Ella Mae "Granny" VanDyke LEBANON, Va. Ella Mae "Granny" VanDyke, age 79, went home to be with her blessed Savior on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, at her home. Born in Buchanan County, Va., on Sept. 7, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Wilburn and Alta Jackson Lockhart. She was a precious and devoted mom of three wonderful children and beloved wife of the late Reece B. Vandyke, who preceded her in death 30 years ago. She will be sadly missed by all. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Albert Lockhart; sister, Margie Musick; and five infant siblings. She was a member of Maple Grove Community Church in the Cross Roads section of Lebanon. A lifetime member of Russell County Medical Center's Ladies Auxiliary she served 7506 volunteer hours from October 1982 through May 2008 as a Pink Lady. She is survived by two sons, Larry W. VanDyke and wife, Carol, of Herndon, Va. and Ronny K. VanDyke and wife, Anna, of Great Falls, Va.; a daughter and best friend, Shelia J. VanDyke of Lebanon; a special friend, Jerry Shortridge; one brother, Ishmel Lockhart of Tazewell, Va.; one sister, Beulah O'Quinn of Abingdon, Va.; one grandson, Mark VanDyke; three granddaughters, Marisa VanDyke, Nicole James and Heather VanDyke; and a great-granddaughter, Reese James. Special thanks to Legacy Hospice Staff and the staff Golden Age Retirement Home. Pallbearers will be Mark VanDyke, Jimmy Musick, Ronnie Plaster, Jimmy O'Quinn, Buddy Rasnake and Clemon Jackson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Maple Grove Community Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at Maple Grove Community Church with the Rev. Jonah Shoop and Johnny Gibson officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Cedar Bluff. The family will receive friends on Thursday, after 6 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ladies Auxiliary of Maple Grove Community Church, in c/o Marion Lee Burke, Treasurer, 449 Autumn Chase Road, Lebanon, VA 24266. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements.


Published in Bristol Herald Courier on December 8, 2011