Ogretta Dewease Bayer, of Roanoke, VA, passed to her heavenly home on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Cancer took her life, but not her spirit. Born on November 8, 1927, she was the youngest child born to Minnie & Maynard Dewease. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Cardon Dewease; sisters, Eva Jones and Ruby Pearl; and a beloved brother-in-law, Thomas Harold Turner. Left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 61 years, Daniel; sons, Elliott & daughter-in-law, Kenna, and Ralph & daughter-in-law, Cathy; and daughter, Minnie. Also surviving are sisters, Nora Epperly, of Salem, and Muriel Turner, of Roanoke; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, all very special to her. Ogretta was a life-long member of Peters Creek Church of the Brethren, enjoying numerous activities within the church family as her health permitted. After retirement from General Electric, she worked for many years at Stritesky's Flower Shop. She enjoyed working with flowers and the people she met there. She was also very skilled at baking and decorating wedding cakes, as well as organizing and directing many weddings and receptions. She did volunteer work with Roanoke County and organizations such as Valley Beautiful, Roanoke Garden Clubs and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office, judging exhibits at the Salem Fair. She was a member of the Women of the Moose and a member of the College of Regents. The family suggests that memorials be made to Peters Creek Church of the Brethren, 5333 Cove Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road by Dr. Jack Lowe, and the Rev. Richard Gottshall. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2010, at Simpson Funeral Home.

ROANOKE TIMES, Sun, Jan 3, 2010