Burnop, Ellen Graube

Ellen Graube Burnop, 59, of Blacksburg, passed away May 11, 2012, at her home with her family by her side. She had a remarkable will to live and zest for life. Ellen was an incredible wife, mother and business partner. She is survived by her husband, Mike; three wonderful children, Greg, Jenna and Erin; one sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Gary Nuckols, of Fredericksburg; her niece, Kate and husband, Kelly; nephew, Ben and wife, Tiffany. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Graves; and father, James Henry Graube. She was a 1975 graduate of Virginia Tech. Ellen and Mike own New River Office Supply, which has been in business since November 1979. They were quite a team together. She loved her customers and particularly enjoyed the office furniture side of the business. This past month they were inducted into the Ut Prosim Society of Virginia Tech. She was on the Board of Directors at the National Bank of Blacksburg and served on the Board of Directors for Lewis-Gale Montgomery including being chairman of the board. She was also on the Board of Directors for the Alexander Black House and Cultural Center. She worked with the Mental Health Association and many other organizations. A special thanks to Carole Braine and Ellen’s tight-knit circle of dear, special friends that were so supportive and incredibly giving of their time and energy. The family would also like to thank everyone for the many cards, letters, flowers, meals, thoughts, prayers, etc. that you graciously gave throughout her long journey. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 1160 Moose Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at St. Marys Catholic Church with the Father John Grace officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive SW, Blacksburg.