Umberger, Leta Cox

Leta Cox Umberger, 91, of Pulaski, Va., passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, February 19, 2009, in the Pulaski Community Hospital with her family at her bedside. She was born in Rural Retreat on January 5, 1918, and was the daughter of the late Bittle Lee Cox and Delia Cox of Rural Retreat.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Carlos K. Umberger; great-grandson, Brandon Kent Friend; grandson-in-law, Bryon C. Farmer; five sisters; and four brothers.

Leta was a life long member of Jordan’s Chapel United Methodist Church on Alum Spring Road in Pulaski. She was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Society and the Alum Spring Road Home Demonstration Club and attended until her health declined.

Granny and Paw Paw Umberger, as everyone knew them, owned and operated the U&F Grocery on Alum Spring Road for many years and are affectionately remembered by the entire community for their generosity and kindness. She will be sadly missed by her family, many close friends and everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing this kind lady.

Surviving are her daughters and sons-in-law, Betty Archer, of Roanoke, Katherine McDaniel, of Pulaski, Cecile and Jimmy Umberger, of Dublin, and Peggy and Billy Friend, of Pulaski; sister and brother-in law , Gladys and Claude Hancock, of Orlando, Fla.; brother and sister-in-law, Marco and Emily Cox, of Wytheville; grandchildren and spouses, Gary and Robin Archer, Rebecca Archer, Billy and Robin Friend, Tamara Farmer and Glenn Baublitz, Carlos and Lisa Friend, and Chris Saul; eight great grandchildren; special loving friend, Jim Hughes; great-niece, Gail Kendrick and husband, Robert; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2009, from Stevens Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John Grimm and the Rev. Jim Linkous officiating. Burial will follow in the Umberger-Friend Family Cemetery, Alum Spring Road, Pulaski. Visiting will be held on Sunday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until the service hour.

The family wishes that memorials be made to the Jordan’s Chapel Building Fund.

Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, Va.