Leanne Michelle Van Meter

LEANNE MICHELLE VAN METER, age 66, Oakwood VA, passed away on October 29, 2025, at Bristol Select Specialty Hospital, Bristol TN following an extended illness. Leanne fought bravely for several months before succumbing to her illness, demonstrating an inner strength familiar to those who knew and loved her.
Leanne was born on September 7, 1959 in Lynch KY and was the daughter of H. C. "Hoss" Van Meter and Margaret Annalee Humbert Van Meter.
Leanne graduated from Grundy Senior High School in 1977. Leanne studied at Emory and Henry University and received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, Cum Laude from Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Atlanta GA, in 1982.
Leanne worked as a Registered Pharmacist for forty-four years in Buchanan County VA. She was employed by Medical Park Pharmacy for the last forty-three years in various capacities including staff pharmacist, pharmacist-in-charge and part owner. Leanne took immense pride in her profession and was generous in devoting her resources and time to inspire and assist pharmacy students at Appalachian College of Pharmacy in preparing for success as future pharmacists. Leanne served on the ACP admissions committee, assisted in the pharmaceutics lab and was a preceptor and mentor to many students. She was the recipient of numerous awards from ACP including Outstanding Service Awards, Volunteer of the Year Awards and Faculty/Preceptor Volunteer of the Year Awards while earning the titles of Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Affiliate. Leanne also served the Pharmacy profession in Virginia as an At Large Director of the Virginia Pharmacy Association's Academy of Independent Pharmacists.
Leanne was known by her many friends and loved ones as a kind and gentle soul who found pleasure and fulfillment in rendering service to others, often without recognition or fanfare. She was affectionately known as Cissy Leanne by her nieces and nephews and the many children of her friends, co-workers and acquaintances. All could count on finding generous treats on Halloween, special presents at Christmas and memorable gifts with each visit to see Cissy Leanne at home or work.
Leanne was typically generous, kind and caring, sometimes stubborn and occasionally difficult. She was perfectly flawed, and those flaws only served to highlight and enhance her beauteous character and personality. She was always present when needed, ready and willing to unselfishly share the generosity and love for which she had an inexhaustible supply. The many who were blessed to know her in life will miss her in death but be able to take comfort in her continued presence in the many fond memories she created throughout the years.
The only two things a person needs are to love and be loved. Leanne was without need as there were many who loved her and she enriched each and every person who knew her by her expressions of love for them.
Leanne was preceded in death by brother: Mark Randall Van Meter; stepmother: Vickie McClanahan Van Meter; paternal grandparents Ella Pursifull Van Meter and Chester Clinton Van Meter; maternal grandparents Harold Vernon Humbert and Ethel Tinker Humbert; aunt: Sheila Kaye Farmer; uncle: Charles Daniel Humbert; former husband John McIreson Hale.
Those left to cherish her loving memory include her father: H. C. "Hoss" Van Meter of Vansant VA; mother: Margaret Annalee Humbert Van Meter of Grundy VA; brother: J. Todd Van Meter of Grundy VA; sister: Dia Lynn (David) Rife of Vansant VA; nieces Corie Rife of Hopewell VA, Emily Rife of Vansant VA; nephew: Isaac Rife of Richmond VA; great-nephew Jett Fleenor of Hopewell and Richmond VA; uncles: Clark Farmer of Richlands VA, Chester Clinton (Angie) Van Meter of Dalton GA; aunts: Beverly Bennett of Merryville LA, Twanta (Bill) Barrett of Florence MS; special friend and partner Tab Justus of Abingdon VA; and many loving cousins, friends and co-workers.
Visitation for LEANNE MIICHELLE VAN METER will be Monday, November 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grundy Baptist Church, 1283 Edgewater Drive, Grundy VA.
The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at Grundy Baptist Church with Rick Kelley and Mike Rife officiating.
Serving as Active Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Honorary Pallbearers will include the Roanoke Carilion Hospital ICU staff and the Bristol Select Specialty Hospital staff.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of both facilities for the exceptional care shown Leanne during her time spent at both locations.
In lieu of flowers and in accordance with Leanne's wishes donations can be made to: Mark Van Meter Memorial Fund, Inc., P. O. Box 377, Vansant VA 24656.
"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
Mizpah – The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another. Genesis 31: 48-49 (ESV)
Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, VA is honored to serve the family of LEANNE MICHELLE VAN METER.