Simpkins, Ella Feather Burke

Ella Feather Burke Simpkins, 95, of Christiansburg, Va., left this world for her Heavenly home on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Ella was one of seven siblings born to Ed and Octavia Feather of Riner, Va. She was born and raised in the “old rock house” in the Union Valley area, a place that she loved dearly and visited almost weekly until bad health took that pleasure away from her.

Ella was a talented artist and craftsman and loved showing her creations that have been featured in local newspapers. She loved being out of doors and fishing was a favorite hobby. She was a member of Christiansburg Presbyterian Church and the Montgomery County RSVP, where she was once honored as being one of its longest-serving volunteers. Ella was also a member of the VWF auxiliary.

Besides her parents and siblings, she was predeceased by her first husband, Omly Burke; and her second husband, Harry Simpkins. Ella is survived by her only child, Allan Burke and his wife, Sherry, of Christiansburg. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Jackie Mullis and her husband, Greg, of Kernersville, N.C., and Jodi Burke, of Christiansburg, Va.; and three great-grandchildren, Abby, Nathan and Esther Mullis. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2009, at The Horne Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2009, at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel in Christiansburg. The Rev. D.O. Weaver and the Rev. Stanley Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting hornefuneralservice.com. The family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, Va.