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Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | April 1, 2020
OBITUARIES Robert H. Morris Robert H. Morris, age 80, passed peacefully on Friday March 27th, 2020 at the Blue Ridge Christian Home in Bealeton, VA. He was born in Pitt County, North Carolina on February 9th, 1940, son of the late, Ottis D. & Cora Lee Lange Morris. Robert was raised in Chesapeake, VA where he met and married his first wife, Diane M. Black Morris. They then moved to Warrenton, VA and later Rixeyville, VA where they raised two sons, Robert H. Morris, Jr. and James S. Morris. After Diane’s passing, Robert met and married Ngaio in 1990 and they moved to Marshall, VA. Ngaio has three children from a previous marriage, Nelson A. Meck, Renae Gutridge and Lori A. Ankers. Robert and Ngaio have five beloved grandchildren, Joshua Morris, Jordan Morris, Beau Gutridge, Nathan Meck and David Meck. He is also survived by a brother, Charles Morris and two sisters, Selba Harris & Linda Penn. After serving briefly in the United States Air Force, Robert went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for four years in Norfolk, VA. He then spent forty-two years working for the Virginia Department of Agriculture before retiring. Robert was also an American Horseshow judge. His love of horses and riding in Shenandoah Park is well known by all his friends. He was a good man, husband and father and he will be greatly missed. Visitors may pay their respects at Moser Funeral Home, 233 Broadview Ave. in Warrenton, VA from 12:30 to 2 pm on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020. A private graveside service will follow at Bright View cemetery in Warrenton, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org; P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.
Sophia Mae (Ruzzo) Konoza Sophia Mae (Ruzzo) Konoza, originally from Chester, PA, living most of her life in northern Virginia, and finally in Warrenton, died suddenly on March 24, 2020 at the age of 98, just a little over a month shy of her 99th birthday. Prior to her birth, Sophia was predeceased by her older brother, Nicholas, and her older sister, Josephine, who died very young. Sophia survived both her parents, all her remaining siblings, and her ex-husband. She is predeceased by her father, Francesco “Frank” Ruzzo, her mother, Sophia (nee Eisenhardt) Ruzzo, her brother Francis “Frank” Ruzzo, her brother, Paul Ruzzo, and her brother Fred “Freddy” Ruzzo. Her family called her “Sis.” She is survived by her children Geraldine Mae Zeithammel (Tony) of Bowling Green, KY, Patricia Ann Cornnell (Joseph) of Bristow, VA, Barbara Ann Morris (David) of Port Republic, VA, Mimi Michaela Konoza (Doris) of Alexandria, VA, and John Charles Konoza (Cathy) of Zion Crossroads, VA, 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 greatgreat grandchildren. Sophia was born in Chester, PA on May 1, 1921. She was raised listening to Italian opera and was fond of the rose bushes and grape vines in their family yard. She survived the Great Depression, working in a tube mill, creating packaging for health and beauty aids, such as toothpaste, to help support her family. Sophia enlisted during World War II in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), serving from 1944 to 1948, achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant. In the Army she ran the mess hall, where she met her future husband, John Stanley Konoza, who was also in the Army. They resided in Chester, PA, Bad Tolz, Germany, Fort Bragg, NC, Springfield, VA, and Bangkok, Thailand. They returned to Springfield towards the end of the Vietnam War, where their five children were raised. Sophia was a devoted wife, mother and avid bowler. She served her community as a Cub Scouts den mother. She enjoyed dancing to big band swing music, like Glen Miller and Benny Goodman, Latin music like Xavier Cugat, and Bossa Nova. She also favored Italian American crooners, like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. She loved Clark Gable. She was a tough cookie in the kitchen, and will be lovingly remembered by family, friends, and all who knew her. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 issues, graveside services at Stonewall Memory Gardens, Manassas will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of organizations. Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.
Diane Marie Laing Diane Marie Laing, 73, of Shepherdstown, West Virginia passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Born on October 20, 1946 in Warrenton, VA, she was the daughter of the late Robert Laing and Lessie Clatterback Laing. She is survived by her children, Leesa Colvin and Jason Colvin; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother Bobby Laing. Services and interment will be private. Arrangements made by Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV. com
Aileen Collins Van Luven Aileen Collins Van Luven, age 89, of Bealeton, VA died March 28, 2020 at her home. She was born in Jackson, KY on November 5, 1930 to the late George Collins and Angeline Clemmons Collins. Prior to settling in the Bealeton area in 1968 she accompanied her husband on several assignments within the United States and overseas during his military service. Aileen is survived by her husband of 72 years James Van Luven, Four sons, George W. Van Luven (Emma)of Clarksville, TN ; James F. Van Luven (Barbara) of Piqua OH ; David L. Van Luven of Culpeper, VA ; and Patrick Van Luven (Patricia) of Charlottesville, VA.. In addition eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A private Memorial Service will take place with inurnment at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Bealeton with Rev. George and Emma Van Luven officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Capital Caring Hospice. A tribute wall is available at moserfuneralhome.com
Corey Ronald Majtyka January 12, 1971 – March 22, 2020
“It’s not the number of years in your life, but the amount of life in your years.” - Adlai Stevenson Corey passed away suddenly in Winchester, VA at the age of 49. He was an inspiration to his family; the cherished son of Patty and Ron, amazing father to Matthew and Morgan; life partner of Arlene, devoted brother of Jeff (Blair) and Heather (Mike); and beloved uncle to Ethan, Kendall, Padraic, Ben, Madeline and Logan. Corey will be greatly missed by his extended family in Michigan, and was a treasured, loyal friend to too many to name.
Corey was a man who made life happen, no matter the obstacles or challenges. He built his own business, and his craftsmanship will endure in many homes across the area. His heart was as big as the outdoors he loved, from bowhunting on the Blue Ridge Mountains to kayaking and wakeboarding on Virginia’s rivers and lakes. He rapelled into deep caves throughout the south and as far as Belize. Corey imparted his love and knowledge of the outdoors as a Scout leader and was especially proud when his two boys were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. Corey’s personal qualities outshone all of his accomplishments, from his generosity of spirit to his sense of humor and a strong sense of self. Corey believed ingenuity and great teacher to those who didn’t know where to start.
at every family gathering and his spirit will be irreplaceable. For Corey, happiness was simple: love of family, loyal friendships, and a hard day’s work with his dogs by his side. If Corey called you a friend, you were one for life. It’s been said he’d give you the shirt off his back … and not just because he hated wearing one! Corey’s life celebration will be scheduled at a future date. Until then and in lieu of for someone, or have a good laugh with someone you love.
