Criner, Almena Nixon

Almena Nixon Criner, 88, of Christiansburg, died Thursday, May 24, 2007 in Pulaski Health and Rehab Center.

She was born March 5, 1919 in Montgomery County, Va., the daughter of the late Wellington Lee and Clara Nixon. She was preceded in death by her parents, a twin sister, Verbena Ayers of Roanoke; a younger sister, Jeanette Wohlford of North Carolina; her husband of 63 years, Haynes L. Criner and oldest son, Phillip L. Criner.

She is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Kenny and Pat Criner of Radford, Charles and Debbie Criner of Pulaski, David and Lana Criner of Christiansburg, Mark Criner and Amy Baker of Fincastle; five grandsons, two stepgrandsons, and one granddaughter. Also survived by brother-in-law, Ralph Wohlford of North Carolina; sister-in-law, Helen Broce of Blacksburg; sister and brother-in-law, Jimmy and Fanny Criner of Christiansburg and Don and Betty Criner of Williamsburg.

The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at the Pulaski Health and Rehab Center for their devoted care over the last six months. Also heartfelt thanks to Mark, Greg and Vicky and especially to Charlie and Debbie for their many hours of loving care provided to Almena in her last years of life.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2007 at the Horne Funeral Home. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the Sunset Cemetery with Pastor Steve Akers officiating. The Criner Family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, 382-2612. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.