Obituaries

Lena Mae Gatewood LaPrade, 80, of Ridgeway, Virginia, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, at The Landmark Center in Stuart, Virginia. She was born November 3, 1943 in Ridgeway, to the late Bobby Price Gatewood and Belva Shorter Gatewood. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Michael LaPrade; and sisters, Sally Ford and Maryann Severt.

She had an Associate Degree from Patrick Henry Community College, and had been employed at Tultex for more than 30 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Ridgeway, and loved Sudoku puzzles. She also enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Lena is survived by her sons, William LaPrade (Sally), Barry LaPrade (Pamela) and Mark LaPrade (Tabatha); sister, Millie Sharpe (Ronald); grandchildren, Brandon, Brittany, Megan, Austin, Nathan, and Abby LaPrade; and great-granddaughter, Emma Grubb.

The funeral will be Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM, at Wright Funeral Service Chapel, 1425 Greensboro Road, Martinsville. Burial will follow the service at Friendship Cemetery, 63 Joppa Road, Ridgeway. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Chapel.

Wright Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.