Donna Faye Dean, 66, of Bent Mountain passed away Saturday, March 28th, 2015 in Salem.
Born January 28th, 1949 in Farmville, she was the daughter of the late Earl Riddleberger and the late Juanita Falls Riddleberger.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Barney Dean. From an early age, Donna had a great talent for singing and entertaining. At the age of 18, she became the lead vocalist for the Stylist Orchestra and was a featured vocalist for several local bands over the years. She was an on-air personality at WSLS-10 in Roanoke from 1980 to 1984. In the mid-80s, she recorded a country music album and was featured in several music videos, local commercials and TV episodes of Candid Camera. Donna was incredibly devoted to her family and to her love of animals.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: two children, infant daughter, Kristin Lumsden and Charles “Chip” Dean; and by two brothers, Ronnie and Jerry Riddleberger.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by: two daughters, Tracy Lumsden, Cari Lorenzoni and her husband Peter; three grandsons, Sam, Cole and Roman; and one brother, Barry Riddleberger.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Donna’s life at the family home, Rosemont, 10106 Bottom Creek Road, Bent Mountain, VA at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2015. Casual dress is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Donna’s name to: the American Cancer Society or your local SPCA.
Arrangements by Family Choice Funerals & Cremations.
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I have just read of Donna’s passing and I am so sorry to learn this. Barney, I know that you have had much tragedy in your life and my heart goes out to you and your family. There are no words to express such feelings at times like this, so please know that I am thinking about you!
I am so shocked and so sorry you have to go through all this in your young life. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Barney, Tracey and Cari – May Donna’s gentle spirit always fill your memories with peace and smiles. She is free of her pain and soaring with Chip on each spring breeze that comes across the mountain. Remember her always with the beauty of sunsets, the sound of the birds and all the things of nature that she loved and loved to share with others. May the Lord grant you peace in your hearts and minds.
Barney and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your pain of losing Donna.
As we send prayers to each of you in your time of healing know she is in a much better place and her spirit is with you every walk you have here on earth. May God grace you with peace during your most difficult times of healing.
Barney I was so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. I have missed seeing you both and now it is too late. I have so many memories of you both and you will both be forever be in my heart. Love and kisses to you and the family. May you have only good memories of the happiness you had together. My prayers are with you.
Barney thinking of you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
What a special lady! Prayers for you Barney!
So very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Prayers for her and her family. I was a childhood friend of Donna’s when we lived in Farmville and our paths crossed a few more times in high school and as adults while living in Roanoke. I remember her love of singing and entertaining.
Barney and Family:
I am sorry to hear of Donna’s passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to you on behalf of our family (Reese and Madge Welch – from days at the Bedford Country Club).
Sincerely,
Jeanne Welch
So sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. My thoughts go to her and her family.
Tracy and family- I have many fond memories of your mom and the good times I had over at your house when we were kids. I am deeply sorry for your loss and will pray for you all to be comforted by the love and support of those around you.
Donna was a little older than me, however we both grew up in Rainbow Forest. I am so sorry to here of her passing. I have watched her on the weather show many times. She always had a smile. She will be greatly missed.
Tracy, I am do sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Barney I am sorry about Donna’s passing. I remember fondly her from our days at Lord Botetourt. I take pride in featuring her autographed record album in my music room at home. Best wishes to you and your family during this time.
May the beautiful memories of your loved one provide solace and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. May you also find much comfort in God’s promise of life without end on a Paradise earth.
Matt 5:5 & Psalms 37:11, 29