VIRGINIA B. SHORTRIDGE YATES, 92 years of age of Liberty, NC, formerly of Grundy, VA, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, December 15, 2008 in Randolph, NC, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Ocie Looney Shortridge. She had been in failing health and living with her son in Liberty, NC, for over 1 ½ years. Her adult life was spent in preparing for this homecoming. She was a faithful member of the Grundy Church of Christ since 1944. Recently, she had been attending the Greensboro Christian Church with her family in North Carolina.

Mrs. Yates taught school in Buchanan County for 44-Years and has lived as a widow for over 55-Years. Many will remember her strength and fortitude as she lived and worked in the county, chiding many to “get ready” to meet the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Stewart Waldron Yates, March 9, 1953, her parents: John W. and Ocie Looney Shortridge and all her siblings, Wayne, Earl, Clyde, and Quentin Shortridge and sisters Eunice Shortridge and Alta Matney.

Mrs. Yates is survived by 1-Son: James and wife Ilene Stewart Yates, Liberty, NC, 4-Grandchildren: Debbie and husband Terry Woolard, Greensboro, NC, David and wife Teddi Yates, Liberty, NC, Chris Yates, China Grove, NC, Cathy and husband Pat Absalon, Unicoi, TN, 5-Great-Grandchildren: Derek Woolard, Greensboro, NC, Kelsey Woolard, Greensboro, NC, Zach Woolard, Richmond, VA, Isaac Absalom, Unicoi, TN, Rachel Absalom, Unicoi, TN

Funeral Services for VIRGINIA B. SHORTRIDGE YATES will be conducted Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. at the Grundy Church of Christ, Grundy, VA, with Evg. Dennis Wimmer officiating with burial to follow in the Shortridge Cemetery on Looney’s Creek, near Grundy, VA.

Friends may call at the Grundy Church of Christ, Grundy, VA, Friday evening at 6:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be: David Yates, Chris Yates, Derek Woolard, Zach Woolard, Isaac Absalom, Pat Absalom, and Terry Woolard

The family wishes to thank all of the church family and friends who have called, sent cards and visited during these last years. The prayers, love, and support has meant so much to the family.

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com.