Beatrice Whittaker Bales. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Walter Strauss in 1976, and her husband, Fred C. Thompson, Jr. in 2014. Dorothy was also predeceased by her sister, Annie Irene Moye, and two brothers, Edgar L. Bales, Jr., and “Moody” Eli Madison Bales.

Dorothy was a member of the first graduating class from the new Pearisburg High School. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg and enjoyed a lengthy career as a telephone operator in both Pearisburg and Roanoke.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Connie T. Smith of Pearisburg, VA, and her daughter, Joyce Thompson Skinnell of Midlothian, VA. She is also survived by her granddaughters: Kristi Smith Prillaman (Ron) of Salem, VA; Halona Skinnell Samuel (Cliff) of Amelia Court House, VA; and Erika Smith Reynolds (Adam) of Pearisburg, VA.

Dorothy leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Mason, Madison, Payton, Wren, Lark, Taylor Lynn, Ryan, and Max. Additionally, she is survived by one great-great granddaughter, Parker Mae.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Givens Funeral Chapel in Pearisburg, VA, with Pastor Jim Tonnell officiating. Burial will follow at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM, half an hour prior to the service.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone at Heritage Hall Rich Creek in Rich Creek, VA, as well as to the Gentiva Hospice team for providing loving care and support to Dorothy during her more than four-year stay at Heritage Hall Rich Creek. Dorothy moved there on September 27, 2021.

Memorial donations may be made to the Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 439, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or the Pearisburg Volunteer Fire Department, 720 Mountain Lake Ave., Pearisburg, VA 24134

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, VA., Phone: (540) 921-1650, online givensfuneralhome.com